Sinking Creek 4WD Association

This isn't exactly 4wd-related... but then again, it could be. My brother has an '83 Ranger 2wd that has developed a problem with the auto transmission. 1st and 2nd work, but Drive and Reverse do not. It has the 3.0L V6, and that's all I know about it. I thought some of you Ford guys might have some suggestions for what might have gone wrong with it, or some info on what could be done. I've seen an '88 Ranger 5-speed + transfer case for sale... could that be a candidate for a swap?

something's mixed up. '83 was way too early for the 3.0.

Hmm... Perhaps it had an engine swap in its previous life... In that case, I guess he's gonna have to do some investigating to figure out what tranny it actually has in it. Or, just look for a replacement tranny that bolts up to the 3.0.

After looking into it some more.. I'm pretty sure he must have said '93... cuz by looking at the pics, I know it doesn't look like the '83. That makes the most sense anyway. I guess that would mean it should have the A4LD tranny.

If it's a 93 then it prolly has the A4LD, which should be shit-canned as soon as possible. I've never really had to research auto trannys, so I'm just going from what I've read and heard. I haven't a clue what could be causing the loss of drive, but for the sake of considering a swap.... the A4LD's that came behind the 4.0L engine are supposed to be stronger. In 95 they were re-designated as 4R44E (light duty 2.3 and 3.0L) and 4R55E (heavier duty 4.0L). Supposedly they are the same design as the previous A4LD's.