A4LD O.D. No forward but Reverse works?

[Oldwrench]

Hi all! I have a 1995 Ranger Reg Cab, 2wd 3.0 V6 with the A4LD with Overdrive. Approx 155k miles on it. Nice truck in great shape!

Today when I was taking off from a stop light, it made a rattle noise that sounded like an empty spray can being shaken...or kinda like a U joint going bad.
Then it acted like its in neutral.
Reverse does work well enough that I backed it up onto the pad outside my garage after the tow truck dropped it off.

As an ex Master Tech I am thinking the trans is toast and will also need the T.C. replaced.
I have done NO troubleshooting, its dark and starting to rain.
I did grab the driveshaft and jerk around on it and its tight.

Comments? I'm thinking this has been discussed before, but I searched the threads and didnt see it.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Bruce]

DID you try manual low? Sounds like the OD sprag went south or even OD planets..when you put it in manual low the coast clutch (also known as the over running clutches turn on take the place of the sprag) sounds like its time to pull it out and do rebuild.

 

[Oldwrench]

Yes I tried all the forward gears. There is no forward in any gear.

I was thinking something internal like a planetary set or sprag clutch. Thanks for confirming my suspicion.

I guess I'll know for sure as soon as I get the pan off!