New owner looking for some insight

[GAJoe]

I recently purchased a Ranger 6 cyl, 4x4, with automatic which I believe is a 1994. It is currently stored about 350 miles from me right now so I can't confirm what the door stickers have on them. It will be about a month before I will get back to it.
Anyway, I am new to Rangers and I have spent the better part of two days reading as much of this forum as I can. Here is what I could use some assistance with: How do I know if I have the dreaded A4LD tranny? If I do, should I bring it to a reputable (not AAMCO) transmission shop and have a shift kit put in it to help the tranny last?

 

[Curious Hound]

Hi! And welcome to TRS. As far as I can tell, if your '94 has and automatic Overdrive transmission, and it most likely does, it will be an A4LD.

In addition to our forum, we have a wonderful tech library with helpful info. You may find the info you need in one of the articles here;

Transmission, Transfer Case & Driveshaft - The Ranger Station

Ford Ranger & Bronco II transmission, transfer case, and driveshaft guides. Manuals, troubleshooting, rebuilds, and swap tips for 1983–2011.

www.therangerstation.com

And here is a chart I screenshot from one of those articles.

 

[19Walt93]

I worked at a Ford dealer from 1975 until 2017 and did all our automatic transmissions for years before being "promoted" to service manager. We had a lot of trouble with A4LD's in Aerostars but not nearly as much in Rangers and Bronco II,s. A shift kit might help some but at least change the fluid and refill with Motorcraft- not some aftermarket fluid that claims to be universal. If the fluid is discolored change it a second time after driving a few weeks. Drain and refill, not a flush.