A4LD Toast or Not

[AZ86B2]

Got a running driving 93 Explorer for $500. Didn't look it over that well and missed that the trans fluid is dirty and smells. It drives quite well despite that. I will be changing the fluid and filter as well as adjusting the bands before I drive it again. Other than those things, what should I be inspecting/changing while I have the pan off-- Just things that will help determine if this thing needs a little TLC or a full rebuild/replacement.

 

[AZ86B2]

Adjusted the bands today... took about 3.5 turns to get to the tq number on the front band.. could that have caused the discoloration of the fluid? Only supposed to be 2 turns back after tq is reached. Both lock nuts were tight. Front band was about 2 turns to reach correct tq before back off.

 

[Bent Bolt]

The bands can't take much abuse before burning out. The bands being that out-of-adjustment isn't good but isn't the cause of the dark fluid. If it's shifting OK, just drive it. Or drop $1800 for a new trans .

 

[brendank]

Aren't all A4LD's toast, or very close to it???

 

[Ranger#1]

true

 

[cocoasranger]

A4LD's are made in France. That would make them French toast.

 

[AZ86B2]

A4LD's are made in France. That would make them French toast.

Ok.. that made me laugh so hard I choked.
Thanks for the input, guys... I guess I'll just try to treat it nice and drive it till it quits.

 

[eric17]

my original a4ld had 260k on it when i took it out.

 

[Ranger#1]

my original a4ld had 260k on it when i took it out.

blaa blaa blaaa bleee bleee bleee lucky bastard

 

[eric17]

lol, yea im surprised too, everyone i talk too says how much of a pos they are but hell i havent had a prob and neither has anyone ive known with them, except when their son or someone just drives the shit out of something with high miles or not maintained and it messes up, i have a one, my dad, counsin, a friend hell my dads right now has 205k,mine 125k on new trans, my counsins 190k, and my buddies 140K.

 

[eric17]

anyway have you driven it or what?

 

[AZ86B2]

yep... have about 60 mi. on it since I changed the fluid & filter. Problem is that while doing other things, I fried the wiring to the solenoids. Other than not having 4th or TC clutch, it seems to be fine. Gonna change the fluid and filter one more time and drive it a bit before I decide on a new trans or just rebuild the VB with a shift kit and some new solenoids.
Mostly just want to make sure I don't put money into a tranny that's gonna fail anyway.