I have a '91 Explorer that needs to have the transmission rebuilt. I have the tranny out and sitting in the garage, ready to go into the shop. My question is I've heard that the A4LD tranny is a problem in that it is unreliable (thx Jim Warman for the info). Should I just replace the old tranny with a rebuilt? Or should I get it rebuilt with new parts? How do I know if the shop uses old or new parts in their rebuild? Can I ask for it to be rebuilt with new parts?
The only reason I'm asking this is because I don't want to have to pull the tranny again in a year and do this all over again. It was hard to do :^) So if new parts will help then that's what I will use. But if a rebuild will work and is cheaper then I'll do that.
Thanks for your input, this list is an excellent resource. Jim
The main concern isn't so much new parts versus "old" parts, it's the skill and knowledge of whoever is rebuilding it. The original transmissions often last way past 100K even though others fail much sooner. So it is possible to put them together so they last. A good shop will know the weak areas that have beefier parts available as well as knowing which used parts can be put back in. Unless you want to pay many hundreds of dollars just for a new torque converter, you WILL be using some "used" parts.
Any reputable sh>I have a '91 Explorer that needs to have the transmission rebuilt. I have
Not knowing where you live (making recommendations to those in the states with NO requirements for proficiency scares me) I would suggest asking friends and neighbours if they have recommendations. Check you local shops that are equipped for transmission work for references. You could go here
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and click on "Shop Finder" on the left... I can'tguaranty that experience will be painless, but there will be an impartial3rd party to help with the resolution of any problems that may occur. Therewont be a lot of difference between a 'custom' rebuild and an'off-the-shelf' rebuild. As far as hard part replacement is concerned, I have seen everything from soup to nuts. A good shop will automatically ( no pun intended) replace fibers and steels in the clutches along with bands whether they appear servicable or not..... incidentally, this is the way I would go - I don't need an unknown hanging over my head or reputation. Naturally, all the soft parts would be replaced.... every last one - this way, if something goes wrong, I know it is something I did and I can make amends. Bushings are a judgenment call... in normal use, they see little wear but they deserve much scrutiny. If we are just freshing up an old trans, there's usually no problem.... if the trans has had a 'catastrophic' failure, I do get worried.
Noticing that you live above the 49th (takes a while to sink in), I can say that FQRs (Ford Quality Rebuilds) as offered in Alberta have served me well though they may seem spendy. Carlo at LoCost Automatic in Edmonton has served me well..... I have had a few problems with the odd transmission but he stands behind his warranty very well. I have had "bargain" automatics that have lost me both customers and money - these ones are easy to find and their prices are usually too good to be true.
Bear in mind that installing the transmission at home may compromise the warranty. Be absolutely sure to follow any instructions that come with the rebuilt transmission to a "T" - replace any external oil cooler and flush the lines and internal cooler with one of the readily available spray bomb solutions - both directions.
Additionally, be sure to replace the torque convertor with a new or rebuilt unit. Aside from being a fluid coupling betwixt motor and trans, they are also the worlds most effective centrifugal filter.... always ready to return their "booty" to the system.
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