Transmission won't engage

[BuhrMotorsports7]

91 4.0 only has reverse and 1st

I have a 1991 Ford Ranger Xlt 4x4 4.0 v6 with the A4lt transmission that has electronic shift. I was leaving to go to work one day and the transmission only had reverse. If I put the truck straight from reverse to 1st it will go. It won't move even if I put the truck in 4x4 is my transmission shot or the transfer case?

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Strictly transmission issue
Forward clutch maybe, but rebuild is what it needed
A4LD is the model

Good read here on that trans: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.shtml

And just FYI, Ford used this same transmission in Rangers until 2012, it is a good automatic as automatics go
In 1995 full electronic shift control was added so it was renamed the 4R55E, and then a software upgrade to computer allowed for a 5th gear so 5R55E was born

But no, you can't use the 4R or 5R with your 1991 computer, it couldn't shift it

Used A4LD would be a big gamble, you may be buying someone else's problem, they will all be 23+ years old

 

[magganrchy]

Similar issue first time rebuild

I just got my B2 back from the guy I sold it to 5 years ago (lucky Facebook market find)
It was my daily driver for over a year but he barely drove it... it will move but only if I really rev it up. I was able to get it on and off the trailer then up a hill into my garage but only under heavy revving. Is that the issue you're talking about? It seemed like it shifted beyond 1st gear too.

Also I'm an amateur car guy and a millwright so I'm not afraid of tight tolerances... do you think that an 85 A4LD is something that I could rebuild myself with a chilton and a rebuild kit?

 

[RonD]

Yes, all the really hard work on an automatic was done when "they" designed it, all the passages and valves are all laid out.

Like all things there is a learning curve, but trust your common sense, and of course any "been there done that" info you can find, lol.

Good page to bookmark for Ranger info: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/index.shtml

Look in transmission section
A4LD was a good trans that got a bad rap from trans shops that didn't keep up with the times