zukirider21
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2009
- Messages
- 851
- Reaction score
- 5
- Points
- 0
- Location
- NJ
- Vehicle Year
- 89
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.9
- Transmission
- Manual
Whats up guys, my girlfriend just picked up a super clean 94 ranger xlt, 4.0 4wd auto with a 3" BL and 285/75/16's (32.8"). Truck is in excellent shape with no rust and only 100k on the clock.
But of course I'm going over all the basics first. The one area that concerns me is the dreaded A4LD. Now as it is right this moment, things seem fine. A nice, firm (some might say slightly harsh) 1-2 shift and a very smooth 2-3 shift. As far as OD goes I'm not too sure because I havent used it. Basically, the truck was never re-geared for the bigger tires. BUT, i guess it came with 4.10's or something pretty deep because with overdrive off, it drives PERFECTLY. Lots of power in first, second is very useable, and third yields around 2500 rpm at about 70 on the highway.
Now, there's no way I'm going to be able to talk her into re-gearing two axles in this thing, so I would like to know if there is ANY harmful effect to just telling her to drive in the "D" range as opposed to the "OD" range on the gear selector? Basically I dont want the trans bouncing back and forth constantly between OD and 3rd (although it doesnt even seem to try to go into OD in the OD range, I guess the tires REALLY threw things out of whack lol).
Next question, there is a pretty solid clunk/thump when going between forward and reverse, or even stopping then going at a light. all the U joints seem good. With the trans in neutral there is quite a bit of rotational slack in the driveshaft, what is the allowable amount? The whole thing just feels really sloppy when driving around town. I cant see how an 8.8 with only 100k on it would be messed up but hey you never know. And also my friend was telling me that the A4's are know for being pretty clunky, is this true and is it harmful?
Lastly, I'm thinking about doing a fluid and filter change and possibly adding an additional cooler. Should I do it or should I leave it alone? It only has 100k on it but i have no idea if it's been serviced or not. And is it possible to run a trans too cool? It already has the radiator cooler and a factory plate-type cooler on there. I'm just worried about the added heat from the bigger tires. And LAST question (I promise lol), are those add on inline trans filters any help at all? Or are they total bogus? I'm trying to get the most life possible out of this A4LD! Any other trans longevity tips/tricks would be very much appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance!
But of course I'm going over all the basics first. The one area that concerns me is the dreaded A4LD. Now as it is right this moment, things seem fine. A nice, firm (some might say slightly harsh) 1-2 shift and a very smooth 2-3 shift. As far as OD goes I'm not too sure because I havent used it. Basically, the truck was never re-geared for the bigger tires. BUT, i guess it came with 4.10's or something pretty deep because with overdrive off, it drives PERFECTLY. Lots of power in first, second is very useable, and third yields around 2500 rpm at about 70 on the highway.
Now, there's no way I'm going to be able to talk her into re-gearing two axles in this thing, so I would like to know if there is ANY harmful effect to just telling her to drive in the "D" range as opposed to the "OD" range on the gear selector? Basically I dont want the trans bouncing back and forth constantly between OD and 3rd (although it doesnt even seem to try to go into OD in the OD range, I guess the tires REALLY threw things out of whack lol).
Next question, there is a pretty solid clunk/thump when going between forward and reverse, or even stopping then going at a light. all the U joints seem good. With the trans in neutral there is quite a bit of rotational slack in the driveshaft, what is the allowable amount? The whole thing just feels really sloppy when driving around town. I cant see how an 8.8 with only 100k on it would be messed up but hey you never know. And also my friend was telling me that the A4's are know for being pretty clunky, is this true and is it harmful?
Lastly, I'm thinking about doing a fluid and filter change and possibly adding an additional cooler. Should I do it or should I leave it alone? It only has 100k on it but i have no idea if it's been serviced or not. And is it possible to run a trans too cool? It already has the radiator cooler and a factory plate-type cooler on there. I'm just worried about the added heat from the bigger tires. And LAST question (I promise lol), are those add on inline trans filters any help at all? Or are they total bogus? I'm trying to get the most life possible out of this A4LD! Any other trans longevity tips/tricks would be very much appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance!
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