Engine dies, when shifted?

[rranger]

Hello Im fixing my friends 2WD 1985 automatic Ranger, it dies when its put into any gear, besides
P. or N. The engine runs great with only 77,000 on
it, the trans pan, has 18 bolts, so its the A4LD ('85 & up).
It does not sputter out when put into gear,
it makes a loud clunk and instantly dies.
These are my best ideas, so far:

1. "EEC-controlled torque converter lock-up"
2. "Torque Converter"
3. "Trans. Throttle Pressure Limit Valve & Spring"
4. "Other"

Wich one of these are the most likley problem part,
for the symptoms I described, & how should I fix it???
Any help is greatly appriciated!

 

[thegoat4]

Get it rolling and put it into drive and see if it dies. If it does not, and the truck starts to power itself around, the TCC is locked. If it dies anyway and chirps the tires, it's a clutch pack or band stuck.

I'm not familiar with A4LD at all, so that's about as much as I can help.

 

[rranger]

Sounds like a good test, whats the theory behind rolling it in netraul down a hill, and then shift into drive, besides the results showing wear the problem is. What is going to be causing it to not lock up while rolling then shifting VS not rolling and shifting into drive?
Thanks for the helpful advice..

 

[Beanmachine7000]

If you roll the truck and get it up to a certain speed, then you can put it in drive, if the TC is locked up, it will power itself, but won't die. It's dieing because putting it in drive with the TC locked up is kinda like stepping off the clutch at a standstill in fifth gear. The engine doesn't have enough torque to move it without raising engine RPMs, which is basically what your TC is doing.

 

[rranger]

Cool-Im doing the test first thing in the morning!
Then i will know if its time to pull the tranny and replace the TC myself!!!