transmission problems

[captm11a]

My 1987 2.3 LX transmission shifts fine but wont go into overdrive. When you let off of the throttle it seems to free wheel because if you pick up the throttle to fast it slams the driveshaft. any body have any ideas on what this may be? I'M not sure what transmission it has when I look on the door code it has LXZZ. I know that the last letters are the axles but cant find anywhere telling me what the trans is.

 

[mustangprodude]

Well, it can only be 2 trannies, a T5 manual or the A4LD automatic. If it freewheels instead of engaging OD then odds are the OD band or servo has failed. The tranny will need to be dropped and rebuilt. Unless you're REALLY in love with the automatic, consider a T5 manual swap.

I'm actually doing this swap within the next few weeks. I'll be pulling a perfectly good (as good as they can get) A4LD tranny from my 90 vert and swapping in a 5 speed. If you're close to NC I'll sell you the A4LD really cheap!!

 

[captm11a]

Thanks for the info. Im in Missouri a little to far for a transmission.

 

[bobaganoosh]

I agree with the produde, I have an a4ld and I'm collecting parts for the T5 swap. just need a few things to get it done,

my a4ld does the same thing yours is doing (no overdrive) so my gas mileage sucks right now, but as long as it lasts till i get the rest of parts that's all i need it for


good luck

mike

 

[2.3stangmobber]

yeah im having probelms with my tranny too so if anyone can help that would be great..... i just changed the tranny filter and switch the fluid over to bnm shift performance atf....now when i take off on first it takes off kinda slow...any suggestions ?

 

[mustangprodude]

Unfortunately there's no easy cheap fixes for these A4LD's. The seals get old, the bands wear out and varnish begins to form in the valve bodies. Not to mention teh electronic issues. If you guys want to keep your auto's then find a reliable rebuilder and have them go through it, be sure to inquire about a warranty. Or if you're going to keep the car, convert to a 5 speed manual. That's what I'm doing for reliabilty, power and mpg.

 

[skypilot]

Know your pain. i have a 92 with its second AAMCO trans, less than a 100 miles on it. It was 2 grand the first time around and free the second. trust me, go for the stick conversion. that trans is too weak and marginal to play with. Or you could just put in a front subframe and put in a v8 conversion with a stronger trans.