The A4LD will work fine for normal driving around. It may not have a reputation for brute strength or longevity, but, there are millions and millions served....
If you want an automatic, just put one in and go. The worry factor is way over done, in my opinion.
I have not rebuilt one yet, but I probably will, just for the heck of it one day. I have two spares, one that supposedly works, that came with one of my TC parts cars.
It was in Rangers and Explorers with the 4.0, and is now behind the 4.6 in the new Mustang.
The trick is getting one that works, like I did for $100 or so, or getting one rebuilt, which does cost a bit more, if you don't do it yourself.
As for the other Ford automatics, AODs/4R70W's, 4R100's and their derivitives can also be built to take tons of power and abuse, in the same manner as a C4 or C6. There are AOD's behind 5-700 hp drag Mustangs. And they are as much stock as any TH350 or Glide is at that level.