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Looking for a GO - No Go recommendation re: needed A4LD repair(s)


Gadgetk13

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Hello Everyone. Hope all are well. I'm looking for advice on whether or not to "tackle" an A4LD failure or to turn the problem over to a transmission specialist.

For some context relative to my abilities ... I'm a former IBM Customer Engineer of 20 years. I repaired most of the typewriters, dictating equipment and copiers IBM manufactured. I'm comfortable with the use of hand tools, appreciate "minimum clearance, no binds" and am not too proud to RTFM.

Here's where I stand. I live in a sub division with a HOA that frowns on week long messy car repairs in people's driveway which is where I will have to perform my repairs. So with that staged set, let me describe my automatic transmission problem. My 4.0 1994 Ford Ranger has 165,000 miles and has had the transmission rebuilt once, around 100,000 miles. History of the current failure began with no D while OD was fine. I can't attest to how the other forward gears were in the past, now they no longer work, likewise with D and OD. Reverse works fine. Actions taken by me so far include dropping the transmission pan, checking for broken parts, replacing the gaskets and o rings, and replenishing the AT fluid.

So, back to this request .... I'm looking forward to doing the work if the consensus is that I could do the repair in a day or two in my driveway. I'm guessing I need to drop the pan again and then the portion that retains the "valve bodies", etc. Then I believe I'm looking for wiring failures, binding pistons(?) and other components that might need replacing or adjusting. I have the A4LD service manual and have access to that Google thing.

Would this be time well spent, for the the trouble I've described?

Thank you.

Post script. I've started pricing rebuilt transmission but would rather spend money on my education then for someone else's labor (NO DISREPECT). I'm retired.

Stay safe and be well.

Hastings
 


Transman304

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That time line will be tough to keep even for experienced builder. You have no idea what hard parts are needed if any, more than likely will need OD planets at least. What is the chance that parts ordered will be correct? I will tell you don't buy the cheapest parts you can find on Ebay or other suppliers as they use products made overseas with very poor or no quality control. Being your first trip into transmission building its possible you may not get it right the first time and have to remove transmission a 2nd time to find problem. You will need some specialty (homemade) tools to get clutch drums apart and a couple different sets of snap ring pliers. Not trying to discourage you by no means, just letting you know some of the things that might come up.
Brad
 

Rimjam

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No way will you be able to fix it in a couple of days according to my brother in law (30 year auto mech). Here in AL the shop rate is $1250 - $1800 with three weeks to one month turnaround.
 

fastpakr

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Buy a spare matching transmission and overhaul it at your convenience, then swap it for the current one.
 

RonD

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Welcome to TRS :)

Your issue doesn't read like a Valve Body issue, although you should rebuild the valve body or replace it, which you can do FIRST, to see if it does solve the problems

You most likely will need to pull out the transmission and rebuild it, so as fastpakr suggested you can find a used A4LD from a 1990-1994 4.0l 2WD Ranger, and rebuild it

The A4LD just had the 2 solenoids, to lock torque converter and to shift into OD
So your engagement issue is not likely to be an electrical issue
On later model, 1995 and up "maybe" but still unlikely

But all automatics run on ATF pressure, 100psi needed to go forward, 150psi to go in Reverse
Valve body gasket and seal leak lower the pressure so slow of no engagement
So rebuilding the valve body with new seals and gaskets is not a waste of time or money
 

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