5R55S/5R55W Overdrive Planet Carrier, 38-Tooth, 02-Up

This is the overdrive planet carrier assembly for the Ford 5R55S and 5R55W five-speed rear-wheel-drive automatic, the transmission used from 2002 up in the Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, Mercury Mountaineer, Ranger 4.0L, Mustang V6 (2005-2010), Lincoln LS, Aviator, Thunderbird and Ford Ranger. It is a new aluminum carrier that carries the 38-tooth sun gear original to these units and includes the integral speed sensor reluctor ring the transmission reads for speed and shift timing. Manufacturer part number A16580G.

The overdrive planet is a known failure point on the 5R55S/5R55W. When the carrier pinions, needle bearings or the carrier itself wear or crack, you get a whine or growl that changes with vehicle speed, metal debris in the pan, harsh or flared 4-5 shifts, or an overdrive-related code once the reluctor ring is damaged. Replacing the carrier as an assembly restores the correct gear mesh and a clean reluctor surface instead of chasing individual pinions, so the speed sensor reads correctly again.

The job is done on the bench with the transmission out and the overdrive section disassembled. Pull the overdrive ring gear and old planet, transfer or replace the thrust washers, set the new carrier onto the input, verify end play, and reassemble the overdrive drum and ring gear. Confirm the reluctor ring is clean and true before the speed sensor goes back in. Uses the 38-tooth sun gear; do not mix with the earlier 4R44E/5R55E overdrive parts. Ships from the USA; handling in 1-2 business days.