Well, you could put an A4LD in, or you could go get a good, dependable replacement. Unfortunately it's impossible to do both at the same time.
A4LDs are notoriously weak and break a lot. They have the same front seal issue as well. Your best bet if you want to keep an auto is to go get a C-5 and fill it with C-3 guts.
If you want a really good one, find a V6 C-5 case and fill it with V-8 C-3 guts. That sucker will just about never break.
Otherwise, your best bet for reliability is a manual. Preferably M5OD.