[macmichael]

87 lx 2.3 was puking tranny fluid out of the front of the transmission.....
seems to be leaking out of the torque converter cover ......is this a blown seal or ?????????? any info on a4ld transmissions would greatly be appreciated

[74stang2togo]

It is most likely a worn/blown seal, but it could be worse. Only way to know for sure is to pull the transmission out though. The A4LD is a computer-controlled automatic overdrive that is also a lighter duty variant of the already light-duty C3 automatic transmission from Ford. They are notoriously flimsy with even a hint of "spirited" driving, but will last a "little-old-lady" type driver roughly 100,000 before the big bang.

That said, I blew up the A4LD in my '88 Mustang LX 2.3 convertable in about two weeks after purchasing the car... but kept going (it was for in-town use and a backup vehicle only, as my sister had originally purchased it then abandoned it when every single trip she took in the car ended in disaster.) with just first and second gear for almost two years before I pulled the engine and tranny and sold the car itself to a friend who's now transplanting her 5.0 into it.

[macmichael]

thankz for the info....wish i knew something about the history of these things before i decided to take it for a test drive ( i was not easy on it ) it did not seem to wanta downshift when i accelerated hard as in to pass someone or climb a steep grade (in OD) other than that it was running great...it did however have a slow response when you first start it up and but it in R or D and then would engage abruptly ( as in hard)...i've read that the low/reverse servo is a common problem with leakage as well on these things....do you think i would be better off to drop the trannie myself and get one from a wreckers ?? or...try to replace the leaking seal (which one???) and low reverse servo seals myself as well as filter etc..........any thoughts or help definately appreciated as i have zilch experience with trannies other than fluid flush/filter change and, band adjustments...thankz again for the info on the A4LD

[tommy1]

I had the same problem with my 91 2.3 automatic. I pulled the trans and replaced the front seal. It still leaks. It was suggested to me that the vent was blocked and causes fluid to come out the front. Where is the transmission vent?

[tommy1]

the problem is that the pump bushing gets worn out. The front seal is only a fluid seal, not a pressure seal, therefore, when the bushing wears out the full pressurized fluid heads right to the front seal and easily blows right by it. I found a local trans shop that will install a new bushing for $120. I can get a used tranny for $250 plus my old one.

[88carazystang]

yea right my stang has 367000km's origional tranny still runs like a dream