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new 87 b2 project

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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 01:06 AM
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Exclamation new 87 b2 project

I just received a 1987 2.9L 4WD automatic B2 from a friend for free. He just wanted me to get it out of his yard. He told me it would not run and that I would have to get it towed. After installing a new battery, much to our surprise... I drove it home. Only to get it in the driveway and have the tranny completely give out. I knew that was going to need replacing though.
I am just looking for suggestions on what I should do... I had thought about putting a manual 5 speed in it but I don't know how much work is involved in that or which tranny is more durable (man. or auto.). Also, how difficult is it to install a 3" suspension lift? Any input would be greatly appreciated. This is my first B2.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 01:34 PM
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had problems with my tranny...same year bronco...did a lot of research and found that the a4ld was a problem tranny for ford...that is what should be in your b2 if it's original...anyways after research i found that a c5 is much sought after (3 speed versus the 5 speed a4ld)...i find it has a lot more snot...the swap was relatively easy...i was lucky and came across the c5 in the bone yard...
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 02:33 PM
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thanks for the info...
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 04:56 PM
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how could i get my hands on a 5c tranny, i am looking to replace mine soon too, it is grinding a little and the previous owner kept it in 4x all the time, so it a little rough shifting, what year and make would have a 5c in it at the junk yard? and how much would it cost you think
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 08:03 PM
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A4LD Transmission

The A4LD trans is not a bad trans. Like any other trans, you must take care of it. If you don't it will fail. Running it through deep water and mud requires, at the very least, changing the fluid and checking for contamination. Putting tires on that are to tall and not changing the gears etc. If you want to talk to folks who had trans problems, talk to those who own/drive blazers . There are several upgrades that you can do to the A4LD if you decide to replace it that will make it stronger. Check the Ranger Station web site for more info.

Good luck!
 
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Old Apr 9, 2004 | 11:41 PM
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i appreciate the input, i was hoping to hear something encouraging about that tranny... it seems to be my best option financially
 
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Old Apr 13, 2004 | 11:42 AM
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paid $60 for the c5...very pleased with the performance...i did my research on the ranger station...if i remember right the latest model b2 or rangers that had the c5 were the 85's...it's distinguishable by the hump in the oil pan...my a4ld ran fine for a few years...it was rebuilt before i bought it...i didn't run it rough but it started actin' up and then quite on me...i wouldn't go back to the a4ld after experiencing the c5...i thought i'd pay in fuel mileage for the swap but i'm still getting around 18 - 20 mpg...
 
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Old Apr 13, 2004 | 05:20 PM
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hey, mine has a hump in the pan too... You mean a circular hump in the bottom of the tranny pan right? Could have a C5, huh?
 
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Old Apr 13, 2004 | 08:43 PM
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thanks for the info. The only question I had was that the site said that the C5 had a hump in the tranny pan. The code on my door says "T" which indicates an A4LD but my pan has a hump. I am confused.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2004 | 11:30 AM
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the code on your door should show the a4ld...that's the stock for 87 b2...if someone did a swap you may have the c5...easy way to tell...the c5 doesn't have overdrive...if there was a swap they would have swapped the shift plate indicator...this wouldn't have the overdrive...
 
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Old Apr 15, 2004 | 02:28 PM
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thanks... the plate is original with overdrive
 
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