89 2.3 n/a

As you will find suggested 1.3 trillion times, do a search on a t-5 swap. The a4ld auto trans really blows...in the most literal sence. Even after a quality rebuild it still eats itself. The best, easiest, cheapest and most effiecent swap is a 5 speed from a 2.3 86-93 mustang/tbird (n/a or turbo). Local junkyards (if you pull it ) i have seen them as cheap as 50$.

Sounds like that A4LD is done like dinner. You could probably take it to a tranny shop and get it diagnosed quickly to see if it was easily reparable or not. Keep your fingers crossed considering this is your only car. Not to sure about the tranny from the 289. I'm assuming that the input shafts will be different sizes, among other things. I really don't think that will swap in too easily. If you have the time and the ability then look at doing a t-5 swap, they will give you a lot more power at the rear wheels and will make driving a lot more fun. Here is a link for a auto to manual swap in your car:

http://projecthp.ford23.com/howto.html

Hope some of this helps and feel free to ask any more questions about anything.

Oh, any by the way, you might want to invest in a new hood as well.