5R55E Clutch Drum 1997, used and ready to install. Fits the 5R55E. Ships fast from the USA.
On a 1997 or later 5R55E Explorer, Ranger or Mountaineer, a truck that no longer holds back when you coast in a manual low range, slips on the shifts that use the front band, or drops band material in the pan has a problem at the front of the geartrain, where the overdrive clutch drum lives. This is a used, inspected and cleaned overdrive clutch drum for the 5R55E, catalogued as 56550C, in the 2-clutch design used from 1997 on.
This drum works on two sides. Inside, it carries the coast clutch pack and its piston. The coast clutch locks the overdrive planetary so the engine can brake the vehicle on deceleration when a lower range is selected. Outside, its machined surface is what the overdrive band clamps against. Sonnax explains that in 1997 the four-speed 4R44E and 4R55E became five-speeds by putting the front servo to work for an extra ratio, so the band and this drum are involved in more of the shift schedule than they were in the older four-speed. A drum with a burned band surface, a worn bushing or a coast clutch piston that leaks hurts both the band and the clutch at once.
Several valve body faults copy these symptoms. Sonnax notes that leakage at the coast clutch valve can cause loss of fourth, fifth or engine braking, and that EPC circuit problems in the 4R44E/5R55E lead to broken bands and blown servo piston seals. That means a line pressure test, and a look at the EPC solenoid, come before any hard parts. Our 5R55 harsh or delayed shift walkthrough explains the order of those checks. If pressure checks out, drop the pan and look at what is in it, then pull the overdrive drum. Run a fingernail across the band surface for scoring, check for blue heat spots, rock the drum on its bushing for play, and air-check the coast clutch piston. A drum that fails any of those should be replaced along with the band.
This drum is catalogued for the 5R55E from 1997 on and for the Explorer, Ranger, Mazda B-Series and Mountaineer that use it. The key detail is the clutch count. Ford built more than one overdrive drum for this family, and this one is the 2-clutch version. The earlier 3-clutch overdrive drum traces back to the A4LD and early four-speed units and is not the same part. Count the coast clutch frictions in your old drum, compare the casting and the bushing against our photo, and if anything is unclear send us your year and VIN before ordering. You can see every drum, kit and solenoid for the family on our 5R55 transmission parts page.
Fit new coast clutch frictions, steels and piston seals with this drum, soak the frictions in Mercon V, and air-check the piston after assembly. Replace the overdrive band if it shows any glazing, since a worn band will chew up a good drum surface. A 5R55E overhaul kit for 1997-2005 covers the servo seals, rings and gaskets, or step up to a 5R55E master rebuild kit if the frictions in the rest of the unit are also burnt. While the front of the unit is apart, make sure the overdrive drum, the direct clutch drum and the forward drum each go back in the right place. Fill with Mercon V, and flush the old fluid out of the cooler and lines. Sonnax notes that the early Mercon V used at the factory caused problems in the 5R55E and that a revised Mercon V replaced it.
| Fits | 5R55E 1997 |
| Part type | Clutch Drum |
| Condition | Used |
| 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.
It is the 2-clutch overdrive drum for 1997 and later 5R55E units, catalogued as 56550C. The 3-clutch version is a different part.
Possibly, but check the valve body first. Leakage at the coast clutch valve can cause loss of engine braking. If the hydraulics check out, inspect the coast clutch piston and the drum.
Yes, if it is glazed, cracked or burnt. A worn band will damage the band surface on a good drum, and a scored drum will wear out a new band.
No. It is a used drum that was removed from a transmission, inspected and cleaned. It is sold without frictions.
It is catalogued for 1997 and later 5R55E applications in the Explorer, Ranger, Mazda B-Series and Mountaineer. Count the coast clutch frictions in your old drum or send us your year and VIN to confirm.
