According to this website;
http://market.autopartsfair.com/ford-transmissions/find_product.HTML?model=ranger_2wd&year=1989
You have an A4LD transmission whether it is a 2wd or a 4wd.
Answerand what is funny is that tranny is so bad ford says it isn't a ford tranny..Mercury designed it and ford made the "mistake" of using it for their trucks AnswerThere were three transmissions available in 1989. There was the Mitsubishi unit that was often coupled with the 2.9 liter engine and the Mazda M5OD (which is in my 1992 Ranger) for the manual transmissions. Then, there was the A4LD automatic.A4LD - 4 speed automatic
DEX III Transmission Fluid
That would depend on which 5 speed manual transmission you have in your 1989 Ford Ranger : The Mitsubishi ( transmission code " D " ) takes ( 80-90W gear lube ) The Mazda ( transmission code " M " ) takes ( MERCON automatic transmission fluid )
ATF
In a 1989 Ford Ranger : It depends on which 5 speed manual transmission you have : A Mitsubishi ( transmission code " D " ) takes ( 2.4 U.S. quarts of 80-90W gear lube A Mazda ( trans code " M " ) takes ( 2.8 quarts of MERCON automatic transmission fluid )
That would be a version of the A4LD automatic transmission
For a 1994 Ford Ranger, the manufacturer's recommendation is DEXRON-MERCON automatic transmission fluid.
Manual transmission lubricant type: MERCON autmatic transmission fluid - Haynes Manual #36071, 1993-2005 Ford Ranger Pick-ups.
Manual transmission fluid type ....... MERCON automatic transmission fluid. - Haynes Manual #36071 - 1993-2005 Ford Ranger Pick-ups.
1991-1996 Ranger automatic transmissions use Mercon type automatic transmission fluid.
The type of automatic transmission fluid to use is stamped on the automatic transmission fluid dipstick according to the 1997 Ford Ranger owners manual
Motorcraft MERCON automatic transmission fluid is used in a 2001 Ford Ranger 5 speed manual transmission ( yes - ATF )