5R55E Clutch Drum 1997-2005, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R55E. Ships fast from the USA.
When a 5R55E Explorer or Ranger engages reverse but is slow to pull into Drive, slips in every forward gear, or will not move forward at all after warming up, the forward clutch is the first pack to suspect. A cracked forward drum or one with worn sealing ring surfaces lets apply oil escape, and no amount of new frictions will hold. This is a new 5R55E forward clutch drum for 1997-2005, the 6-clutch, collar bearing design, catalogued under Ford interchange 4L5Z-7A360BA.
The forward clutch is the pack that connects the input to the geartrain for forward motion, so it is in use in every forward range. The drum holds six frictions with their steels and carries the apply piston. Fluid reaches the piston through sealing rings on the drum hub; if those rings or the surfaces they run against wear, pressure leaks off and the clutch slips under load. Because this pack works all the time the truck is moving forward, it sees work every mile the truck drives forward, and heat from a slipping pack can crack or distort the drum.
Start outside the transmission. Sonnax notes that in the 4R44E and 5R55E a dirty EPC solenoid or leakage in the EPC circuit cuts line rise, and a sticking EPC and engagement control valve causes delayed engagement and harsh shifts, so a pressure test comes first. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shift walkthrough lays out that sequence. If pressure is good and the delay is only in forward ranges, the problem is mechanical. In a GEARS case study on the related 5R55W, the checklist for a delayed forward engagement was cracks in the forward drum, worn sealing rings on the back of the drum, and wear where those rings ride. The same checks apply here, and any of them is a reason to replace the drum.
This drum is catalogued for the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E for 1997-2005. That covers Ranger and Mazda B-Series trucks and the 5R55E Explorer and Mountaineer applications. It is the 6-clutch, collar bearing design; Ford used more than one forward drum in this family, so count the frictions in your old drum and check the bearing style at the hub before ordering. If anything does not match the photo, send us your year and VIN and we will confirm it. All of the parts we carry for this family are on the 5R55 transmission parts page.
Fit new forward frictions, steels, piston seals and sealing rings with this drum, soak the frictions in ATF, and air-check the piston before assembly. Set the clearance to spec and confirm the collar bearing is seated. Because a weak EPC circuit starves this clutch of apply pressure, replace a varnished 5R55E pressure control solenoid during the rebuild instead of reusing the old one. If the front of the unit is also apart, compare this part with the 3-clutch overdrive drum so each drum goes in the right place. Fill with Mercon V. Sonnax recommends using current Mercon V and removing all of the old fluid, because the early Mercon V used in these units shortened solenoid life. Flush the cooler and lines so debris from the failed pack does not go into the new parts.
| Fits | 5R55E 1997-2005 |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | New |
| Brand | OEM |
| Ships | From the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Doing this repair right usually means replacing these at the same time. Same transmission, ships together.
Yes. It is the forward clutch drum in the 6-clutch, collar bearing design, catalogued under Ford interchange 4L5Z-7A360BA.
It is catalogued for the 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E for 1997-2005. Count the frictions in your old drum and check the hub bearing style, or send us your year and VIN to confirm.
It can be. Test line pressure and the EPC circuit first. If pressure is good and only the forward ranges are affected, inspect the forward drum for cracks and worn sealing rings.
New forward frictions and steels, piston seals and sealing rings, a filter, and a pressure control solenoid if the old one is dirty or varnished.
Mercon V. Use fresh, current fluid, flush the cooler and lines, and remove all of the old fluid during the service.
