2.9L & 3.0L V6 Tech General discussion of 2.9L and 3.0L V6 Ford Ranger engines.

A4ld cramming? 89 into 1990

Old Dec 4, 2018
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A4ld cramming? 89 into 1990

Is it possiable to take guts out the 89 2.3 al4d and install it into a 1990 ranger a4ld?

Budget rebuild
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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Yes, but you really just need to swap the bell housings

Some say it can be done without a tear down, but up to you, biggest thing is to get front shaft seal lined up very very well, it its off even a little it will pump out ATF pretty fast

The 4.0l A4LD had a heavy duty overdrive drum, because of the higher torque of the 4.0l engine, but for budget rebuild that doesn't really matter
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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89 uses different pin for connector 2 pin vs 3.

Ive heard thats a compatiability a4ld issue
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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Originally Posted by RonD
Yes, but you really just need to swap the bell housings

Some say it can be done without a tear down, but up to you, biggest thing is to get front shaft seal lined up very very well, it its off even a little it will pump out ATF pretty fast

The 4.0l A4LD had a heavy duty overdrive drum, because of the higher torque of the 4.0l engine, but for budget rebuild that doesn't really matter

Correct me if im wrong, but i think im not comprehending this correct if the trans in 90 is 3 pin which controls the fallowing:

1) Tcc lockup and overdrive (1 solinoid)
2) 3-4 shift

Thats 3 wires,


In 89 2 wires only control:

1)Tcc lockup from other postings of what i heard.

what the hell controls overdrive and 3-4 shifts in 89 2.3l?


i also think my trans may not even be stock as i checked the fuse box and there is no tcc lockup fuse in it when i brought it.

mutt and gutted already?


Will i have to trick the cpu to make it think it still has 3-4 solenoid to keep check engine light off?


 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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Then its not an 1989 A4LD

1985 was first year for A4LD in Rangers and it just had the TCC solenoid, locked torque converter for better MPG and power, so 2 pin electric connection
In 1988 Rangers A4LD got 2nd solenoid, 3-4 shift, turned on and off the overdrive, and these had 3 pin connector, 12volt wire then a ground for each solenoid

I can't see an 1989 Ranger only have the one solenoid, was it from a Ranger or maybe a Mustang

The transmission itself will work normally, you will need to ID which ground is for TCC on the 1990 harness
Red wire is the 12v wire, key on 12v

Diagram here shows connectors: https://a.d-cd.net/af2f7eas-960.jpg
It says 1985-1988 for 2 wire, 1989 and up for 3wire
But Ranger did get 3 wire in 1988


Your 1990 computer will set a code and turn on the CEL(check engine light) because of the missing solenoid

You could swap valve Body(with 2 solenoids) and 3 pin connector to older trans


EDIT: saw you latest post

Automatic transmissions ran fine for years with no solenoids, just using springs and ***** to route pressure to up shift or down shift
The TCC lock was used for better MPG, torque converter is more efficient once it locks up and no longer slips, so locking once MPH are high enough is a good change, so was the first
3-4 shift was next because sometime you don't want OD, like when going up a hill or pulling a load, constant shifting back and forth is hard on trans, so driver could turn off OD and stay in 3rd as needed
 

Last edited by RonD; Dec 5, 2018 at 01:22 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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From: AUBURN, WA
Originally Posted by RonD
Then its not an 1989 A4LD

1985 was first year for A4LD in Rangers and it just had the TCC solenoid, locked torque converter for better MPG and power, so 2 pin electric connection
In 1988 Rangers A4LD got 2nd solenoid, 3-4 shift, turned on and off the overdrive, and these had 3 pin connector, 12volt wire then a ground for each solenoid

I can't see an 1989 Ranger only have the one solenoid, was it from a Ranger or maybe a Mustang

The transmission itself will work normally, you will need to ID which ground is for TCC on the 1990 harness
Red wire is the 12v wire, key on 12v

Diagram here shows connectors: https://a.d-cd.net/af2f7eas-960.jpg
It says 1985-1988 for 2 wire, 1989 and up for 3wire
But Ranger did get 3 wire in 1988


Your 1990 computer will set a code and turn on the CEL(check engine light) because of the missing solenoid

You could swap valve Body(with 2 solenoids) and 3 pin connector to older trans


EDIT: saw you latest post

Automatic transmissions ran fine for years with no solenoids, just using springs and ***** to route pressure to up shift or down shift
The TCC lock was used for better MPG, torque converter is more efficient once it locks up and no longer slips, so locking once MPH are high enough is a good change, so was the first
3-4 shift was next because sometime you don't want OD, like when going up a hill or pulling a load, constant shifting back and forth is hard on trans, so driver could turn off OD and stay in 3rd as needed

Sorry for the stupidity where the same age me and tthe truck that is...

Here:

https://youtu.be/CA2bPzoJaRA

https://youtu.be/CA2bPzoJaRA
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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Originally Posted by RonD
Then its not an 1989 A4LD

1985 was first year for A4LD in Rangers and it just had the TCC solenoid, locked torque converter for better MPG and power, so 2 pin electric connection
In 1988 Rangers A4LD got 2nd solenoid, 3-4 shift, turned on and off the overdrive, and these had 3 pin connector, 12volt wire then a ground for each solenoid

I can't see an 1989 Ranger only have the one solenoid, was it from a Ranger or maybe a Mustang

The transmission itself will work normally, you will need to ID which ground is for TCC on the 1990 harness
Red wire is the 12v wire, key on 12v

Diagram here shows connectors: https://a.d-cd.net/af2f7eas-960.jpg
It says 1985-1988 for 2 wire, 1989 and up for 3wire
But Ranger did get 3 wire in 1988


Your 1990 computer will set a code and turn on the CEL(check engine light) because of the missing solenoid

You could swap valve Body(with 2 solenoids) and 3 pin connector to older trans


EDIT: saw you latest post

Automatic transmissions ran fine for years with no solenoids, just using springs and ***** to route pressure to up shift or down shift
The TCC lock was used for better MPG, torque converter is more efficient once it locks up and no longer slips, so locking once MPH are high enough is a good change, so was the first
3-4 shift was next because sometime you don't want OD, like when going up a hill or pulling a load, constant shifting back and forth is hard on trans, so driver could turn off OD and stay in 3rd as needed

Did you check the link?

As well i think its clearer now,
So what i need to do is trick the computer for the cel light with a 20 ohm resistor...

Last swap the shift link setup from rod to the cable setup and swap the bell housing.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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The 4 or 5 pin plug is the Neutral Safety switch(NSS) just swap it over, the 5th pin added power for TFI ignition with key in START position, this switch will only pass power from ignition switch to starter motor if Trans is in Park or Neutral
Its also for Reverse lights

That shift control fuse wasn't used with A4LD, the solenoid(s) gets power(12v) from EEC fuse thru the EEC Relay
The ground wire for the solenoid(s) runs to the computer, it controls when TCC is used or when OD is used by grounding that wire to activate the solenoid
When you turn on the key the solenoid gets 12v which passes thru the solenoid to the computer on the ground wire, thats how computer can tell if solenoid wiring is OK, it will see that 12v on each solenoid
So in theory you could take a solenoid and hook it up to the 3-4 ground wire, and the 12v wire, and computer would be none the wiser
OD would still work as long as vacuum modulator is working, on your 2 wire trans

You could use a 25ohm resistor but it would have to be a high wattage one, it will get HOT
An old solenoid would be better, it will still get warm, hit a wrecking yard


I don't see any specfic problems related to doing this, as far as parts go the A4LDs all used the same front plates and pumps
A used automatic is a roll of the dice no matter how you slice it, lol, so have at it
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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Originally Posted by RonD
The 4 or 5 pin plug is the Neutral Safety switch(NSS) just swap it over, the 5th pin added power for TFI ignition with key in START position, this switch will only pass power from ignition switch to starter motor if Trans is in Park or Neutral
Its also for Reverse lights

That shift control fuse wasn't used with A4LD, the solenoid(s) gets power(12v) from EEC fuse thru the EEC Relay
The ground wire for the solenoid(s) runs to the computer, it controls when TCC is used or when OD is used by grounding that wire to activate the solenoid
When you turn on the key the solenoid gets 12v which passes thru the solenoid to the computer on the ground wire, thats how computer can tell if solenoid wiring is OK, it will see that 12v on each solenoid
So in theory you could take a solenoid and hook it up to the 3-4 ground wire, and the 12v wire, and computer would be none the wiser
OD would still work as long as vacuum modulator is working, on your 2 wire trans

You could use a 25ohm resistor but it would have to be a high wattage one, it will get HOT
An old solenoid would be better, it will still get warm, hit a wrecking yard


I don't see any specfic problems related to doing this, as far as parts go the A4LDs all used the same front plates and pumps
A used automatic is a roll of the dice no matter how you slice it, lol, so have at it


Either way al4lds will go out faster then e4od ..but thanks


Lets get it!!! 😆

Grabbing a beer tomarrow have to buy a new converter however thats manditory even if i dont drop tranny fluid right away,

I only grabbed the stang a4ld cause what is a 88-89 gonna tow?

Thats right! Nothing its a 4 cyl bell house therefore it has no reason to be used to tow.

In addition its $100.00 trans and not from a junk yard for additional insurance i know what it came out of and its usage...

The guy i got it from his friend was doing a custom build (stick) so it got pulled
 

Last edited by 90sboyRangerDanger; Dec 5, 2018 at 03:13 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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E4OD has solenoids and is a heavy duty trans, from the C6

A4LD is light duty from the C3

But A4LD would last just as long if properly rebuilt

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). Also, get references from the shop and call the people. Just because they can rebuild TH350's and C4's does not mean they know what they are doing with overdrive trannies.One of the best things you can do for your auto tranny is get the largest, aftermarket, stacked plate cooler you can fit behind your grille. The factory cooler is marginal at best, due to its being tied in with your radiator. Remember, with that set-up, if you overheat your engine, you will overheat your tranny. Heat is the biggest enemy of the automatic transmission. Change your fluid and filter every year, or every 12-15,000 miles if used hard. Use ONLY the fluid recommended by Ford. Only use synthetic fluid if it is required by Ford. With proper maint., these transmissions should last well over 100,000 miles.
 

Last edited by RonD; Dec 5, 2018 at 06:44 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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From: AUBURN, WA
Originally Posted by RonD
E4OD has solenoids and is a heavy duty trans, from the C6

A4LD is light duty from the C3

But A4LD would last just as long if properly rebuilt

Good read here:

Plan on rebuilding the orginal my self to give it a bigger part of me when the motor goes ill swap it too and rebuild it my self as well which will allow a bigger write off if i ever decide to sell it.

Theoretically speaking, i could probably pump 5 grand value over time into it.

Since its only 1700 blue book skimp here and there and focus on durability and presentation.
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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If rebuilding then read this
There are modifications and upgrades available to this tranny. Better grade clutches and bands, better converters with improved lock-up clutches and brazed fins (stock converters were known for clutch failures, which takes out the entire trans), welded planetary cages, shift kits, and the ability to upgrade a non 4.0 tranny to 4.0 specs makes this tranny very versatile. At its strongest (off-road race application), these transmissions are holding up to V6's making in excess of 300hp. Once the engines get much higher than that (depends on usage) the main shafts will start bending.

One of the most interesting upgrades available for this transmission is the off-road race package. This includes numerous valve body and internal modifications. These modifications are easily attainable from a good tranny man. What this modification does for you, is give you an automatic with all of the advantages of a manual....... and none of the downfalls. Run in drive, you can split the 3 gears with overdrive, and you can lock-up the converter in any of the gears. This gives a much greater availability of ratios, and makes it real easy to keep the engine in its power curve. Also, because you can lock-up the converter whenever you wish, it also helps to keep the transmission cool. This mod also allows the transmission to be used completely manually.
This last modification gave Ford engineers the idea of making a 4-speed like the A4LD or 4R55E into a 5-speed
The 5R55E 5-speed was born, for a "new 2nd gear" Ford turns on the OD in 1st, that gives a closer ratio shift between 1st and old 2nd gear, so a 5-speed the easy way
 

Last edited by RonD; Dec 5, 2018 at 07:58 PM.
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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From: AUBURN, WA
Originally Posted by RonD
If rebuilding then read this


This last modification gave Ford engineers the idea of making a 4-speed like the A4LD or 4R55E into a 5-speed
The 5R55E 5-speed was born, for a "new 2nd gear" Ford turns on the OD in 1st, that gives a closer ratio shift between 1st and old 2nd gear, so a 5-speed the easy way
Nice well my idea over time in example is to make a ranger that could take down a bear and drive over it... But dreams for now i really would like to keep it the rest of my life and turn it into a road show truck..

Strengthen the framing up because people in certain towns cant drive...

In the event of an accident locally keeping it intact is the biggest key that in which an offroad truck stands for....

Im not a guy of flash, however i like a theater crisp sound system not to bass like, an interior of my favorit color (blue) a lift about 4-5 inches to get it off the ground for repairs, and the option to be able to feel confortable with led interior lighting.

Not to meantion a split bench seat with a cup holder.

Id prefer the truck to be dark grey but not enough to show imprefections like black paint.

Got to start with swap to open her up then will come preformance paints always last.


No mudd tires but offroad wheels with a nice street set of tires with room for studding.

"I play offroad outlaws alot so i have an idea of what gives me the sick kick feeling."
 
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Old Dec 5, 2018
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I will keep all this help in mind,

Sure i can drop power but im after acceleration/ top speed got to do atleast 110 mph.

Loosing some torque not a problem.

Torque is to bottom end as top end is to acceleration with that said rod and piston casts a concern.

Too light weight would snap to heavy will lug.
 
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Old Dec 12, 2018
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From: AUBURN, WA
Originally Posted by RonD
If rebuilding then read this


This last modification gave Ford engineers the idea of making a 4-speed like the A4LD or 4R55E into a 5-speed
The 5R55E 5-speed was born, for a "new 2nd gear" Ford turns on the OD in 1st, that gives a closer ratio shift between 1st and old 2nd gear, so a 5-speed the easy way

shes out
 
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