Strange tranny problem???
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 510
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From: Portland, OR
Strange tranny problem???
Just got back from a pretty serious towing weekend with Aerostar #1 (93 AWD extended). Tranny did some weird stuff. While NOT towing it briefly "shuddered" twice (on separate ocaisions) just while warming up at hwy speeds in OD. This is very similar to how it feels if you manually shift out of OD with your foot still on the gas (at least in our van anyway). Also, one morning while driving slowly during warm-up, it made some strange vibrating noises, but nothing you could really feel. Actually, I'm not postitive the noise came from the tranny (maybe xfer case???). The van has 110K, fluid changed/flushed several times, very nice aftermarket (B&M) tranny cooler. Fluid very clear & pink. On the trip home, it didn't miss a beat. One last thing, this tranny has always "growled" when it's really hot and you step on it from a dead stop. It's pretty faint and dealer said no big deal (yeah, right). Any ideas on what it could be?
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks,
Mark
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 4
From: PNW
Strange tranny problem???
The shudder you describe could just be the torque converter locking up. You mentioned that it happened while the engine was warming up at highway speeds. When the engine is cold, torque converter lockup is inhibited until the engine reaches a certain temperature (but not fully warm). So, you may have been cruising along with a cold engine and without the torque converter locked up and when the engine hit the magic temperature, the torque converter locked up.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 510
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From: Portland, OR
Strange tranny problem???
Proford,
Thanks, I think I'm a headed that way. How much was your rebuild? Are you convinced that these trannys are stronger after the rebuild (if done correctly by a reputable shop)? Any mods you would recommend?
Thanks,
Mark
Thanks, I think I'm a headed that way. How much was your rebuild? Are you convinced that these trannys are stronger after the rebuild (if done correctly by a reputable shop)? Any mods you would recommend?
Thanks,
Mark
New User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4
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Strange tranny problem???
I just rebuilt the A4LD in my wife's nursery van. Cost me $200 for parts and a Superior shift kit. Man, the $60 I spent for the shift kit was well worth it. Crisp, firm shifts and no lag into reverse or when the converter locks up. Ever heard a 3.0 Aerostar chirp the tires in 2nd gear? Hehehehehe.
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 25
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Strange tranny problem???
The A4LD is a weak, marginal trans. It uses plastic thrust washers in certain clutch drums and the one-way overrunning overdrive lock is stamped steel & looks like something from a 5 HP lawn mower. I don't recall the proper part name, but the rebuilder showed it to me. The 4.0L motor's flexplate is especially weak. They develop stress cracks near the crank flange and let the converter wobble and blow shavings thru the trans. I would suggest very close inspection or replacement.
A fully disassembled, carefully rebuilt A4LD can be as good as new which isn't saying much ...if you're trying to tow.
A fully disassembled, carefully rebuilt A4LD can be as good as new which isn't saying much ...if you're trying to tow.
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