a4ld interchangeability

[CountryBoy704]

I have an '87 2.9 auto, its slowly dying on me i was wondering id the later year a4lds were compatible? as far as i know it is mechanically a bolt in swap even from the 4.0L(tell me if I'm wrong?) but I'm wondering about the electronic od controlls and extra solenoid that has been added over the years. do these require more wiring or swapping the computer?

 

[igiveup]

Hello

I used a 94 4.0l A4LD AWD from a Areostar. Had to change shift linkage and use the my 85 VB with a shift kit in my 85 B2. So far so good. Also find the biggest tranny cooler that you can fit in there.

igiveup

 

[CountryBoy704]

already planning on the shift kit, did you have to use the linkage from the van? I should be able to get an a4ld from a newer ranger you think my linkage will work with it?

 

[igiveup]

Hello

I used the linkage from the blown 85 A4LD. A roll pin holds it in. Pain in the ass to get out, I use a drill to get it out. Make sure you get a Ford gasket for it. The 94 A4LD has harden parts and all of the updates. If you did not cook tour tranny yet use the 2.9l torque converter since it has a different stall converter. I used the 4.0l converter and it does not like OD. Not sure about the linkage on Rangers but should be the same for all Rangers and B2s.

igiveup

 

[jhammel85]

Hello

I used a 94 4.0l A4LD AWD from a Areostar. Had to change shift linkage and use the my 85 VB with a shift kit in my 85 B2. So far so good. Also find the biggest tranny cooler that you can fit in there.

igiveup

Hello

I used the linkage from the blown 85 A4LD. A roll pin holds it in. Pain in the ass to get out, I use a drill to get it out. Make sure you get a Ford gasket for it. The 94 A4LD has harden parts and all of the updates. If you did not cook tour tranny yet use the 2.9l torque converter since it has a different stall converter. I used the 4.0l converter and it does not like OD. Not sure about the linkage on Rangers but should be the same for all Rangers and B2s.

igiveup

This is pretty cool to hear.

You didn't have problems putting a newer trans going to an older vehicle?
I was under the impression that those of us with 1st and early second gens could only use transmissions from 85-90 or so.

 

[bobbywalter]

never reuse the converter.

get a fresh 2.9 unit



the vb swap is necessary, and obviously the linkage. some places will have a fresh vb on the shelf you can use. many times the valve body is the problem failing the transmission.

refurbing a vb takes time and experience.

 

[igiveup]

Hello

It is a lot of work to do. Read everything you can find on the subject. Try this for reading http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137972 . Read it till you are sick of reading then read it again. The shift kit instructions do the same. I say go with the 4.0l A4LD since its stronger than 2.8/2.9l model.

igiveup

 

[CountryBoy704]

so i should use my old vb if i swap trannys? mine is having real trouble going into drive gears (all of them) when cold, reverse works fine but bangs pretty hard into gear, goes up through the gears fine and back down and no slippage, could the vb kits fix this? im thinking the problem is line pressure but not sure, going to try a new solenoid first, it'd be great if i didnt have to change out the whole tranny

 

[CountryBoy704]

anyone know the difference between these two?

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/A4LD_torque_converter_solenoid_1986_94_p/230-00023391a.htm

http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/A4LD_transmission_lockup_solenoid_p/230-000023391.htm

 

[igiveup]

Hello

Check on the passanger side of your transmission near the front above the VB and see if the plug has 3 wires or 2 wires. If it has 2 wires then you will need to use that VB on a newer transmission. If it has 3 wires then you can use any A4ld upto 94. I can't remember what years had 2 wires and which had 3 wires. The reason I used a 94 Areostar one is that I had one in my yard with a blown front diff. A month old and it went. Shit thats all I can say. I should of kept the motor. But this is what I did to keep it keep on my B2.

igiveup

 

[CountryBoy704]

kk ill try and check it tomorrow, I know they added the od control in '90 and the 3-4 solenoid in '93 if youre thinking of one of those, mine is an '87

 

[CountryBoy704]

havent been able to get underneath yet but i was able to pop off the cooler line and drain it, put in mobil 1 synthetic fluid it shifts much better now, the old stuff was almost black but it was changed less than 3k miles ago? this is wierd

 

[CountryBoy704]

anyone know what would make relatively fresh atf almost black? i havent overheated the truck and it dosent slip so i dont think it would be clutch material

 

[igiveup]

Hello

I am using a 85 VB in a 94 transmission.

igiveup