Slightly Modified-1991 Explorer 4 dr 4x4 Build

[Josh P]

The C3/C4/C5 transmissions do not have a changeable bellhousing, so it is either a Cologne V6 pattern or it is not, no swapping them around.

This isn't correct, those transmissions have removable bellhousings. The C5 has a lockup torque converter, C4 doesn't. The C3 is a weak transmission that was never offered behind a V8. A bellhousing from a A4LD or 5R55E fits the C3.

 

[allmyEXes]

This project has been on hold for a bit. I didn't know that the '97MM 5.0 coil-near-plug conversion was going to take such a financial toll on my car hobbies monies, not to mention some physical and significant mental stress.
I have an eye on a mid 80's 5.0 truck long block that my neighbor has had sitting in his yard upside down on an old garage door. The exhaust and Y-pipe are still on it, so I am leaning towards the positive side of this that the 5.0 is usable or at least buildable.
BUT, what I' looking for in the meantime: In 1984, the Bronco IIs came with a 2.8 V-6 and a C-5. I have a 2wd C-5 with the 1982 part number, so I'm sure that it is a C-5 and it came from behind a 5.0. (FYI, 1982 C-5 and AOD/4R70W use the same 50 oz 164 tooth flex-plate). At the least, I need some parts out of the 1984 Bronco II C-5.
I need the 4wd output shaft and the tail housing piece, transfer case adapter? I wish that I had pictures to show what I need.
In a nutshell, I'm converting a 2wd C-5 to 4wd to bolt to the stock transfer case which is a BW T-1354e. It's electric shift.
I have called Advanced Adapters about some headers that they used to make or had a company mass produce. They are no longer available. I personally think that at the moment that company may be a bit out of tune as to how popular the small-block conversion into Rangers and Explorers is. I know it was a big thing ~20 to 23 years ago? Was there a surge and then the popularity drop some and a resurge is happening now? Or has it been continuous since then and still going. Anyway, if you could use this type of header, call Advance Adapters, 1-800-350-2223 and tell them that you need a set of the headers and there are still a lot of guys swapping in V-8s into Rangers and Explorers.

AA 717044

 

[410Fortune]

Okay the c5 is a c4 auto with the 2.8/2.9/4.0 60’degree v6 bellhousing and the correct output shaft and tailhousing for the 1350/ 54 t case
C5 came in 84-85 bronco ii and ranger 2.8
Was replaced by a4ld in 86

Getting harder to find for sure!

So you have a rwd version and you now need the 4wd output shaft and tailhousing
This allows you to run a badass c4 based 3 speed behind the 4.0 ohv or sohc

What I am confused on here is you keep saying 5.0 and headers

The c5 bellhousing and tailhousing are for the v6
The c4 bellhousing fits the 289/302

It’s early still before coffee… but what is the end game here in case I missed it?

You are looking to do a 5.0 /c4 /1354 setup?

You need the output shaft and tailhousing from the c5 for that
Hard to find but still out there

You could also consider running a Dana 20 t caee from an early bronco or a ford np205 those two t cases should Bolt up to a 4wd c4 and clear the frame rails

The advance adapter headers were only ever for rwd trucks


I can’t believe I said the c4 bellhousing is not removable must have been a bad day. I think I’m starting to forget a bunch of crap thank goodness you guys can keep me in line

 

[Josh P]

I too need a recap. This thread has been out of sight and mind for awhile.

 

[allmyEXes]

Yep! I need the output shaft and tail housing from the 1984 Bronco II 4wd C-5 that was behind a 2.8 V-6
I need the C-5 4wd parts to build a transmission to use behind the 1985 5.0 engine. I want to use the transfer case and driveshafts that came
in the 1991 4dr 4wd. Engine position will be determined by working backwards from the rear driveshaft, transfer case/C-5 4wd to the 5.0 engine.
The current 4.0 will be repaired in the chassis and have a flywheel, bellhousing and starter to make it run then sell it to someone needing a 4.0 OHV.
I'm skipping making the 4.0 and A4LD work and drivable. I'm mentally ready to do the V-8 5.0 conversion.
Headed out the door here. I'll check back at work.

 

[Josh P]

the 1991 4dr 4wd. Engine position will be determined by working backwards from the rear driveshaft, transfer case/C-5 4wd to the 5.0 engine.

I'm no expert with the C4 or C5 transmission, the case length is shorter than an A4LD. Does the 4wd transfer case extension housing make up the difference?

 

[410Fortune]

C5 is 5” shorter then a4ld

C5 also has a lock up converter

C5 did come behind the v8?? I never knew this

I’m reading about them

 

[allmyEXes]

@410Fortune The picture below has the V-8 bell housing.
@Josh P The C-5 4wd transfer case extension housing should work out just right.
I went back to the beginning of this thread and I see that time has passed by and what I want to do with this truck. I'll start a new thread (5.0/C-5 conversion) after I use this thread to locate C-5 4wd parts from a Brono II 2.8/C-5 powered vehicle.
Picture of C-5 2wd below. It appears to have a Fox body transmission mount attacked to it.
It is a rough looking core.

 

[Josh P]

C5 is 5” shorter then a4ld

C5 also has a lock up converter

C5 did come behind the v8?? I never knew this

I’m reading about them

The lockup converter is also no longer available so when they die it gets converted to a C4.

 

[allmyEXes]

From Google AI: "The Ford C4, a three-speed automatic transmission, debuted in 1964 and was produced until 1981, known for its durability and use in many small-block V8 powered cars. In 1982, the C5, essentially a C4 with a lock-up torque converter, was introduced to improve fuel economy."
AI again"As fuel economy became more important, the C4 was replaced in 1982 by the C5, which was essentially a C4 with a lock-up clutch in the torque converter to improve highway fuel economy. It bore the casting numbers E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6, corresponding with the year it was produced."

Around the shop here, we refer to the C5s as E2s.
The reason a C4 was called a C4 because it was designed in 1964 (C) for 60's 4 for the year.
Ford #s 50s "B", 60s (C), 70s (D), 80s (E), 90s (F). I don't know after that.

 

[410Fortune]

C4 X BRONCO II T/C (11.500 )

C4 X BRONCO II T/C (11.500")

www.advanceadapters.com

Kills the heck out of a $600 bill

Cheaper at bronco graveyard

Trans Swaps-Broncograveyard.com

I don’t see any avail on eBay anymore

Junk yard or private party you might still find a 84-85 bii or ranger 4wd and grab the whole trans. You can sell the v6 bellhousing for good $$$ lots of desert dudes still run a c4 behind their 4.0 ohv or sohc

 

[Josh P]

The Advance Adapters swap headers pictured above are junk. They were made from thin wall exhaust tube which cracked at the welds.

 

[Josh P]

Just out of curiosity, why a C5 instead of an AOD?

 

[allmyEXes]

@Josh P Mainly because the truck has 3.55 gears and a tire size of 32" gets pretty close to a usable final pavement ratio with the 1:1
final gear, and I have a V-8 C5 out of a Mustang.
AOD with the 3.55s and the 32 inchers would rarely shift into OD.
Also, this truck will hardly ever get on the interstate and am not going to the expense of an end to end gear ratio change.
I'm trying to keep cost down after MM breaking the bank.
@410Fortune I may have to buy an '84 Bronco II to get a C-5 out of it for parts. The roller truck would the be available to others for a 5.0 swap.
I could find a Bronco II for what the shops want for the 2 main parts that I need.

 

[410Fortune]

Bronco ii are sought after now
Any one with a title and decent body is fetch good $$$
Nobody really cares about the factory drivetrain lol

Who knew? I could have collected 30
Of them when people were giving them away

 

[allmyEXes]

@Josh P @410Fortune
Picture below of a C-5 automatic bell housing used behind the 5.0. The C-5 came about in 1982 at the same time that the 50oz balance 5.0 did.
I just realized that I have not shared this with everyone.