1994 XLT Explorer Transmission???

[JaxExplorer]

1994 Explorer Transmission

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Please help Guys, I'm taking the X in to a Transmission shop today and want to be able to understand if it is going to be worth it.

I have an 1994 Ford Explorer XLT with an Automatic Transmission, it is an 2wd, V6 with 172,000 miles on it. Last Friday the Transmission started slipping when you put it into Reverse and Drive but it would grab when the engine RPMs reached 1100/1200 and then the transmission will operate normally, shifting and down shifting. Monday, I took it to my local auto repair shop and they did an flush and put new fluid and filters in it but it still slips(they are not a Transmission shop) My question, is the transmission shot or could there be an en-expenesive fix for this. I'm weighing the options , given the age and the mileage on this X.

Thanks for your advice

 

[Blee1099]

Given the age of the truck and the fact the transmission in the 91-94 are their weakpoint, I would highly recommend getting a new transmission if you are considering keeping the truck for another 5 years. The slipping into gear could be a number of issues including a broken band, worn out guides, etc..

 

[TPLYNCH]

Welcome to the site. Run a seach for Low/Reverse servo. That is a common problem issue with the A4LD tranny, and a rather simple fix I believe. Glacier199 has a thread about rebuilding it. Also, Brain and OperaHouse are very knowledgable about it as well. I'll let them chime in....

 

[JaxExplorer]

1994 X transmiission

Thanks Guys for the info, Reverse servo, is that something that an Transmission shop can/will do if you suggest it??

 

[TPLYNCH]

Yes, they should. It's not a tough fix. Just a matter of dropping the pan I think. No need to remove the tranny.

 

[JaxExplorer]

TPlynch, thanks for the reply, I'll suggest it when I take it to the in the morn. I've been reading a lot of the threads on these Transmissions here, but haven't seen one with same symptoms as mine yet.

 

[Opera House]

This probably isn't any harder than changing your fluid, but you didn't do that yourself. Reverse and forward share the same gear and the L/R servo is known to get a really big leak. Replacing this seal may increase the pressure enough to have the transmission operate normally. Get the parts (<$50) and maybe your local shop will do it for you if you promise not to crab if it doesn't work. Transmission shops are word impaired and can only say "rebuild." This is a good vehicle to learn on because its value just went to zip.

 

[JaxExplorer]

Opera, do have an part #?? I would try and let my regular shop try it, but they are word impaired also (get a new truck)...lol I guess they think everyone is made of $$$$.

 

[Opera House]

I'm picture impaired. See if this makes sense.

A4LD LOW/REVERSE SERVO IMPROVEMENT

Many A4LD, 4R44E, and 4R55E transmissions have a problem with no or delayed reverse engagement, reverse shudder/chatter, and/or no engine braking in manual low (1). Some symptoms are not very obvious but can lead to the early failure of the reverse band. Some have reported that this gets rid of the "clunk" when you go into reverse. This is the result of the O-ring on the Low-Reverse Servo developing a heat set and failing to make a complete seal. The low/reverse servo has the largest surface area in the transmission, except for the Torque converter clutch, is a double wrap design and located at he output end of the transmission . These all imply that it sees a lot of torque and could be one of the first components to fail from age. Every A4LD should probably have these O-rings replaced. My 92 transmission was rebuilt in 96 and it did not get this improved seal at that time. There is an updated "double lip" style seal made out of a polyacyrlic rubber instead of the nitrile rubber compound O-ring.. This solution was first borrowed from the C6 transmission and is now included as part of the O-ring kit from the better suppliers.

WARNING: This is a blind procedure and there is no practical way of knowing if the reverse band is seated properly. Unlike single bands, the reverse/low band is a double wrap band and this limits major movement. Frictional and. viscous forces will tend to keep the band where it is. The servo rod is rounded at the end and fits into a well on the band as well as the two housing pins. This serves to self align the band. Obviously for manufacturing purposes, when the transmission is stood vertically on the output end, movement of the band to the rear is restricted and is in position to accept the servo rod. Forward movement of the band, however, is not restricted. Rotation of the output shaft, large vibrations and the transmission pointing down toward the front could cause the band to move forward. The ATSG A4LD manual lists the Low/Reverse Servo as a separate repair procedure on page 47 that can be performed without removal of the transmission. This is not just something I made up. Like any transmission procedure, flushing, pump out, or new fluid has the potential to cause new problems. If you are not currently experiencing delayed reverse or loss of low braking, the risk/benefit of this procedure may not be appropriate. Every effort was made to insure this information is accurate with a transmission in a vehicle and by viewing operation of a disassembled transmission on a stand. This should not be considered professional advice and unknown manufacturing changes could cause an unforseen problem.

I used the overhaul kit from bulkparts.com for the 85-95 A4LD #23031 which is approximately $27. This is the Toledo Trans-Kit from SPX/FILTRAN. The two O-rings that you will need are packaged separately in the kit and will be easy to find. Replacement is no more difficult than changing the filter.

This technical bulletin can be viewed on www.atcdg.com by clicking on tech and looking for A4LD.

 

[JaxExplorer]

Opera, thanks man, I'll take this info to the Transmission shop and see if they will do it. I guess I'm wondering now about the stretched band will cause a problem in the future, if it is stretched.

 

[Opera House]

The band is a double wrap cast band and it can be felt by putting a probe through the servo hole. This band takes more pressue than any other servo in the transmission. Drop the pressure and it can easily slip. The concern is how long you did this and if there is still friction material on it. Hate to see you pay someone to do this becaus many factors make this chancy.

 

[zebrex]

I am stupid and unabe to find the tech article in the link that was posted above is there a direct link to the article ?

 

[Glacier991]

The chance of a cast iron band like this one being "stretched" is nil. It is a stout puppy. I'd suggest you take a look at the "My A4LD Rebuild Diary" especially part 3 and 3a on reassembly.. lotsa pics there. It is in the Useful Threads forum.

 

[JGAMBLE]

hey operahouse or glacier991, you all build trannies for just yourselves or everyone? I'm looking at replacing mine next winter the way things are going.

 

[Glacier991]

I have considered doing them for other people... lots of issues though... if someone has a problem with one I did... how would I look at it? what about HD offroad use? Will cost a lot to get one to me and back.... etc. I'm willing, for those close to me to do it, but we need an honest and candid discussion about costs and risks. I am not a pro. DO I think I can build a quality A4LD? Sure... but... those issues.

 

[zebrex]

I just traded my ranger for a 94 explorer xlt.

currently the tranny shifts and feels fine at 144000 miles.(I have no idea if its been rebuilt or not) I did notice the lag when shifting into reverse.

I want the tranny to last me as long as possable and was considering doing the o-ring upgrade to cure the reverse delay problem and having the fluid completly flushed out and replaced.

Here is my question I have heard that sometimes you are better off leaving well enough alone and that a fluid change can actually reduce the life of the tranny.

someone please enlighten me should I leave my tranny alone or service it?


currently the truck has the extra tranny cooler in front of the radiator and the fluid is nice and pinkl.

 

[zebrex]

bump

 

[TPLYNCH]

This is a 6 of one, half dozen the other question. IMO, on an older tranny it is better not to flush, but do more frequent pan drop changes. The flush tends to dislodge or unplug things that are better left alone at point in the trannies life.