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The A4LD is Ford's 4-speed compact automatic - Ranger, Bronco II, early Explorer. It is a C3-family three-speed with an overdrive section added: 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are hydraulic (governor and vacuum diaphragm), while the PCM runs only the 3-4 shift solenoid and the converter clutch solenoid [1]. Ratios are 2.47, 1.47, 1.00 and 0.75, reverse 2.10 [3].
Years
1984-1995
Maker
Ford
Ship Time
Same-day before 2pm ET
Common A4LD Failures
| Symptom | Most Likely Fix |
|---|---|
| No 4th gear / overdrive | Test the 3-4 shift solenoid first (26-40 ohms, harness under 0.5 ohm) and the PCM inputs (ECT, TP, VSS, brake switch); then overdrive band, servo and drum [1] |
| No converter lockup | TCC solenoid (26-40 ohms), brake switch (code 536) or coolant sensor (codes 116-118) [1] |
| Slipping in OD | Overdrive band adjustment or wear (10 ft-lb, back off 2 turns) or overdrive servo [2] |
| Late, harsh or erratic 1-2 / 2-3 | Vacuum diaphragm or vacuum supply, governor, valve body. The A4LD uses a vacuum diaphragm, not a TV cable [1][2] |
A4LD Rebuild Specs (Ford)
| Item | Ford spec |
|---|---|
| Fluid | MERCON WSP-M2C185-A; fluid check lists Motorcraft XT-2-QDX/DDX (E4AZ-19582-B) [2][4] |
| Capacity | About 9.7 qt (9.2 L) dry incl. cooler (1993 2.3L Mustang); set level hot, do not overfill [2] |
| Bands | Overdrive and intermediate: 10 ft-lb, back off 2 turns, new locknut at 35-45 ft-lb [2] |
| Clutch packs (2.3L) | Overdrive 3/3, reverse/high 4/4 at .051-.079 in., forward 5/5 at .055-.083 in. [2] |
| End play | Front 0.007-0.025 in. (F0TZ-70014-A to -G washers); converter end play 0.023 in. max new, 0.050 in. used [2] |
| Key torques | Pan 8-10 ft-lb; valve body to case 71-97 in-lb; converter to flywheel 20-34 ft-lb [2] |
| 4.0L trucks | Inspect the crank spacer, use the 0.106 in. flexplate F1TZ-6375-BA and a long-pilot converter [5] |
Sources
- Ford, 1993 Mustang Workshop Manual, Section 07-01A A4LD, Description and Electronic Diagnosis. PCM control of the 3-4 and TCC solenoids, inputs and EEC-IV codes, 26-40 ohm solenoid tests. description, electronics, pinpoint tests
- Ford, 1993 Mustang Workshop Manual, Section 07-01A A4LD, Specifications. Torques, band adjustment, clutch counts and clearances, end play, vacuum diaphragm, 9.7 qt capacity and MERCON spec. fordservicecontent.dealerconnection.com
- ATRA, Automatic Transmission Gear Ratio Chart (2006-01_58). A4LD ratios. ATRA (PDF)
- Ford, 1993 Mustang Workshop Manual, Section 07-01A A4LD, Fluid Checking and Adding. XT-2-QDX/DDX fluid and hot level check. fordservicecontent.dealerconnection.com
- Transmission Digest, Gregg Nader (Sonnax TASC Force), "A4LD/4R44E: Ford 4.0-Liter Crank-Spacer Puzzle". Crank spacer wear, 0.106 in. flexplate, long converter pilot. transmissiondigest.com
Updated November 10, 2026. See also C3 vs A4LD differences and A4LD vs 4R44E differences.