1994 Ranger Automatic Trans. Issues

[jimmyhacksaw]

Hello and greetings everyone;
I have a 1994 Ford Ranger 4WD XLT V6 engine with an automatic transmission. The transmission will not shift up into higher gears (2nd to 3rd) and I believe it is time to replace it. My questions are 1) Is there a solution to it not shifting (I replaced the filter and fluid) ? 2) Are these Transmissions available as a reconditioned unit 3) how hard are they to replace? I really like this truck and would love to keep it and possibly modify a bit but if this repair or replace cost is too high then I am going to have to scrap it.
Thank you for any and all info and i hope you all have a great day.
Jim

 

[RonD]

1994 was last year of the A4LD automatic, but the same internals were used in the 4R and 5R Ranger automatics until 2011

Good read here on the A4LD: https://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.shtml

Do you know how many miles on this transmission or if it has been rebuilt?
It is 26 years old

If miles are unknown or above 200k then you should probably rebuild it because clutches and bands(brakes) are most like worn out, and other parts like one-way clutches and pump should also be replaced, as mentioned in article

As for current issue, could just need new/rebuilt valve body, which can be done with trans in vehicle, and you would need that for a full rebuild as well, so not a waste of money



1994 Ranger when running is probably at its lowest value, pickup trucks and 4WDs tend to stay at a stable value as long as they are running, usable to a buyer

So the cost of a new/rebuilt transmission has nothing to do with value of the vehicle
If it cost you $1,500 for repairs and you think vehicle will last you another 5 years then its costing you $25/month to drive it
If $2,000 then its $33/month over the next 5 years
So it comes down to can you replace the vehicle with the same or better for $33/month

 

[jimmyhacksaw]

RonD Thank you for the quick response. The vehicle has just over 200k miles do you know of a reputable company that I might be able to purchase a re-mfg. ? rebuilt automatic transmission? Also would I be able to replace with a stronger and more reliable unit like the 4r or 5r units?
Thank you
Jim

 

[Dirtman]

Having a reputable local transmission shop do the rebuild is better than buying a remanufactured trans. As for your second question, the 4R and 5R trans are not stronger, like RonD said they are all based on the same thing. The 4R/5R are just computer controlled, so no you couldn't use one of those anyway since you don't have the necessary computer to run it.

 

[jimmyhacksaw]

Having a reputable local transmission shop do the rebuild is better than buying a remanufactured trans. As for your second question, the 4R and 5R trans are not stronger, like RonD said they are all based on the same thing. The 4R/5R are just computer controlled, so no you couldn't use one of those anyway since you don't have the necessary computer to run it.

Thank you Dirtman , I will start calling local transmission shops .

 

[RonD]

Yes, over 200k you would be better off rebuilding

Read the article, especially this part

When having an A4LD rebuilt, there are a couple of things that you need to make sure of.
First and foremost, do not let a shop do a soft parts fix only (clutches, servos, and bands). This will almost ensure that you will have another repair needed right after the 1-year warranty is out.
Other things you want to have replaced are: forward one-way clutch (always), overdrive drum (stamped tin, replace if out of round or heat damaged), pump (Ford only, rebuilds are prone to failure), and the converter (get the better converter with the improved lock-up clutch and brazed fins).

This is an old thread about the "shift kits" added to the A4LD, 4R and 5R: https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/1991-a4ld-shift-kit.70981/
Pretty much all positive reviews for these shift kits, and not expensive to do when changing valve body/rebuilding