94 4.0 auto trans problems

[Mattyboy]

I have a 94 ranger with the 4.0 and automatic transmission behind it. The truck only has 71,000 miles on it but I'm having transmission troubles, it shifts fine but if I try to haul anything it gets hot and leaks transmission fluid out around the bell housing. I'm wondering if it's some kind of overflow valve that's spitting it out or if I need a new gasket or what. Also I obviously want to stop the overheating. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Explorin94]

What is happening is when you tow the transmission is getting hot and actually overheating. What is happening is the body of the transmission is warping becoming misaligned with the bell housing which actually holds the transmission's front seal. That is what is leaking. My suggestion for you is...........install another transmission cooler inline with the current one which is located in front of your radiator. Now this may or may not fix your problem but it is worth a try as it worked for my 94 explorer. Heat is what kills an automatic transmission.

 

[adsm08]

I'm gonna take Explorin94's suggestion one step further. Do what he said, but replace the radiator as well. If you just started having an overheating issue then something is wrong with the cooling system.