How to Remove A4LD Bell Housing

The Ford A4LD is an automatic, four-speed overdrive transmission that was used from 1985 until 1995, when it was replaced by the R44E transmission. The A4LD is an adapted C3 transmission used primarily on four- and six-cylinder engines, including Mustangs, Rangers and Broncos. In order to remove the bell housing, the A4LD must be removed from the engine. Although not an overly complicated job, it does require some muscle and mechanical aptitude. Safety is of primary concern, as transmissions are heavy and dangerous if they fall.

Instructions

1

Jack the front of your Ford high enough so you can access the transmission while under the vehicle. Place a block behind each rear wheel and a jack stand under a solid spot directly behind both front wheels. Carefully lower the vehicle onto the jacks stands and move the jack away from the vehicle.

2

Disconnect the driveshaft. With a socket wrench, extension and socket, unbolt the driveshaft from the rear of the transmission, being sure to have an oil drain pan handy to catch the fluid that leaks out. Allow it to fully drain.

3

Remove any cables and wires on the A4LD. Unbolt the throttle-valve cable holder and remove the cable. Find the speedometer cable and do the same thing. Using flare-nut wrenches, remove the two transmission cooler lines. These are metal lines, so use flare-nut wrenches to prevent the tubing from twisting. Unhook the wire plugs manually by unsnapping their retainers.

4

Unbolt the inspection plate at the front of the engine. Removing the inspection plate gives access to the torque converter bolts. The torque converter is mounted to the flex plate by four bolts; the engine has to be cranked to access each bolt individually. Have a helper put a breaker bar and socket onto the crankshaft pulley bolt, located at the front of the engine. As each bolt is removed, have him crank the engine more, so you can access the next bolt.

5

Remove the starter from the transmission by unbolting it. Looking forward, the starter is located on the front, lower-right side of the transmission.

6

Place the transmission jack underneath the center of the transmission and raise it until it makes a solid connection to the transmission. Wrap the transmission with the hold-down chains on the jack and secure the transmission to the jack. Make sure the transmission and the jack are stable, then unbolt each side of the cross member holding the transmission up.

7

Unbolt the bell housing from the engine. At the front of the bell housing are bolts holding it to the engine. Remove them using a socket wrench or a box wrench, whichever is easier.

8

Wiggle the transmission until it begins to pull away from the engine. Continue backing the transmission out until you can access the inside of the bell housing.

9

Unbolt the bell housing from the transmission. Inside the bell housing are eight bolts. Unbolt them using the socket wrench, then remove the bell housing from the transmission.