A4LD Opinions sought

[JavaG66]

What is the life expectancy of a 1986 A4LD transmission that has not been abused, but not babied either? It had leakage problems about 100k back but hasn't had any obvious problems since. Fluid changed maybe eight times in 250k miles. I ask this because I don't want to put a lot of money in the truck in other areas (A/C, paint) if the transmission is likely to go kaput soon. I am not asking for fortune tellers, just opinions...

 

[mhughes165]

count every day that that transmission gets you around as a blessing, and have the parts ready todo a 5speed swap. if that tranny has made it to 250k miles i think thats the highes i have ever seen a non rebuilt a4ld make it to

 

[exbass94]

The A4LD isn't THAT bad. Maintenance is the key to making these last, and since the fluid has been changed often, that's probably the main reason it has lasted so long. I've seen other A4LDs last over 200k without rebuilds, they just like to be babied and maintained. I also think taht people who say "I got it rebuilt and it died again 30k later" just didn't have it rebuilt properly. There's no reason it should crap out that early. But since yours already has 250k, its hard to say how long it'll last, I think 250k is pretty damn good for any automatic tranny. It might start slipping tomorrow, or it might last another 10 years. The only thing I can really say is keep changing the fluid, and maybe install a temperature gauge and/or aux. cooler. I have about 138k on my A4LD, and it's never given me a single problem. Nice, quick, firm shifts. I expect it to last quite a while longer. I think I should name myself "official defender of the A4LD."

 

[mhughes165]

The A4LD isn't THAT bad. Maintenance is the key to making these last, and since the fluid has been changed often, that's probably the main reason it has lasted so long. I've seen other A4LDs last over 200k without rebuilds, they just like to be babied and maintained. I also think taht people who say "I got it rebuilt and it died again 30k later" just didn't have it rebuilt properly. There's no reason it should crap out that early. But since yours already has 250k, its hard to say how long it'll last, I think 250k is pretty damn good for any automatic tranny. It might start slipping tomorrow, or it might last another 10 years. The only thing I can really say is keep changing the fluid, and maybe install a temperature gauge and/or aux. cooler. I have about 138k on my A4LD, and it's never given me a single problem. Nice, quick, firm shifts. I expect it to last quite a while longer. I think I should name myself "official defender of the A4LD."

You yourself have to admit 250k miles without a rebuild is almost unheard of with a a4ld, granted it may find a way to last another 50k +, but im just saying the odds are not in his favor with that transmission

 

[Bent Bolt]

You yourself have to admit 250k miles without a rebuild is almost unheard of with a a4ld, granted it may find a way to last another 50k +, but im just saying the odds are not in his favor with that transmission

+1

 

[irondragon013]

The A4LD in our 93 made it 200k+ but we screwed it when the torque converter slipped while trying to get it back on the truck. Must of hit the pump or something vital. This truck was a work/farm truck and was in no way babied. I think it comes down to driving conditions and individual parts. You just can't always tell.

 

[F150hybred]

I'm with Exbass94 on this... I'm another defender of the A4LD. It's like anything else in this world... you abuse it and it's not gonna last as long. treat it with respect and do some maintenance, it's gonna have a lone life.

 

[cocoasranger]

The good Lord gave you a left leg so you could operate a clutch pedal. The A4LD was designed by the French; the same guys that gave us the Peugot and Renault... and eating snails. There is a reason you can't get more than a 6 or 12 month warranty on a rebuilt A4LD.

 

[crazy96863]

a4ld

The early A4LD, meaning up and including the 88 Rangers were weak. Like clockwork, I have seen them go out at 100K - 110K. 89 a later were much better. There are rebuilds which make the 88 and earlier much more reliable but they cost a few hundred bucks more (which is worth it) than the basic rebuild.

The good news it they are only $150 bucks at a junk yard so it you don't mind a new tranny every couple years that will work as well.

 

[JavaG66]

I guess the original builders of my A4LD were having a very good day. I have grown attached to the truck, so rather than sell my problem, I am now looking at replacement transmission options. Thanks to all of you; you have provided me with some valuable insight.

 

[Black_Splash]

The good Lord gave you a left leg so you could operate a clutch pedal. The A4LD was designed by the French; the same guys that gave us the Peugot and Renault... and eating snails. There is a reason you can't get more than a 6 or 12 month warranty on a rebuilt A4LD.

I've seen quit a few with a 3 year/100,000 mile warranty.