Hey guys was going to see what you guys thought about a project idea. Got my 86 ranger single cab short bed. It’s got a standard transmission in it right now and I’m tossing around the idea of putting an automatic in. I found a used A4LD automatic transmission that I could get for free but I would need to get it rebuilt. Although It came out of a newer model ranger. I’m assuming I’m going to need to replace my computer as well as find a trans cooler and lines. Anyone on this forum ever takin on a project like this first hand. Any ideas ?


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Which engine do you have, and what engine did the a4ld come from?

I have a 2.3 l4 SOHC and not sure on other ranger


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The 2.3/3.0/4.0 all have different bell housings. To fit, you must match.

Installation would be a bolt-in process, however. You must realize that you will lose acceleration and fuel mileage swapping to an automatic. AND. It will cost in the ballpark of about $1k to have the A4LD rebuilt properly.(SWAG, CA prices are likely higher than the rest of US due to CARB and other 'boards' that want to regulate your life).
The computer will have to understand 'overdrive' and 'torque converter lockup', along with the wires to support, and the wires to/from the transmission to the computer and to the OD control on the shifter. There is an OD bulb socket in the instrument cluster which might be handy to have wired also.
If you go for it, understand it is not a 5 hour job, more like a two-three day job, if you want to do all the details.
tom