Transmission Rebuild Time

[e21pilot]

The automatic in my 1992 super cab Ranger gave up yesterday and I had to tow it home. I guess at 171K miles and 20 years of good service it's time.

Now I'm looking into rebuilding it. I really like the Ranger and want to keep it for as long as I can however, I also need to tow a 3000 lb trailer a lot the next few years so I need to fix the trans properly otherwise I will be doing it again.

I have the 4.0 V6 and the 3.55LS diff so the towing won't be an issue as long as the transmission can take it.

I'm looking for advice on the transmission rebuild. What parts to replace, which to re-use and if there are any parts to upgrade to make it stronger and more suited to towing.

I'm also considering putting in a bigger transmission cooler and possibly running full synthetic fluid if that helps.

 

[adsm08]

You can polish a turd all day long, but at the end of the day it's still and A4LD.

To start I would replace fluid pump, valve body, clutches/bands, all the seals, torque converter. Any drums or gear sets that are damaged, worn, or blue should also be replaced.

Lines should be flushed out by running fresh fluid through them. Possibly consider replacing the radiator and adding a large auxiliary cooler.

I would seriously consider the addition of a 3rd pedal inside the cab as well as a large lever on the floor to control the gear ratio inside the trans as well as a hydraulic system to aid with shifting. That last set of mods is the best thing you can do to prevent further transmission failures.

 

[projectnitemare]

That shouldn't be too hard to do for an A4LD. First task is to see what caused the failure. You will want to get a box kit for the rebuild, that will include all new clutches, steels, seals and paper gaskets. Get a new converter. A new front band for sure, if the rear band isn't worn it is ok to reuse it if you like. You will want to check all the planetaries for slop or noise. Lateral movement of gears on the shaft is normal, you will want to try and rock the gear on the shaft movement there isn't ok. Check for grooves in the drums from the bands also lay a straight edge on them; they should be straight. If valves aren't stuck in the valvebody you'll be ok there, put a shift kit in it. Otherwise you will have to disect it a piece at a time and clean it or just replace it. If the gears aren't cutting into the pump or plate it's ok. You will need to make, buy or borrow an alignment tool to put the pump back together. You will probably need new molded rubber pistons considering the age. Make sure the pistons bores and shaft bore isn't worn. Bypass the rad cooler completely and put the biggest stand alone cooler you can fit. Normal ATF is fine. Unless the trans requires it, it's a waste of money. The fuild will tolerate more heat but the seals and such won't. Get a manual if you unsure. You will want to set up an account at a trans parts supplier, the parts will be much cheaper. I personally use VTP in New Jersey. Hope this helps, welcome to TRS.

 

[Andy D]

I wanted a 4 cylinder/ 5 spd/ 4x4 . I wound up with the Rat. 2 out of 3 aint bad By beginner's luck, I ended up with a fairly OK package for a 94 long cab. They must make a decent auto. Are the trannies in F 150s any good? I drove a few E150s and didnt have any tranny trouble. Best would be a rebuilt by a good shop installed with a cooler. I would only do it if I liked the truck. Because it isn't really worth the expense on a 21 yr old Ford.

Putting a new clutch and brakes definitely wasn't worth it to re-hab the Rat,.I have 1200 $ and countless hours of work into making a good running 1000$ truck. I still have frame mush to deal with . The bed and tank need to come out fix it. I fix the frame mush and it is still a 1000$ truck.

 

[jhammel85]

See this thread. It'll help you out a ton. I hope to rebuild a 4.0 A4LD soon myself.

*EDIT*

oops, here's the link! http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98027

 

[e21pilot]

Thanks for all the comments. I've been researching on my end based on the ideas suggest. Looks like keeping it cool with an aux flate plate trans cooler will help and so will a 7 micron Racor return line filter.

Beyond that, there are several sources for kits out there. Any recommendations for who provides the best quality parts? I would not want to go through all the labor and end up with a failed part or two and have to redo it again.

 

[projectnitemare]

Google VTP or VTP South and call them. You will have to most likely set up an account being they are a parts supplier. I get all my rebuild stuff from there.

 

[4.0B2]

a4ld's are easy to rebuild...