I have a 1989 Ranger that I love. I've had it for several years and have been a Ford guy all of my life.
The transmission recently went out on the Ranger and I need to know what to shop for. It's my understanding there are a few different models of transmissions for this model. The truck is a 4x2, 2.9L XLT. I just want to find a used transmission for now. The tag on the door has a T under "trans" if this is saying anything.
I also have a 1997 Ranger I got when this truck broke but I don't like it near as much...too many little things not to my liking.

Thanks from a newbee in advance.

 

Automatic trans I assume?

T would indicate A4LD(4-speed) which would be correct transmission for 1989 Ranger, most 1985-1994 Rangers with automatic had the A4LD.
This was the first computer assisted Ford trans, the earlier A4LD just had computer used for Locking up the torque converter(TCC)
In mid-'88 Ford added Over Drive control(3-4shift control) to the A4LD and computer software, depending on when it was built in the year yours could have either.

Look on the passenger side of transmission, there is a wiring connector with 2 or 3 wires.
2 wire is TCC only, 3 wires TCC and 3-4shift.
You need to get trans that matches that, so computer will work.

You also need a trans from a 2.9l 4x2, 4x4 won't work.
If you have a 3 wire connector then trans from 4.0l will also work, 4.0l has same bolt pattern as 2.9l but they came out in 1990 so their A4LDs will all be 3 wire

 

Thank you very much for that info RonD.

I've already found it to be crowded on the passengers side of the trans with the exhaust system. I really just need to get it up on a rack. Something "exploded" one morning as I was leaving my driveway and I lost power to the wheels. The engine still runs very well. A neighbor stopped to help and pulled me back up to my house. It's off to the side now but I need it back so I'm hoping to find a decent used trans.

Is there anything else I might keep an eye out for?

Thanks again for the help!

 

Oh, it's an AT for sure. The model numbers you stated sounded familiar.

Thanks again.

 

You're welcome.

Automatics run on internal pressure, when you loose pressure you loose the gears, all of them.

Pressure comes from the main pump(front pump), it connects directly to the torque converter, so if engine is running pump is running.
The pump pushes ATF thru the passages.
If pump fails or gaskets leak or a valve sticks open, pressure is lost.

If you check ATF levels with engine off, and then with engine on you can tell if pump is working or not, ATF level should drop with engine running.

 

It's really nice to speak with someone that really knows what I'm asking.

Also, when I go to search different used parts places online they all must use the same search methods. I guess few still deal with something so old. They also have two possibilities: one is "ID89GT-AAA" and the other is "ID89GT-BAA". Both are for a 1989, 2.9L, 4x2. I'm now assuming one is for a 2-wire and the other for a 3-wire?

Thanks for the fast replies RonD.

 

Not familiar with those parts numbers, so not a clue.

You could be right but can't say for sure.

There are Used transmission, Rebuilt, and Remanufactured
Used is of course "as is", really no way to tell if they work, but they often have 30day warranty, doesn't cover the labor to remove and reinstall.
Rebuilt, is a soft parts fix, usually 12month warranty, but some are 90 days, rebuilt A4LD might last a few years or 13months, lol.
Remanufactured, is "better than new", because the original flaws are known and newer parts are used to fix those issues, usually 3 year warranty