You people saved me $2000! Because of the help I received here, I did not let my shop (ex-shop) replcae the A4LD tranny in my 94 Explorer. I replaced the $37 vacuum modulator instead. Been driving it for a couple of weeks now and it is DEFINATELY fixed!
I took the advice of someone and pulled the passenger seat, the carpet, the console and the access cover off the top of the tranny hump. It was an all day job but I did it. And sure nuf, that little rascal of a "pushrod" popped out and fell right on the ground but I found it and got it back in place.
Just to recount the symptoms that I experienced: Tranny slipping; Tranny fluid "disappearing" (by the quart); Vacuum lines at PCV fitting (has about 6 lines) soft, and coated with tranny fluid.
What a deal and I made BIG points with the Mrs.! I don't have much to offer here but I do work the newsgroups at autodesk.com if any of you need AutoCAD support...
Buy the way... There is one vacuum port without a vacuum line at the PCV valve. Currently the ones connected are: the tranny vacuum modulator, 3 small "poly" pipes, and a large line going over to some kinda bladder on the driver wheelwell. I forget but there might also be one to the master cylinder. There is one that has no hose. Anybody know what the missing line goes to?