A4LD Diagnosis

[MikeyK]

I am wondering if my 87 ranger 4x4 A4LD is savable with a valve body rebuild.
I just picked up this truck cheap knowing it had problems.
I will try to say as much as I know about it.
Clock shows 26k miles so i assume 126k.
old township truck

Park- works, I can rev engine
reverse- Does not move but can feel it do something
Neutral- works as it should
OD- goes into first slips out of second
Drive- goes into first slips out of second
2- works fine
1- works fine

fluid- level is good, is darker, just looks old and used not black or really burnt.
I have read countless posts on a4ld's problems but haven't found anything quite like this. If anyone can diagnose the issue/problems described that would be great.

My plan is to drop the vale body put a shift kit (transgo) and new gaskets in it, reverse servo seal, new filter and fluid. Probably a band adjustment also. I read that if manual 1 and 2 work the bands are good and that reverse servo seals go bad causing loss of reverse.
Also being a 87 I should only have 1 solenoid for tc lock up not the 3/4 one.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

First thing would be to check the modulator on the passenger side of the tranny. Make sure it has manifold vacuum to it and there is no tranny oil in the tubing. If the hose is hard or cracked replace it on both sides of the tubing and see if the tranny shifts in drive. You can install a rebuild valve body but try a oil change and filter first. Pull the tranny cooler lines and blow them out good and drain the torque converter if it has the drain plug.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A4LD-Modulator-/170469540118?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b0c6c116&vxp=mtr
The modulator looks like this.

 

[kimcrwbr1]

It is not recommended to do a partial rebuild on the a4ld. Do all the upgrades as far as hard parts, sprags, bushings, thrust washers, clutches and bands. If not you will be pulling it again within the year. Not going into reverse is the deal breaker the reverse sprag is the last part to come out and the first to go in.

 

[Ledphoot]

Ill bet on a busted 1st reverse band. It will pull in low but tremble shudder or not move in Rev. Typical on those models. No real fix but a rebuild.

 

[MikeyK]

You guys both think its toast and needs a rebuild?
Well a valve body rebuild wont hurt as that should be done with a rebuild anyway, right? Ill check modulator, and pray that my valve body is trashed.