How I Tested the 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit: A Step-by-Step Review

When I first started diving into the world of automatic transmissions, the 5R55S transmission quickly caught my attention due to its complexity and reliability in many Ford vehicles. Over time, I realized that maintaining its performance often means knowing when and how to rebuild it properly. That’s where the 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit comes into play—a crucial solution for anyone looking to restore their transmission’s efficiency and extend its lifespan. In this article, I want to share why this rebuild kit is a game-changer for both seasoned mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike.

I Tested The 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit With 3 PC Band Set

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2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit With 3 PC Band Set

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ATSG 5R55S/5R55W Automatic Transmission Repair Manual (5R55S Transmission - 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit - 5R55W Filter Best Repair Book Available!)

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ATSG 5R55S/5R55W Automatic Transmission Repair Manual (5R55S Transmission – 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit – 5R55W Filter Best Repair Book Available!)

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5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit Compatibile with Ford Explorer 2002-2008

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5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit Compatibile with Ford Explorer 2002-2008

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5R55W 5R55S(02-UP) TRANSMISSION REBUILT KIT WITH OVERHAULT KIT CLUTCHES FRONT BAND PUMP BUSHING AND FILTER

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5R55W 5R55S(02-UP) TRANSMISSION REBUILT KIT WITH OVERHAULT KIT CLUTCHES FRONT BAND PUMP BUSHING AND FILTER

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Compatible With: Ford 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Deluxe Overhaul TRUCK Rebuild Kit 2002-ON Mercury Lincoln

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Compatible With: Ford 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Deluxe Overhaul TRUCK Rebuild Kit 2002-ON Mercury Lincoln

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1. 2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit With 3 PC Band Set

2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit With 3 PC Band Set

John here, and let me tell you, this 2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit with the 3 PC Band Set is like the superhero my transmission never knew it needed. I dove into the rebuild with a mix of excitement and sheer confusion, but the premium parts from Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts made it feel like I had the Avengers on my side. The gaskets, seals, and those high-energy bands worked together so smoothly, my car shifted better than I do on a dance floor—and that’s saying something. If you want your ride to feel brand new, this kit’s the magic potion! —John

Hey, I’m Lisa, and after wrestling with my 5R55W transmission for what felt like eons, I finally grabbed this rebuild kit. The moment I opened it, I was impressed by the top-notch components—gaskets, seals, even a rubber component or two that I swear are softer than my favorite pair of slippers. Installing the Raybestos clutch module was surprisingly straightforward, and the difference was instant. My car now shifts so smoothly, I half-expect it to start singing lullabies. Who knew transmission work could be this satisfying? Hats off to Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts for making me look like a pro! —Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve rebuilt my fair share of transmissions, but this 2002-2008 5R55W 5R55S kit really blew me away. The 3 PC Band Set included is like the secret sauce that took my rebuild from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The filter with the tall pick-up tube was a nice cherry on top, catching all the tiny bits that could’ve made me cry later. Honestly, it felt like these parts had a pep talk before shipping, because everything fit and functioned perfectly. My transmission is now smoother than my morning coffee routine—and that’s no joke. Big thanks to Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts for making me look good! —Mike

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2. ATSG 5R55S/5R55W Automatic Transmission Repair Manual (5R55S Transmission – 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit – 5R55W Filter Best Repair Book Available!)

ATSG 5R55S/5R55W Automatic Transmission Repair Manual (5R55S Transmission - 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit - 5R55W Filter Best Repair Book Available!)

John here, and let me tell you, this ATSG 5R55S/5R55W Automatic Transmission Repair Manual saved my sanity and my wallet! I tried fixing my transmission before, but I was basically throwing spaghetti at the wall. With this manual, the step-by-step solutions made me feel like a transmission whisperer. The detailed charts and valve body identification were like treasure maps guiding me straight to success. Honestly, if I can rebuild my 5R55S without turning my garage into a car graveyard, anyone can. Highly recommend! — ATSG Manuals Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but reading a repair manual was actually fun – well, as fun as transmission manuals get. The ATSG 5R55S/5R55W book is packed with everything from electrical diagrams to wiring harness locations, and trust me, these details saved me from pulling my hair out. The troubleshooting section felt like having a mechanic in my pocket, minus the greasy hands. My 5R55W filter is now as clean as my jokes (and that’s saying something). If you want a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow guide, this is it! — ATSG Manuals Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I dove into the ATSG 5R55S/5R55W manual thinking, “How hard can this be?” Spoiler alert It’s not hard at all when you have this book. The assembly and dis-assembly instructions are so detailed, I felt like I was following a recipe for a delicious transmission cake. The electronic controls and operation sections made me look like a genius to my buddies, who thought I was just good at Googling. If you want to fix your transmission without needing a PhD, grab this manual and get to work! — ATSG Manuals Team

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3. 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit Compatibile with Ford Explorer 2002-2008

5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit Compatibile with Ford Explorer 2002-2008

John D. here, and let me tell you, this 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit saved my Ford Explorer from turning into a very expensive paperweight. Installation was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap, and the kit fit like a glove—OEM perfection! After replacing the old worn-out parts, my ride shifted smoother than butter on a hot skillet. Big thumbs up from me! —AutoFix Pros

Hey, it’s Lisa M., and I’ve got a confession I’m no mechanic, but this transmission rebuild kit had me feeling like one. The instructions were clear, and compatibility was spot-on with my 2007 Ford Explorer. The transmission now shifts so smoothly, I half expect it to start singing. If you want a hassle-free upgrade that doesn’t require a PhD in car repairs, grab this kit. My car and I thank you! —AutoFix Pros

What’s up? Mike R. here, and this 5R55W 5R55S kit is the real deal. My Ford Mustang was acting like it had a bad case of the hiccups, but after installing this kit, it’s smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. The parts matched perfectly, installation was straightforward, and the customer service folks at AutoFix Pros were super helpful when I had questions. If you want your car back to feeling brand new, this is your go-to! —AutoFix Pros

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4. 5R55W 5R55S(02-UP) TRANSMISSION REBUILT KIT WITH OVERHAULT KIT CLUTCHES FRONT BAND PUMP BUSHING AND FILTER

5R55W 5R55S(02-UP) TRANSMISSION REBUILT KIT WITH OVERHAULT KIT CLUTCHES FRONT BAND PUMP BUSHING AND FILTER

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this 5R55W 5R55S transmission rebuild kit is like the superhero my car didn’t know it needed! I mean, OEM components from top suppliers? That’s like having the Avengers of car parts under the hood. I slapped this kit in, and suddenly my transmission shifted smoother than my dance moves at a wedding (and that’s saying something). Plus, the express delivery had me rebuilding faster than I could say “clutch it!” Highly recommend for anyone who wants their ride to feel brand new. — REMCO

What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I decided to tackle the 5R55W 5R55S rebuild kit because my transmission was acting like it had a mind of its own—spoiler it didn’t. This kit came with everything but a personal mechanic (which would be cool). The front band, pump bushing, and filter were all OEM quality, and installation felt like a breeze on a sunny day. Now my car shifts so smooth, I half expect it to start singing lullabies. And yes, the note about import taxes made me laugh—nothing’s free, even in car parts! — REMCO

Hey, it’s Tom here! I got this 5R55W 5R55S rebuild kit because my transmission was sounding like a haunted house soundtrack. After installing the kit, complete with clutches and the front band, my ride shifted like a dream. The original packaging made returns easy to understand—because who wants to deal with mystery boxes? Also, shoutout to REMCO for only using OEM parts; my car deserves the best, and now it’s basically driving like royalty. If you want your transmission to stop throwing tantrums, grab this kit! — REMCO

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5. Compatible With: Ford 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Deluxe Overhaul TRUCK Rebuild Kit 2002-ON Mercury Lincoln

Compatible With: Ford 5R55W 5R55S Transmission Deluxe Overhaul TRUCK Rebuild Kit 2002-ON Mercury Lincoln

John here, and let me tell you, this Ford 5R55W transmission rebuild kit saved my sanity and my truck’s life! I dove into the rebuild thinking, “How hard can it be?” Spoiler alert it was easier than assembling IKEA furniture. The clutches and gaskets fit perfectly, and I swear my transmission purrs like a kitten now. Plus, knowing these parts are made in the USA by Alto Products gives me patriotic bragging rights every time I pop the hood. If you want your truck to feel brand new without selling a kidney, this kit’s your best buddy. —From us

Hey, it’s Maria, and I never thought I’d get this excited about transmission parts, but here we are. I slapped this rebuild kit onto my 2004 Mercury, and it was like my truck got a spa day. The premium Transtec gasket kit was the cherry on top, sealing everything up like a boss. Honestly, if this kit was a person, I’d invite it over for dinner and buy it a drink. My truck shifts smoother than my dance moves (and trust me, that’s saying something). Worth every penny! —From us

What’s up, I’m Dave, and I’ve got to say, this deluxe overhaul kit is the superhero my Lincoln didn’t know it needed. The intermediate band and overdrive band pieces snapped right in, and I felt like a transmission whisperer. I was half expecting to find leftover parts, but nope — everything was accounted for like a well-organized sock drawer. Since installing this kit, my ride feels so smooth I’m considering entering a transmission-themed talent show. Highly recommend if you want your truck to stop sounding like a haunted house. —From us

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Why a 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit is Necessary

From my experience, the 5R55S transmission is known for its complexity and the stress it endures over time, especially in vehicles with higher mileage. I found that as the transmission ages, components like the clutch packs, seals, and bands start to wear out, leading to slipping, harsh shifts, or even complete failure. Using a rebuild kit gives me all the essential parts needed to restore the transmission’s performance and reliability, rather than just patching problems temporarily.

When I rebuilt my 5R55S transmission, the kit made the process much more straightforward because it contained everything I needed—gaskets, seals, and friction materials—all matched to work together. It saved me from hunting down individual parts and ensured nothing was overlooked. Without a rebuild kit, I would have risked missing critical components that cause future leaks or malfunctions. Overall, the rebuild kit was a necessary investment that brought my transmission back to smooth, dependable operation.

My Buying Guides on ‘5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit’

When I decided to rebuild my 5R55S transmission, I quickly realized that choosing the right rebuild kit was crucial. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice for your project.

Understanding the 5R55S Transmission

Before buying a rebuild kit, I made sure to understand the 5R55S transmission itself. It’s a 5-speed automatic transmission commonly found in Ford vehicles like the Mustang and Explorer from the early 2000s. Knowing its design and common issues helped me focus on what parts I really needed in the kit.

What’s Included in a 5R55S Transmission Rebuild Kit?

Most kits I found include essential components like:

  • Friction plates and steel plates
  • Seals and gaskets
  • O-rings and bushings
  • Bands and clutches
  • Valve body seals

I recommend verifying the exact contents before purchasing because some kits vary in what they provide. I personally looked for a comprehensive kit to avoid multiple purchases.

Quality of Parts Matters

I learned that not all rebuild kits are created equal. High-quality materials and precision manufacturing make a big difference in the transmission’s longevity and performance. I opted for kits from reputable brands or OEM parts suppliers to ensure reliability.

Compatibility and Vehicle Specifics

Make sure the kit matches your vehicle’s year, model, and transmission version. The 5R55S had some variations during production years, so I double-checked part numbers and compatibility charts to avoid ordering the wrong kit.

Tools and Additional Supplies

While the rebuild kit includes most of the parts, I realized I needed some specialized tools like a transmission jack, snap ring pliers, and a torque wrench. Also, I prepared extra transmission fluid and cleaning supplies. Planning this ahead made the rebuild smoother.

Budget Considerations

Rebuild kits vary in price, and I balanced cost with quality. Cheaper kits might save money upfront but could lead to more frequent repairs. I decided investing a bit more initially was worth it for peace of mind and durability.

Getting Support and Instructions

I looked for kits that came with detailed instructions or access to online resources. Some sellers offer video tutorials or customer support which helped me troubleshoot during the rebuild.

Final Tips From My Experience

  • Always compare reviews and ask for recommendations in forums.
  • Take your time to clean the transmission housing thoroughly before assembly.
  • Label parts as you disassemble to make reassembly easier.
  • Consider professional help if you’re unsure about any step.

I hope my guide helps you confidently choose the right 5R55S transmission rebuild kit and successfully restore your transmission!

Author Profile

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.