1985 Ranger 4X4 with A4LD transmission , 2.8 V6 engine & manual lever in floor for 4X4 & Hi & Low range . Transmission seems to shift & hold properly in forward gears . With transfer case in Hi range & the truck on the level or a very slight incline reverse works as long as you are easy on the gas . If on a steeper incline or if you goose the engine reverse lets go & just slips .
With the transfer case in Low range the truck will back up steep inclines & will spin the tires without slipping . I would think if it has a pressure problem or worn clutches or bands causing the problem that it would also slip in Low range before spinning the tires . Fluid has been changed & is at proper level on the dipstick . What do you think ? TIA
Also have torqued bands & valve body to specs.

 

low range is gear reducted and dosnt put as much strain on the cltuch pack.

 

Pull the pan back off and remove the 4 - 10mm bolts that hold the metal cover on. Inspect the gasket under this cover and also inspect the piston that will fall out too. You are looking for a bad gasket and or a problem with the piston and its seals, also if there is a big spring under this piston, leave it out when you go back together with it.

 

Sorry to bring back a really old post but i am having the exact same problem with a 86 a4ld in my 88 ranger. Did this fix your problem? also what is the reason for removing the spring and not putting it back in? didn't ford put it in there for a reason? and also is this plate with the 4 bolts easy to spot with the pan removed? I am going to remove the pan this weekend and replace the fluid and filter but I am interested in doing this too while i am in there

 

anyone know anything related to this? i am looking to pull the pan this weekend.

 

The plate with the 4 bolts can be easily seen and removed with the pan off. The spring can be left out, Ford realized that it was not needed and did away with it in the later models and it helps correct a delay into reverse.

 

ok thanks a bunch could i use a good rtv sealant to replace the gasket on that plate?

 

No silicone will not hold it has to be that gasket.

 

Well crap. any idea where i can get this gasket or a part number. every time i go to my ford dealer they act like they can't get anything for it cus it is to old. or could i just cut my own gasket out of some paper or cork gasket material? Will this help it with engaging or or the slipping? only reason i ask that is because it engages pretty firm but as soon as i get on the throttle it slips.

 

The gasket rarely has problems, if there are problems in this area they are usually with the seals on the piston itself.

Slipping reverse could be may different problems, the servo cover and piston or valve body issues are about the only things you will be able to repair without removing the transmission and rebuilding it. Checking line pressure would help determine if there is a pressure problem with the pump.

Slipping reverse problem areas are

Reverse band
Direct drum
Center support
Pump
Valve body
Reverse servo

 

thanks man, i am pretty sure your the one that was helping me out on the overdrive t/c wiring, no need to work on that with out reverse though.

I am 90% sure it is needing to just get rebuilt though. I sucked out some fluid and dumped in some transx cleaner/conditioner. the fluid i sucked out look aweful it was brown and very sparkly and shiny. so i am just going out on a hope and change the filter, fluid and put in some Lucas Stop slip and hope it gets me by till i can save up some $$ for my 88 trans to be rebuilt.

thanks for the help! it is great that there is a place and people out there that are willing to help out!!!