Ford 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E & 5R55E Transmission ID & Parts Guide
Ford 4R44E | 4R55E | 5R44E | 5R55E automatic transmissions
These are the electronic successors to the A4LD, used in Rangers, Explorers, Aerostars and Mazda B-Series trucks from 1995 to 2011. The 4R units are four-speeds; the 5R units add an extra gear. They share a lot of hardware with each other and with the A4LD, but they are not the same as the later 5R55N, 5R55W and 5R55S, which are a different design. This page explains how to tell them apart and which parts change.
The Family at a Glance
| Model | Years | Typical vehicles | Gears |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4LD (predecessor) | 1985–1994 | Ranger, Bronco II, Explorer, Aerostar, Mazda B-Series and Navajo | 4 |
| 4R44E | 1995 to about 2000 | Ranger 2.3L and 3.0L, Mazda B-Series, Aerostar | 4 |
| 4R55E | 1995–1997 | Ranger and Explorer 4.0L, Aerostar, Mazda B4000 | 4 |
| 5R55E | 1997–2011 | Explorer and Mountaineer 4.0L (later Explorer Sport and Sport Trac), Ranger 4.0L, Mazda B4000 | 5 |
| 5R44E | about 2001 on | Ranger 2.3L and 3.0L | 5 |
The "44" and "55" mark the torque class: 44 for the lighter-duty units behind the 2.3L and 3.0L, 55 for the heavier-duty units behind the 4.0L V6.
| Gear ratios | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4R44E / 4R55E | 2.47 | 1.47 | 1.00 | 0.75 | — |
| 5R44E / 5R55E | 2.47 | 1.86 | 1.47 | 1.00 | 0.75 |
Ford's fluid chart lists Mercon V for this whole family.
4R55E or 5R55E?
- Look at the year and engine first. The 5R55E replaced the 4R55E during the 1997 model year. If the truck has a 4.0L and was built after that change, it is almost always a 5R55E.
- Don't use the pan. One pan fits the A4LD, 4R44E, 4R55E, 5R44E and 5R55E, so the pan cannot tell you which you have. The pan gasket (3116AF) fits them all.
- Early and late hardware. Several parts split at 1997: the overdrive sprag (plastic cage, 1989–1996 vs. brass top, 1997-up), the pump seal kit (1985–1996 vs. 1997–2011), the gasket and seal overhaul kit (1995–1996 vs. 1997–2011) and the rebuilt valve body (4R44E/4R55E vs. 5R55E/5R44E).
- Input shaft length. Sonnax measured three input shafts with the same diameter and splines but different lengths: 9-7/8" in the A4LD, 10" in the 4R55E/5R55E, and a longer 10-1/4" shaft. A shaft that is too long can bottom out in the converter and stall the engine on engagement. The shaft should stick out 1" from the stator support.
5R55E vs. 5R55N, 5R55W and 5R55S
The names are close, but the 5R55N, W and S are a different, newer transmission. Most of their parts do not fit a 5R55E.
| 5R55E | 5R55N / 5R55W / 5R55S | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | Ranger, Explorer/Mountaineer 4.0L, Mazda B4000 | N: 2000–2002 Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type, Thunderbird. W: Explorer and Mountaineer from 2002. S: later LS, Thunderbird and Explorer, and the 2005–2010 Mustang |
| 1st gear | 2.47 | 3.22 |
| Controls | Valve body with a shift solenoid pack (GTP 3190) | Solenoid body with variable force solenoids |
| Tech info | This page | 5R55N torque specifications |
| Parts | 4R44E / 4R55E / 5R55E parts | 5R55N / 5R55S / 5R55W parts |
Known Trouble Spot: Valve Body Gasket Blow-Outs
Sonnax describes blown valve body gaskets, loose valve body bolts and cross leaks in the 4R44E and 5R55E. The cause is the long oil passage walls in the case, which flex under the pressure difference between the line and converter circuits. Sonnax's fix is to brace the walls with set screws. Always replace the valve body gaskets during a rebuild; our 4WD and 2WD valve body reseal kits are the top sellers for this family.
Common Rebuild Parts
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Custom super master rebuild kit (SM4R44E) | Build your own kit; a basic kit is also listed. |
| Solenoid kit (3190) | Or single solenoids: shift/coast, TCC, EPC. |
| Intermediate / overdrive band (56022E) | Or Raybestos (513824); reverse band N56024. |
| Filter, 4WD (3060B) | Or 2WD (3060A). |
| Master bushing kit (3035) | A4LD, 4R55E, 5R55E. |
| Friction module, Raybestos (RCP96-107) | 1997-up; steels: R000402. |
| Extension housing & transfer case gasket kit, 4x4 (3127AB) | 4WD units. |
Overdrive / intermediate servo pistons come in several sizes. Measure the old piston and match it: 1.69", 1.75", 1.920", 2.075" and 2.317".
Upgrades
- Sonnax Zip Kit
- TransGo SK44-55E shift kit
- Superior valve body shift correction package
- Sonnax reverse servo sleeve kit
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