Desperate Transmission help

I have a 94 Ford explorer XL 2wd automatic with 140,000 Kms. first my trans would slip into neutral while driving then went to not going into drive unless i rev'd it up now it just plain wont go into drive anymore. i changed my trans filter no metal filiings in the pan just three little tiny tiny circle pieces. the fluid is pretty burnt and thin it hasnt been flushed yet but im going to. what could my problem be. everyone else is telling me my overdrive hub or modulator but i have no light on in my dash for it to be a modulator?

please help me out asap.

thanks,

The modulator is vaccum controlled so there is no light for it. It's not that expensive (approx $22.) and easy to replace. Do this at the same time you're replacing trans fluid. The overdrive hub requires disassembly to start with modulator. Let us all know what happens.

Were these pieces tiny cylinders? Sounds like a thrust washer exploded. They can easily make it to the pan and likely the OD planetary snapped the weldsThe vacuum modulator would be a waste unless fluid is dissapearing. Try it in the Drive position and see if it works. Do you still have reverse? also try it in manual 1 & 2. Since the value of the vehicle is relatively low, you might try a partial rebuild yourself. OD section is relatively easy and cheap to work on.

Getting a light on a 94 for a transmission problem. Yea, that's gonna happen!

1,2, drive and overdrive all have the same result nothing happens. i do still have reverse and they were little tiny cylinder pieces like im talking milimeters in size. what does a thrust washer involve doing to fix. so it looks like im going to have to take the transmission out and work on it or is this work that can be done while its still attached? thanks for you help this truck hasnt one smedge of rust underneath or on the body so i'd hate to see it go mechanically first

There is a forward clutch that engages in all forward gears. Fluid is fed to this through some center seals that can go bad and sometimes the ring that holds the clutch assembly together falls out. This does sound like a forward clutch problem. Power transfer problems through the OD section would also affect reverse. You may still have an OD problem you never knew about. The transmission is divided into two sections by the center support. The OD section is the first and easiest to work on. Only 8 bolts and no special tools, AS LONG AS YOU DON"T UNBOLT THE PUMP. After center support requires just a little more skill and the need to have an engine stand to rotate the tranny. For more procedures read the 50+ posts on the thread is located at:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=60887&goto=newpost

A new thread titles "My A4LD rebuild diary" now has pictures of tear apart on last page.

Cut the filter open for a more complete inspection. The front of the trans has came completely apart. The little pieces are roller bearings out of a torrington bearing. Which is between either the OD sun gear and OD planet or between OD planet and center shaft. The best thing to do is rebuild the transmission, valve body, pump, them wobblely planet sets and don't forget...The converter. Thats, if you want to keep the rig for a while.