Transmission worse after shift kit

[Raynman]

Hello, previous posted about my 99 ranger tranny slipping. 4r44e 225K miles.
slip was progressively worse, but only acted up every two three weeks, but was slipping worse and worse. Decided to change filter and fluid and investigate tron gasket on VB. Also bought transgo shift kit. So I installed today,
followed instructions to a T.. put it back together, and its worse....need to rev up to engage in drive, seems like i have no OD now. And if i rev high a barely get reverse. I did find the gasket torn, and some brass in the drain pan. I really need help now!!! i am including some pics. any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[RonD]

Automatics run on Pressure, they shift on pressure differences.
You have pressure leaks or low pressure, so a lack of pressure to engage.
Since you have installed some parts and problem wasn't cured, you will need to rebuild the whole trans, including new torque converter.

Just my opinion

 

[Transman304]

I would go back through the VB and double check all the "L" retainers are in the proper position and holding the valve in the correct position. What is really bad is the pieces of thrust washer you found in the pan. You may have moved a few of those pieces in the VB and have some valves hanging up. Going to have to come out sooner than later.

 

[Raynman]

I am thinking of buying a rebuilt VB at this point. And see how it goes. Although going through all those valves might do the trick. Didn't know any better when I saw those two chips sitting on top of the gasket when I put it in the bench

 

[adsm08]

Don't waste your money on a valve body. Just get a whole trans.

 

[Transman304]

Don't waste your money on a valve body. Just get a whole trans.

Will keep spitting up pieces of washers and then gears.

 

[Raynman]

rebuild trans then......

Ok, so I am resolved to rebuilding the trannny....what do i need to buy?
i am still considering the last suggestion of taking out the VB and completely blowing it out, and making sure no chips are in there. Before I "take the plunge" and rebuild it. i dont see a lot of hard parts in the rebuild kits i find online....and what about that thrust washer? do i need to find a planetary rebuild kit for that portion?

thanks,
ray

 

[RonD]

Good resolution

Google: rebuilding 4r44e

There is a video on the tear down.

Yes, a soft parts only fix guaranties failed trans in 12-18months.

4R44E is a full electronic controlled A4LD trans.

Good read here:

When having an A4LD rebuilt, there are a couple of things that you need to make sure of. First and foremost, do not let a shop do a soft parts fix only (clutches, servos, and bands). This will almost ensure that you will have another repair needed right after the 1-year warranty is out. Other things you want to have replaced are: forward one-way clutch (always), overdrive drum (stamped tin, replace if out of round or heat damaged), pump (Ford only, rebuilds are prone to failure), and the converter (get the better converter with the improved lock-up clutch and brazed fins).

There was really nothing bad about the A4LD, but being one of the first with overdrive and electric solenoids the transmission shops didn't know how to service/rebuild them when they started to need service, so when they failed again, after the work was done, the shop techs blamed the Ford trans, lol, "bad design".
The solenoids first used couldn't take the heat and did fail, new ones are better but the best thing you can do for ANY automatic trans is to add another trans cooler, money well spent for a long lasting transmissions

A4LD had computer controlled torque converter lock up at first then OD control was added.
4R44E got full computer shift control added

5R44E(5 speed) got a new gear but it was just a shifting added on, with full shift control Ford added a shift to OD while still in 1st to computer software, this gave the 4-speed trans an added gear between what was 1st and 2nd, so the 4-speed became a 5-speed, and got a new designation

 

[Raynman]

Ok, I am going to purchase the master kit from Oregon Performance master rebuild kit.
ive watched that teardown video multiple times. I am going to purchase the ATRA 4r44e manual. And I will go throught the valve body with a fine tooth comb. from what i see it looks as though i will reuse all the bearings that i disassemble from the trans.and change out the needle bearing in the reverse Planet. I dont own any machinist type measuring guages, etc. will i be needing any measuring tools to check tolerances, etc.? Also, from the previous comments, my lost part is a thrust washer i still need to know if thats something i should buy ahead of time, or wait until i take that section apart??