5R55S Sprag Clutch 1997, new and ready to install. Fits the 5R55S. Ships fast from the USA.
This is the overdrive sprag for the Ford 5R55 family: a new, 24-element wide one-way clutch that serves the 5R55S and 5R55W as well as the older 4R44E, 5R44E and 5R55E. The 1997 in the name is where the application starts, not a 5R55S year. In 1997 the unit in a Ranger, Explorer or Mazda B-series pickup was the 4R44E or 5R55E; the 5R55S came later in the Thunderbird, Lincoln LS, Mustang V6 and Explorer. If you are chasing a truck or SUV that sits in neutral in Drive, flares into neutral on certain shifts, or sets P1700 for a one-way clutch failure, this is one of the parts on the list.
The front of the 5R55S is an overdrive planetary that sits ahead of the forward clutch. In first, third and fourth, the sprag locks that front gearset so engine torque passes straight through at 1:1. In second and fifth, the overdrive band applies, the front set runs faster than input, and the sprag simply freewheels. Ford's own apply chart for the 5R55W/S shows exactly that pattern, which is why a sprag that slips or has rolled elements gives you a transmission that drives in some gears and goes dead in others. Ford's diagnosis section calls this part the direct one-way clutch; the overhaul section calls it the overdrive one-way clutch. It is the same component.
Check fluid level and condition first, because a low level on a 5R55 family unit can mimic a hard-part failure. Then use the coast clutch to your advantage. In the manual 1 and 3 positions Ford applies the coast clutch, which locks the front gearset without the sprag. A vehicle that will not move in D but drives in manual 1 is pointing straight at this part. If nothing moves in any range, the forward clutch, pump or a planetary is more likely, and our 5R55S no-movement diagnosis guide walks through that split. Explorer and Mountaineer owners can start with the 5R55W Explorer won't move guide.
This sprag is the 24-element wide overdrive design catalogued for the 4R44E and 5R55E from 1997 up, the 5R44E, the 5R55N, and the 5R55W and 5R55S. That covers 1997-2011 Ranger and Mazda B-series pickups, 1997-2010 Explorer and Mountaineer, Explorer Sport Trac, 2002-2005 Thunderbird, 2000-2006 Lincoln LS and 2005-2010 Mustang V6. The cage is plastic over steel elements. Count the elements in your old sprag and compare its width and cage to the photo before ordering, and if your transmission has been rebuilt before, do not assume the original part is still in it. Send us your year and VIN if you want a second check. Every part we stock for these units is on the 5R55 parts page.
| Fits | 5R55S 1997 |
| Part type | Sprag Clutch |
| 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.
There was no 5R55S in 1997. The 1997 refers to the start of the application for the 4R44E and 5R55E. The same 24-element wide overdrive sprag is also catalogued for the 5R55N, 5R55W and 5R55S that came later.
It is the front, overdrive one-way clutch. Ford's 5R55W/S diagnosis tables call it the direct one-way clutch. The other one-way clutch is the low clutch at the rear of the unit, and this part does not replace that one.
That is the classic sign. Manual 1 and 3 apply the coast clutch, which locks the front gearset without the sprag. If D is dead but manual 1 drives, the overdrive one-way clutch is the prime suspect, especially with P1700 stored.
A failed sprag puts metal through the unit, so a rebuild kit with seals, gaskets and frictions is the normal companion, along with a new filter. Inspect the races and the overdrive planetary as well.
No. The overdrive one-way clutch sits on the center shaft behind the pump and the overdrive drum, so the transmission must come out and be torn down.
Mercon V. On the 5R55W and 5R55S the level is checked at the fill plug with the engine running at operating temperature, since those units have no dipstick.
