A4LD Problems after rebuild

[gwowens]

I have a 93 Ranger 4x4 that I bought with a bad engine. I had a new long block installed & tranny poured fluid as quick as I could put it in. I ran it dry several times & decided to have it rebuilt. The tranny shop has removed it 3 times & kept it a month trying to get it right. I now have it & still have problems. It takes a long time to shift from 1st to 2nd when cold. It hesitates when put into drive or reverse when hot. It shakes when backing up for a few feet when hot. When in OD & slower speeds it shudders really bad when I try to lightly accelerate but doesn't do this when I'm just in D. I've now got a small fortune tied up in this 93 Ranger & really could use some advise. The last time they replaced the torque converter thinking that was the problem.
Thanks,
Wayne

 

[Glacier991]

To start with...You describe a range of symptoms, most of which sound pressure related. I pressure gauge and some readings would be greatly helpful. That said here is where I think your problems may lie:

Often shops try and rebuild the A4LD like they rebuild most trannies, which is to say, they replace soft parts only and throw it back together. The A4LD needs some special care and feeding in the process. Various hard parts deserve replacing. This includes the governor, which I think may be PART of your problems. Often the VB is not gone through either, and the A4LD can benefit from a VB rebuild on rebuilds.

The low reverse servo has a couple of better options than stock (D ring seals or double lipped seal on the big one,) that can also address some of your problems.

My guess is that you could benefit from a VB rebuild, adding the transgo and superior kits and the Sonnax Boost valve upgrade, changing the low/reverse servo seals to an updated design, and replacing the governor with a new one from FORD.