I just recently got my dad's 1989 ranger stx with tow package. This includes an extra transmission cooler I think. It has the a4ld, but it hasn't had a problem for 180k miles. It has been serviced regularly and I was wondering if I should think about a swap, or just keep it since it doesn't seem to have any issues.

 

Welcome to the forum

Swap to.....................???

A4LD was a good transmission, used thru 1994 and then with a different valve body from 1995 to 2011 Rangers, so Ford used these for 26 years

It has clutches and bands(brakes) inside, and just like clutches(manual trans) and brakes(on wheels) on any vehicle, they will wear out eventually,
And you change them when that happens, not usually before they show signs of a problem.

 

Thanks for your help! Sorry for the late response. Anyway, I am just looking for things to change/fix/upgrade because I would like to take it on overland trips, road trips, etc. I have been looking at different weak points in the ranger, and most of what i have seen is about the A4LD, but if it shows no signs of wear right now, I guess I can keep going with it until something would go wrong. If I were to swap it, it'd probably be to a 5 speed of some sort, or pick up an upgrade kit for the A4LD. Thanks again!!

 

Having owned a transmission business for some years awhile back I can tell you the A4LD transmission is a very solid unit. Adding a cooler is never a bad idea if you plan on doing any towing. How does the fluid look? If it's red leave it alone and do not service. I like being proactive with maintenance but, with a transmission with 180k on it you could end up with problems you never had before. Ask me how I know.

 

Haha how do you know? Another thing would be if I were to take it on a long trip, should I add another transmission cooler? I'm just worried because of all the horror stories I hear about a4ld's. Anyway thanks again for your response! Really helps me out as I'm planning this restoration/build.

 

IMO, a 2nd transmission cooler is the best $65 you will ever spend on any truck with an automatic regardless of year

A4LD was last made in 1993, that means 26 years ago the last new one was assembled to be installed in 1994 model year vehicles

Many that are 30+ years old are still working, rebuild of course, but still on the road.

So is the A4LD a bad transmission or just maybe, are there bad rebuilders out there................................nah all transmission shops only have perfect mechanics, they know everything, what WAS I thinking

 

Ron, that's opening a can of worms lol. Good rebuilders are few and far between that's for sure. Trust me they can make you or break you (In a hurry). My advice to anyone needing a transmission rebuild would be to go to a shop with a steller reputation or get a factory (Ford) rebuilt unit and have a decent shop R&R it.