3.0 trans swap question

[freebird01]

Ok gang... I'm looking at purchasing a 91 2wd ranger with a dead a4ld in it. I'm thinking about just swapping it to a manual but here is where I'm confused. I understand the year split and why for the automatics (computer controls etc)..but is there any reason I can't use a newer m5od with the 91-93 3.0 v6?

 

[RonD]

No, no reason at all

1991 to 2008 from 3.0l Ranger or Mazda B3000, 2WD M5OD-R1 will work

 

[4x4junkie]

1998 & later transmissions don't have a port for the speedometer gear.

Up through 1994 for sure does though, and I think as late as 1997 does also.

 

[RonD]

Yes, I forgot that part, up thru 1997 still had the speedo hole and worm gear on tail shaft, just used VSS sensor in place of cable from 1995-1997, but cable will still work in place of VSS for those years

1998-2000 had no hole or gear
2001 and up got a tone wheel in place of worm gear and used OSS sensor on tail shaft, speedo cable won't work

 

[freebird01]

thanks guys...that makes sense for sure. right now from what im told the trans will work in forward gears but reverse acts like park. im guessing either the clutch pack welded itself together or the drum is siezed to something.

was run low on fluid for a year and once they filled it, in 6 months the trans died...

 

[RonD]

The A4LD transmission was one of the first OverDrive transmissions, and was used in Rangers until 2012, although in 1995 full solenoid shift pack was added and it was renamed 4RxxE, in late 1990's Ford added software to the PCM(engine computer) to turn OD on while still in 1st, this gave the 4R 4-speed, a Faux 2nd gear, so changed it to a 5-speed and it was renamed 5RxxE

A4LD got a bad rap from trans shops because most had never seen or worked on OD automatics, so they would fix it, and do it wrong, so when customer came back in with busted trans they blamed bad design, lol.

So rebuilt A4LD will be a good trans, all shops and DIYers will have the correct information now, and better parts because of redesigns from past failures.

 

[freebird01]

The A4LD range is 91-94 correct? I may have found one from a 93 in good shape. Would easier then a manual swap...

 

[RonD]

Yes, 3.0l was first used in Rangers in 1991, so 1991 to 1994 would be what you want.

If this is your first automatic install/swap there is one VERY VERY important thing you need to know
Torque converter MUST BE installed on to the transmission BEFORE transmission is bolted to the engine.
You will push in on the torque converter while turning it, and it will slide in 2 or 3 times as it locks into front pump and input shaft
Failure to make sure torque converter is seated properly will break the front pump when trans and engine are bolted together, and broken front pump means no "gears" at all, and full rebuild needed to replace it.

Video on seating torque converter here, this applies to all automatics, not a Ford thing: www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7klzEV0kng

Expensive goof, I did it on my first automatic, many many years ago now, rebuilt trans and I f*ed up, and you don't know you screwed up until its all back together and you start up the engine and put it in gear..........nothing happens, no gears, no movement at all

 

[freebird01]

Not my first or my last...I've converted f150's....I put a d60 under my 2wd dually....don't plenty of motor swaps and a few frame offs. Just never messed with rangers too much.

 

[freebird01]

Well it looks like I got lucky I managed to pick up a used transmission for $150...