1987 Ranger 2 WD tranny...

[Doug R.]

Hello all.
I'm new to the forum.
I just bought a 1987 2 WD Ranger with a 2.9 and an automatic transmission.
I bought it knowing that it had transmission problems.
I am getting conflicting suggestions as to what may be wrong with it so I thought that I would come to the experts.
Here's what the tranny does;
When I put it in Drive it will do one of three things;
1. It will do nothing.
2. It will do nothing until I rev the motor to about 2,000 rpm or so and then it slams into gear and moves reluctantly.
3. It will sloowly engage then moves reluctantly.
When i brought it home I did get to go down the road and shift normally, but when I stopped for gas it wouldn't move so I had to pull it the rest of the way home.
One mechanic has told me it needs new clutches and to rebuild it or get another used tranny. Another has told me it has a pressure problem and to put a can of true trans in it and change the valve modulator.
Any ideas suggestions?

Thanks.
Doug

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Read the sticky thread called the A4LD valve body rebuild diary for more information. Did you check the fluid level? Did you ever replace the fluid & filter?

 

[Doug R.]

Fluid level is OK. New fluid and filter.

I used the trans true (or true trans?) and it seemed to reduce the problem to number 2 only.

Bad valve modulator or valve body?

 

[BrooklynBay]

How many miles does it have? It could be a valve body issue or worn clutch packs if it has high mileage.

 

[Doug R.]

168,000 miles