94 Dead A4LD

[Masterd]

So how reliable do you think itll be now?

 

[zjrog]

I don't know. But if it moves forwards under its own power, that will be an improvement. I bought the truck with the trans dead. So if it moves forward under its own power, then thats better than I started with.

 

[fixxxer]

I wish you luck but I think you have a pretty good handle on that A4LD, wish I'd seen this thread sooner, I would have pointed you in this direction -> A4LD-ATSG-Automatic-Transmission-Service-Group

 

[zjrog]

Already got that... And a Ford trainers manuals...

 

[BrooklynBay]

ATSG also makes an A4LD update manual with additional information.

 

[zjrog]

I think I might have a simple problem. I thought maybe I could do some checks without the driveshafts in. At least the truck is still on stands. The output spins OK in forward now, but I don't know if I messed up an adjustment with the selector cable. But I have no reverse... Ah this such fun.

Oh yeah, truck had an external trans cooler in it already, same size as the F350 cooler I was going to use.

 

[zjrog]

I've had a busy weekend (brakejob late Friday night on my Supercrew, and a trip to fix or tow my daughter's XJ about 300 miles away yesterday) But, today we rolled the Explorer out of the garage and I decided it was going to work, or I was going to kill it. It just seemed like it was holding gears against each other. In neutral, it would roll forward, but not backwards. When it shifted it felt like the brakes were grabbing, then it would take off. So I did the most illogical thing. I took it on the highway and floored it. Must have been an airblock of sorts, somewhere, because it sounded like air escaping (which made me think I killed it...). But then, it shifted smooth, no more feeling like the brakes were applied. In neutral, it rolled forwards and backwards. Reverse worked.

So, we drove it around town for about an hour and just keeps getting better. Thanks for the advice and help folks! You've been a big help... My son is happy, and can barely wait for me to release it to him. So I'm no longer afraid of automatic transmissions, but I'm not real sure I "look forward" to doing it again anytime too soon.

 

[zjrog]

The truck moves under its own power...

Passed Safety and got its plates!!!

 

[BrooklynBay]

That's great! Thanks for the update!

 

[zjrog]

No problem. It still seems a little "off" until it warms. But the truck drives pretty good for a 191,000 mile $350 truck...

Wanna see the failed forward clutch plates?

 

[zjrog]

Truck has been given to my son, his project now! Thanks for the help folks. Truck runs great, trans shifts fine. Still needs a little work, but my son has the ball now!

Now, maybe I can get back to the Ranger!

 

[Masterd]

Theres nothing like a working A4LD....

Did you end up going with the manual indexing sleeve?

Also, replacing that stock cooler with a bigger one is probably a good idea.

 

[zjrog]

No, I chose not to do the sleeve. I believe I can add it without pulling the trans out though. The cooler in the EX is the same size as the F350 cooler I grabbed. If we think we have a heat problem I can add this one inline with the existing one. Not the first time I've seen it done.

 

[gforceman]

A4LD`s are fairly easy to rebuild , i did a rebuild on a 92 expo the OD drum internals were wasted all the springs inside where ground to dust or broken , did a TOTAL rebuild and REPLACED the torque converter , works like new good solid shifts

: always replace the servo pistons the rubber always turns to stone .

 

[wood1]

Great job first of all. Nice to see someone doing a new trans thread. What is the issue? Doesn't like shifting out of first when cold?

 

[zjrog]

Actually, it shifts pretty good now. It does hold first just a little long when cold, but it is getting better with miles on it.

 

[ma96782]

You da man!

Aloha, Mark

 

[zjrog]

I had some no ka oi ono help though... Mahalo Brah...

Not related to the A4LD, the truck wouldn't come out of 4lo yesterday. I was concerned the auto hubs weren't functioning, but my son informs me they do just fine. He pushed the button on the 4x4 controller and it seems to work fine now.

 

[zjrog]

Bringing my own thread from the dead.

And likely the last post for me in it.

Since giving the truck to my son, he has been all over the state of Utah in it, towed a couple trailers, been four wheeling and camping and just can't seem to get him out of it. He built a box for his construction tools and its on the job site everyday.

Heres the shocker. Since I let him have it in mid May, he has nearly 8,000 miles under it. Did a fluid change at 3000 miles, with just the stuff in the pan. Fluid looked clean and smelled fresh. No chunks or fuzzies or anything in the pan. Trans shifts great, and we'll see how it does with cooler weather coming. I will say this, when you put in in drive from park, you have to have your foot on the brake. It really wants to GO.

So, it looks like my first ever trans rebuild worked out fine. Guess I can finally call this job, closed out. Later folks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update!