I have a '93 Ranger 4x4 Automatic that is due for a rebuild desperately. Its gotten to the point where the truck refuses to shift into second with the fluid cold and the fluid is completely burnt. I have accepted that the transmission is gonna need to be rebuilt and I have been researching to find a good shop in my area that is comfortable working on the Ford A4LD.

As far as comfortable goes, rebuilding an automatic transmission is beyond my ability but I am still willing to drop it in order to bring it to a shop (and save a few bucks). I will soon be starting the job and I was just curious if people have any tips or tricks for doing it. Thankfully I have access to a trans jack to make this a little easier. Any suggestions on what else should be replaced are greatly appreciated or even links to different step by step guides although I've already watched quite a few. Also tips on replacing the rear main seal because as far as I'm aware that's leaking as well along with suggestions on what else to tackle while the transmission is out.

 

Google: Ford Ranger 4.0l OHV rear main replacement
Several videos to watch


You do need to remove the exhaust "Y" pipes that can be a pain
Remove starter motor and the 6 spark plugs, you will need to turn the engine by hand to remove torque converter bolts/nuts
Remove front and rear drive shafts
You can remove transfer case at this time, but up to you
Remove the 4 torque converter bolts/nuts, via starter motor hole, have to turn engine by hand

Jack up trans and remove rear support cross member
Lower trans down enough to access top bolts on bell housing with long extensions
Support rear of engine
Unbolt trans and be prepared for ATF fluid coming out of torque converter, lol

 

How many miles are on this truck? Are you the original owner?
Have you dropped the pan to see just how foul the fluid and filter are? I'm not suggesting new fluid would "cure" your transmission.
It might be illustrative to see it first hand. You'd have a bit more to describe to a shop.
I've read one needs a bit of luck finding a shop which will work on a 30 year old unit. Perhaps a trade out with a company which rebuilds them?
I've read here that you want a full rebuild, not just a soft parts rebuild. You probably already know that.
I've also read here to remove the transfer case first.
Determine of you need to send the driveshaft(s) to a shaft shop for joint replacement and/or balancing. Does the shaft squeak a bit when cold?

 

Unknown amount of miles as I am not the original owner and the odometer is broken at ~56k miles so at least 156k in other words. I have not dropped the pan but the fluid is burnt to the point where it is darker than fresh engine oil and retains almost no red color (I put Lucas trans fix in as a last resort and you never would have known). The truck also pretty much could not shift up until driving around for quite a bit to allow the fluid to warm up. And yes even in my populated area I am having difficulty finding a shop who's willing and I mostly have to rely on word of mouth to believe they're honest.

As far as I'm aware it doesn't squeak but I do have an issue with the entire car slamming when put into Reverse or Drive. I inspected the U-joints and they seems to be in good condition and not moving or anything. At this point the only good thing is about the truck is the lack of rust as it was from Tennessee. It has less rust than some 5 year old cars I see up in Chicago.

 

Yes, that seems to outline the major steps based off what I've seen. If only it was as easy as it sounds. I'm definitely soaking down every bolt on the exhaust..