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Conversion to 4.0 Transmission Question


Tictac1994

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2016
Messages
10
Vehicle Year
1989
Transmission
Automatic
Im trying to convert my 89 2.9l Auto ranger to the 4.0. I have a motor out of a 1990 with wire harness and ECU. As of rightnow having issues tracking down a good transmission out of a 4.0 ranger. So my question is can i keep my 89 auto transmission and just get it rebuilt with stronger parts to easily last with the 4.0 or does the ECU out of the 90 use different sensors for functioning the a4ld that came with it
 
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The A4LD like most automatics has an integrated bell housing, this means it is engine specific, the bolt pattern will only match specific engines.

2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l all used the same bolt pattern for transmission, so if your "old" engine was a 2.9l, then yes, it can bolt to the 4.0l block.
If "old" engine was a 2.3l or 3.0l then no it won't work.

The computer is different for manual trans and automatic.
If your 4.0l computer is for an automatic then yes it will work, if it is for a manual then no it will not work.


Read here about A4LD: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.shtml
 
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where are you located im selling a 4r44e transmission was rebuilt 30k ago and got paper work for proof. I am doing a v8 swap and dont need it. transfer case and wiring harnes included
 
I don't know if you have the funds but to put in a 5 speed for the long run would be better in my opinion.You can get one on E-Bay for $850 if not possible I know how that is the A4LD's aren't as reliable.The 4R44E might be a different deal I've had bad luck with A4LD's.
 
The A4LD like most automatics has an integrated bell housing, this means it is engine specific, the bolt pattern will only match specific engines.

2.8l, 2.9l and 4.0l all used the same bolt pattern for transmission, so if your "old" engine was a 2.9l, then yes, it can bolt to the 4.0l block.
If "old" engine was a 2.3l or 3.0l then no it won't work.

The computer is different for manual trans and automatic.
If your 4.0l computer is for an automatic then yes it will work, if it is for a manual then no it will not work.


Read here about A4LD: http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.shtml

I updated my post, sorry i didnt give my current setup
 
I would like to stay with an auto setup. I had bad knees and hip displacia...im only 22 this really sucks
 
IIRC the 4.0 A4LD has an extra solenoid, whereas the 2.9 A4LD automatically actuated that function internally.

Meaning that a 4.0 ECU could run a 2.9 A4LD, with the signal to actuate that extra solenoid just going nowhere.

But running a 4.0 A4LD with a 2.9 computer wouldn't get correct operation
 
IIRC the 4.0 A4LD has an extra solenoid, whereas the 2.9 A4LD automatically actuated that function internally.

Meaning that a 4.0 ECU could run a 2.9 A4LD, with the signal to actuate that extra solenoid just going nowhere.

But running a 4.0 A4LD with a 2.9 computer wouldn't get correct operation


I have the 90 ecu that was with the motor when i pulled it
 
Sorry about hip trouble I've seen that in friends I'm an old guy though.Some have good luck going auto some research and probably ok.
 
where are you located im selling a 4r44e transmission was rebuilt 30k ago and got paper work for proof. I am doing a v8 swap and dont need it. transfer case and wiring harnes included


Sorry man i initially went past your comment cuz i thought it was a 4speed transmission, it is an auto right? And come with the bell housing and would it bolt up to 90 4.0
 
IDK, but, I would check out the flex plate, converter and starter for compatibility between the two engines to use the 2.9 trans with the 4.0 engine. May have to do some mix and match stuff.
 

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