Transmission woes.

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Mar 20, 2007 | 07:54 PM

Titantis

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From: london, Kentucky

Transmission woes.

My friend has an '88 Bronco II, 2.9l, A4LD, and this morning reverse and 3rd gear went out without warning. I don't know all of the details, as I spoke with him for all of 2 minutes. Any clue what has happened? Is it gonna be an expensive fix? Better to just get a new tranny? I have heard that the trannies that back the 4.0l are more resilient, and will fit the 2.9l, but did the 4.0l come backed by the A4LD? I'm just scrounging for answers and help, its his only means of transportation as of now, and he has to make it back and forth from work and school everyday. Any info will be much appreciated, thanks.

Mar 20, 2007 | 08:06 PM

my72ford

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From: YORK S.C.

has he checked the tranny fluid lately? it might be in need of a filter change..if that's not the problem you could have a shift solenoid out..i would start by checking the fluid level ans maybe a filter change..

Mar 20, 2007 | 08:22 PM

Titantis

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From: london, Kentucky

I believe he has checked the fluid, but he acts like everything is so complicated to him sometimes, so the last time it was checked was probably when I did it for him a few weeks ago, lol. But I would say he most definitely needs to change the filter. Thanks.

Mar 22, 2007 | 07:00 PM

kernel-panic

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From: Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan

Fluid / filter change & do all of the adjustments and go from there. Worst case scenario is a rebuild, but if a reputable shop that knows what the heck they're doing does it, they will put all the stronger updated parts in.

Mar 23, 2007 | 06:27 PM

Titantis

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From: london, Kentucky

Well we asked around and went to a few shops, and for a rebuild the cheapest guy wanted $1200-$1300.

I found a tranny on ebay that might work. I have very little knowledge when it comes to transmission, would this fit his truck?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...QQcmdZViewItem
If it will fit, shipping and all will be like $535, and we could get it put in for about $200-$250.

Mar 23, 2007 | 11:06 PM

kernel-panic

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From: Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan

I believe those are the same transmission (Explorers). If you do get it, it should be a matter of checking all the bolt patterns, lengths, etc. You could probably do the tranny swap yourself and save some $$$. I can't remember if you yourself can buy the "good" rebuild kits for those transmissions and do it yourself or not. That would probably be another cheap option, as I'm thinkin' labor costs are what's making the price so @#$%^&*! high. Have you guys even tried doing a fluid / filter change and adjustments at all? It's kind of odd that *3rd* and *Reverse* went at once... I thought that Reverse and Low were in the same set, at least they are on most 3-speed autos that I can recall, unless I'm completely mistaken. Bad thing is, if gears "go"... it's definitely a sign of impending rebuild, especially after you adjust everything to specs and change fluid/filter and it still doesn't work.

Mar 24, 2007 | 09:45 PM

my72ford

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From: YORK S.C.

i would probably do a fluid/filter change and make any needed adjustments before changing out the tranny... if changing the filter doesn't do it then you most likely need a rebuild,or replacement....hope this helps!!