Clarification question

[fyre82]

I have been thorugh 100+ pages of this thread and would like a solid clarification on transmission application.

I have recently obtained a very clean '88 Ranger XLT, x-cab, 2.9, 4x4, automatic w /electric shift transfer case. The tranny was removed for replacement but the project was never completed. All parts are accounted for except the tranny which I will obtain soon.

I have seen where '84 - '95 4ALD will fit the bill.
I have also seen where only '84 - 89' 4ALD will work correctly due to the difference between single and dual solenoids.

I know I will have to get a tranny from a 4x4 but could you folks clarify for me which year and model vehicle I will need to look for as a donor?

Obviously another 88 4x4 Ranger, but will earlier year Ranger / B2 or '89 Exploder/Ranger/B2 trannies do the job as a plug and play?

Which year would be the lesser of the 4ALD evils?

Help is greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure the young driver, who this vehicle is destined for, will be too.

Thanks
Rich

 

[adsm08]

88 is the best bet. 86 to 89 should be a fairly safe range. If you stray too far above 89 you will have to switch to an earlier valve body for it to work right.

While you have it all apart, add a bigger fluid cooler. Those help A LOT.

 

[fyre82]

Thanks for the reply. I will see what I can find, I was planning on putting a kit in the replacement just to be sure it works. I really don't want to be pulling trannies often.

Rich