In my 86 ranger, I think my tranny is shot. Has reverse just doesn't seem to engage drive. 4 speed auto. My question is I heard the most trannies from the 2.9 to the 4.0 are interchangeable. I'm going to a junk yard in a day or two and need to know what to look for if not just for a matching one for the 2.9. Thanks.

 

Most junkyards have access to Hollander Interchange and will be able to tell you what interchanges. The other thing you can do is go to www.hollanderparts.com, plug in the info for your Ranger and it will return results for vehicles that use the same tranny.

 

Okay thank you. I just don't want to worry about drive shaft issues like length wise.

 

The 4.0 A4LD will bolt up to the 2.9 block (with a little finnagling - the 4.0 has a cast oilpan that bolts to the tranny - you need to use the cover plate from the 2.9), and the 4.0 version is held to be stronger, especially in the later years.

The challenge is, that the earlier A4LDs, like in your 86, used a 2-wire control (hydraulic controls the 3-4 shift and the computer controls the lockup, I believe).The later transmissions, including (I believe) all the 4.0s, used a 3-wire control (controlling both 3-4 shift and lockup by the computer). So if you put a later 3-wire transmission in your truck, you'll have to somehow rig an electronic control (eg: a pressure switch), or put a good older 2-wire valve body in the newer transmission.