Transmission options?

[Purple]

Is the A4LD as much of a POS as people say they are?

I am getting farther along on my 94 rebuild, but the transmission is an A4LD, every site pretty much says "this trans is a pos, avoid at all costs".

But oddly I can't find any more complaints about it than the auto in any other ford vehicle.

I thought about swapping in a 5 speed, but that is a shit ton of work. Not really hard work, just time consuming.

But then I thought about putting in the 4R55E, the electronically controlled A4LD, which of course would need some wiring done along with a new PCM and other crap.

But guess what? "The 4R55E is plagued with problems" per several rebuilding sites.

So if we go to the next one, the 5R55E, same thing is mentioned?

Well guess what? These 3 transmissions cover the Ford Ranger from 1985 to 2011. So all 3 cannot be equally shitty, I sure see a lot on the road...

So what should I do? Is someone blowing smoke up my ass, is the A4LD an ok transmission?

 

[bobbywalter]

they are all shitty.




they can all be modified for decent use.

 

[Purple]

From what I've been told when I bought it (for near scrap price), the trans slipped in 2nd, and they also put a new vacuum modulator on it (for whatever reason).

However it leaked fluid through the speed sensor seal, and of course low fluid causes slipping.

However I'm worried what else low fluid did to it. I don't think it's toast, they did drive it 15 miles to my house.

 

[Denisefwd93]

I'm in the same situation. Made the decision to go for manual. $1500 -2200 for automatic "rebuild" that may grant me a year of dependability is why I'm going for the swap! I have a couple of friends lined up to help me but I will be getting into the wiring and dashboard work myself!

 

[bobbywalter]

just depends on your specific year/model and powertrain combination and level of experience.

swapping to a manual wont take much more time then r&r of the auto trans.

that is if your willing to live with the potential quirks of the pcm...some wont notice anything...others will be driven nuts. i have worked on several ghost in the machine vehicles that were simply using mismatched pcm's...

shop around for an a4ld specialist, as there are guys out there that can really build a stout unit. it all in where you want to put your money.

 

[wildbill23c]

After the 93 Ranger fiasco, transmission rebuild in 2011 and the transmission failing again in the driveway in 2013...yes I'd say the A4LD is garbage.

You can get someone knowledgeable to rebuild them, but at what point do you have to stop and say umm this truck isn't worth the $3k+ for a rebuilt transmission which is exactly where I went with that ranger. Sold it for $700, it ran just wouldn't go anywhere LOL.

 

[adsm08]

The A4LD is uniquely troublesome in the area of the front pump lip seal. It has the ability to pop out of place, and then go back in by itself, when the trans is overheated. If not installed perfectly during service it can do this when the trans doesn't overheat. When it does do that it can puke the transmission's entire contents in under 5 minutes. As far as I know none of the other Bordeaux transmissions had that particular issue.

The Bordeaux 4R series was not really any stronger, but had issues with the valve body, as did many early electronic transmissions, not just from Ford. Chrysler had issues in their first run of electronic trannies so bad that many would break while being unloaded from the carrier at the dealership.

The 5R series had issues with the valve body gaskets, and the one servo piston bore wears out on the S variant (Explorer and Mustang).

All three of them have issues with Reverse.

Frankly, I don't like or trust autos. I would rather have a manual on everything but a turbo diesel.

 

[Purple]

If I get a manual, should I rebuild it once it's out?

 

[Denisefwd93]

If I get a manual, should I rebuild it once it's out?

Rebuild the auto? Gawd no.

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

which transmission would the op rather have in his truck , ultimately it's your decision .

I've had them both in many different vehicles , and auto's are fine if you treat them with respect , for that matter either type, NONE are bullet proof.

I've driven hundreds of thousands of miles with c-6's ,aods , e4od's and 5r55's, all had tranny coolers and only rebuilt one , a c-6 cuz I wanted a shift kit.

I am pro auto trans.

 

[ghunt81]

I bought my truck with a roached 5R55E (although, it made it to 172K before it kicked the bucket, and it died because it was run low on fluid and burned up). I've heard that as long as you don't run them low on fluid the 5R55E is pretty good.

I'm not big on autos either, but I got a used 45K mile transmission for my truck for less than a manual swap, so...eh.

 

[BLOODBANE]

I have the A4LD in my Explorer and its pushing 220k (original trans). They seem to be hit and miss though. I do have the external cooler on mine so thats probably a big help (heat will destroy them). I dont tow with mine (at all) but I have done a lot of crawling. If you do rebuild it, I would add the extra cooler and remember that it can (and probably will) fail if you beat on it. I have a C-6 in my stroker powered Ranger and it will take everything I throw at it, laugh and look for more. I just have to remember that the A4LD isnt like that horse (have to have different driving styles).

 

[enjr44]

Well, I love a manual for ripping and roaring. Nothing like the thrill and sound of trying to rip the clutch right out of there. But ......never had a manual Ranger.

For everyday driving it is the auto for me. Had a 91, 93, 97, and have 02 and 08. All autos, used the 02 to pull a 3500 pound boat. I have never had a failure.

You do have to treat them right (unless built for it, they are not meant for the ripping and roaring stuff). Fluid and filter changes, a cooler it you are pulling stuff (good idea, even if your not). And, go by the hard use maintenance schedule.

 

[Purple]

I thought transmission fluid changes are bad?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Well, I love a manual for ripping and roaring. Nothing like the thrill and sound of trying to rip the clutch right out of there. But ......never had a manual Ranger.

For everyday driving it is the auto for me. Had a 91, 93, 97, and have 02 and 08. All autos, used the 02 to pull a 3500 pound boat. I have never had a failure.

You do have to treat them right (unless built for it, they are not meant for the ripping and roaring stuff). Fluid and filter changes, a cooler it you are pulling stuff (good idea, even if your not). And, go by the hard use maintenance schedule.

well said ^^