87 ranger automatic high shift point

[OftenWrongNeverUncertain]

I dont have a tach, but I'm certain my 87 2.9 4x4 auto isn't supposed to ride 1st gear all the way to 44mph then shift into 2nd and ride that to 60 before hitting 3rd. And idk if there is an overdrive, if so, it don't work. Had it up to 75 and of never kicked in.

 

[RonD]

You have an A4LD, 1 solenoid, automatic in a 1987 Ranger
The 1 solenoid locks the torque converter so not part of the shifting
The 1988/89 and up A4LD got a 2nd solenoid for OD shifting(3/4 shift)

Could be Vacuum modulator issue
Pre-solenoid automatics used fluid pressure and engine vacuum to decide when to shift, so no "computer" shifting in 1987, so no RPM based "shift points"
Vacuum modulator is connected to engine vacuum
An engine has high vacuum with less Load, low vacuum with high Load

Picture here, passenger side of transmission: https://www.charlietranny.com/A4LDps.JPG
Modulator is the gold color unit toward the rear with the vacuum hose nipple
Pull that hose off and see if there is ATF fluid inside, if so replace modulator, it has an internal leak
Replacement can be done without removing transmission

Also see if that vacuum hose has any cracks/leaks, you can plug one end then go to the other end and suck or blow in it

 

[OftenWrongNeverUncertain]

It was me. I was the problem. When I did the engine swap, I forgot about the trans to intake vacuum line. It shifts like new now! I really need someone to come take all my tools before I do something REALLY stupid lol.

 

[OftenWrongNeverUncertain]

You have an A4LD, 1 solenoid, automatic in a 1987 Ranger
The 1 solenoid locks the torque converter so not part of the shifting
The 1988/89 and up A4LD got a 2nd solenoid for OD shifting(3/4 shift)

Could be Vacuum modulator issue
Pre-solenoid automatics used fluid pressure and engine vacuum to decide when to shift, so no "computer" shifting in 1987, so no RPM based "shift points"
Vacuum modulator is connected to engine vacuum
An engine has high vacuum with less Load, low vacuum with high Load

Picture here, passenger side of transmission: https://www.charlietranny.com/A4LDps.JPG
Modulator is the gold color unit toward the rear with the vacuum hose nipple
Pull that hose off and see if there is ATF fluid inside, if so replace modulator, it has an internal leak
Replacement can be done without removing transmission

Also see if that vacuum hose has any cracks/leaks, you can plug one end then go to the other end and suck or blow in it

Ron, I have learned so much on this site from your posts. Thanks a lot for helping me, and all the others you have helped that in the end, wound up helping me lol.