zjrog

I'm in the middle of rebuilding a Ford A4LD trans for a 94 Explorer I bought for cheap. I'm about halfway done with this build and it got me thinking about my 42RE in my 95 ZJ...

On one of the Explorer forums, there are several really good build "diaries". I haven't seen anything like that here, or at NAGCA or Mallcrawlin... SO is someone on here a really good trans tech for the 42RE?

My current trans is not wanting to shift into third until really warm, and likes to hold second now and again (though I should adjust the TV cable to see if thats the issue). I'm considering getting a junkyard trans and rebuilding it. Just wondering what sort of things I could do to it to make it more durable.

Until I dug into the A4LD, I've avoided trans work like the plague... But while challenging, it doesn't seem that hard (that and my buddy loaned me his trans bench...)...

RRAM

to make them tougher you can put in larger clutch pack, of course there is valve body stuff, and then a new TC. Now how it actually is done is not clear to me. Other then throwing cash at a tranny shop. These are basically the same old 904 and 727 trannys from way back, just with a added overdrive and some then electronics. I think one part that is a bit difficult and needs respect is the overdrive part. there is a really really big spring in there and you need a good safe press or something to do anything to that part.

zjrog

I have a frined that let me borrow his trans bench and his clutch set press... REALLY makes life easy with the right tools. I know another forum where I can get good 727/904 info... Thanks!

zjrog

Anyone swap a 42RE for an AW4? JUST curious...

utah_redneck

Not too sure about all the tranny tech stuff, but I do know from my own research that the AW4 is the best auto for the jeeps. They are built better. Not sure what or why but that's what all the dealers and other jeepers say. I also do know that a swap to the AW4 isn't too hard, just need to make sure you get the right tranny shift module, they are different and you''l also need a new engine harness....cuz the wires to the tranny tie in with the engine/sensor harness to the ECM.

seed

heres a writeup from JF on a AW4 swap....http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showt...98936&posted=1

Desertfox1023

Just a note, The A4LD is a very crapy Trans that is lucky to survive over 100K. The one in my ranger needed to be rebuilt at 90K. My buddies went out at the 110K. Sorry, just had to vent a little over all the crap I've been through with them.

zjrog

The Ex has 194,000 miles on it, and the A4LD I'm rebuilding was a rebuild... I'm not sure if its failure was not putting in new seals in the pistons or incorreectly installed seal. And I don't know when the trans was rebuilt either.

I might look for an AW4 and the right harness for my ZJ....

donald

Hey CF gurus.

Sorry to dig up a thread from the '09 era (), but I was wondering what's so "bad" about the 44re.

Now, I have done some minimal reading, and have read that the 44re's are "bad news", in that they require rebuild or swap out (rebuilt or swap for AW4) at about 100-150K.

I'm currently looking at a 94 GC I-6 4x4 limited w/ 175K for $3350, which seems to be in very clean clean condition! Hardly off-roaded - previously owned by a "older" couple about 60yrs old. I know the 93's were the last year to have the AW4 in the I-6 drivetrain. But finding a 93 is a bit hard ( a nice one that is).

So, to build off the OP's post, I was wondering what and how people drive in their 44re's that make them break down so "fast"?
-Off-roading? Mall crawling? Hillside ascents?
-towing? car towing? dirtbike towing? furniture towing?
-basic commuting? highway? mud? snow? gravel? rock?
-dare I say it? "racing"?

I'm basically going to use it for occasional towing of light furniture - never to exceed the 2ton tow limit, or my motorcycle to the track. Definitely will see some snow, but I doubt anything crazy... more like 5" of snow MAX on a plowed highway. and basic commuting .

Thanks In advance for any input, everyone! <- saw this, and was amused.
I'm chinese.