I recently bought an old 85 bronco II as a project car and was told at the time I bought it that the tranny was fine but the engine needed to have the accessories (alternator, power steering, etc) put back on in order to run. So I bought it ($300), as is. Anyway, the engine once assembled, worked wonderfully (only had 30K on a rebuild) but the transmission is having pretty major issues.
First I found that the modulator valve (and pin) were missing, and when I tried to drive it, it sometimes moved and sometimes didn't and of course when it did, it took ramping up the rpm's. I've since replaced the modulator valve, filter, fluid and adjusted the bands but still it doesn't seem to want to move. When I shift it into gear, it acts like it wants to shift but then.....nothing. Any suggestions as to what I need to do next. I found a used A4LD at a junkyard that I can get for 450 but I'd rather fix the one I have before I spend money on a used transmission that may have as many problems as mine. (note: most of the vacuum line on the vehicle were disconnected when I purchased the vehicle and I'm pretty sure I've routed them properly but since I know little to nothing about transmissions I figured I'd make sure they couldn't be the problem) Thanks

 

If you have no vacuum leaks and everything else seems in order, I would double-check fluid level. Sounds like it's either low or the torque converter and/or pump is shot. Outside of that, could be that the clutch discs are all burned up and worn out. If it comes down to having to have it rebuilt, have a heavy-duty rebuild done and have all the upgraded hard parts, etc. installed. Another possibility is shift linkage being a little off or other wear and tear causing fluid flow issues.

 

fluid levels are good, double checked it, vacuum I'm not so sure about. The diagram on the front of my vehicle is worn so it could be that I've misrouted one or two, do you know where I could find a clear vacuum diagram for a 85 Bronco II with a carb (vs fuel injection) 2.8L?

 

I would not mess with the stock 2150a feedback carb, it and its surrounding rats nest of vacuum lines and wires, sensors that most likely have not worked for years are a nightmare. For great drive ability with the 2.8, you should do the dura-spark dist, and module swap and get a non feedback 2100 or 2150 2bbl motorcraft carb to replace that horrid 2150a. Then you can get rid of all the comp. and emissions crap that are hanging on, it will run worlds better than even it did new. A 2100/2150 with 1.08s off a 302 will work great.......As for the trans,............sigh......considered swapping it for a 5spd manual?.....Auto trans in B2s are trouble brewing.

 

I'm really not having much problem with the engine, seem to have it tuned in pretty good but this transmission issue baffles me. Not being a tranny guy, I'm hard pressed to diagnois my own problem. Today I went out and it won't budge, it's almost like it's not wanting to shift at all. I might as well be in neutral all the time....ahhh!!!! I'd rebuild it myself, I have most of the tools and the work space but it appears to be out of my knowledge level. Right now I'd like to get it running. (and yes, I've checked the fluid level....lol)

 

The A4LD isn't that difficult to rebuild, from what I have seen. TRS has a digital copy of the manual for the transmission in their tech library, and I know of a few vendors that sell the upgrade parts kit you'd need in conjunction with the 'standard' rebuild kit. If any hard parts are broken, then you'd have to buy them separately. If you've got the time, you could probably rebuild it yourself. There are several things you could address while you have it out of the truck, too.

Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission Identification <-- some info on this page is not entirely accurate (I've seen C5s in '85 Rangers and BIIs that were not equipped with overdrive).

Ford Ranger A4LD Automatic Transmission

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...up_switch.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...4LD_manual.pdf