automatic transmission options???

[rguy]

I want to swap out my manual transmission for an automatic. What are my options that don't require using an adapter with my 4.0L ...C4, C5? And what transfer case would be needed?

I've searched all I can and can't find a clear answer.

Thanks.

Rob

 

[colindo94]

A4LD is the only real bolt in option, but its a bad tranny for what you want it for. I would say go with a c4 if you don't mind loosing overdrive. You will need a bellhousing from a bronco 2 with a c6 tranny and then it will bolt in to your engine I believe. I am also thinking about this swap, but am worried about no overdrive. For a transfercase you have a few options. I think dana 20 tcase would be cool.

 

[Flandry]

There's lots of great info. in the Transmission section: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=109

I just had to put a tranny into a 93 2WD Sport and hoped I could go with something besides the A4LD myself. When I asked about the feasibility of a 4R55E swap, I received this reply from forum member jah81592 referring to a swap to a late model Explorer tranny:

Since the 4r and 5r are essentially the same I would recommend going with the 5r55e from the Explorer. This is a heavy duty unit (Explorer unit). The stock computer will not shift this tranny but I do offer a unit that will. Additionally your speedo will not work because the speedo for your truck is cable and the newer units don't even have a provision for a cable. If you had a guage my controller has a provision to drive a electronic speedo.-jh

If you're interested, James' website and contact info. are: http://www.hensonperformance.com/

The basic problem is that the A4 is computer controlled on the OD and TCC only, while all later X trannys are computer controlled on all gears. If you want full functionality without changing computers, etc. the A4LD is your only choice. However, Ford has made a number of updates to improve the A4's reliability. While still not great tranny, the updates do help. A remanufactured A4 labeled A4LD-HD (HD for "Heavy Duty") that includes these updates can be purchased from a Ford dealer. I went this route and added an F250/350 Super Duty transmission oil filter. A tranny oil cooler is also a great idea if your X doesn't have the towing package.

 

[rguy]

A4LD is the only real bolt in option, but its a bad tranny for what you want it for. I would say go with a c4 if you don't mind loosing overdrive. You will need a bellhousing from a bronco 2 with a c6 tranny and then it will bolt in to your engine I believe. I am also thinking about this swap, but am worried about no overdrive. For a transfercase you have a few options. I think dana 20 tcase would be cool.

I don't mind loosing OD at all because mine is a trail only rig. I like the C4 but couldn't find any info about using it. So I could use the C4 but with the c6 bellhousing from a BII??? I thought the BIIs had C5 transmissions. If thats the case then the C4 would work with a C5 bellhousing, right? What was the D20 x-fer case used in? I assume the orientation of the driveshafts would still be correct with the D20 x-fer case, right?

thanks for the help. I may pay the local transmission shop a visit for more information now that I have a direction to go in.

Rob

 

[Totalled]

Yeah, it's a C5. I put one into mine from a 1984 BII. They were used in 4x4 83/84 Rangers and 1984 BIIs. Or, you can use the bell from one on a C4. I had to have a custom torque converter built because the stock 2.8L C5 converter stalled to 3500 in the explorer... It stalls to about 2200 in a BII with a 2.8L. The new converter is still too loose. It always slips 500 rpm. It constantly turns 2-2500 in town to maintain 40 mph and it turns 3200 on the freeway to maintain 60 mph with 3.73 gears.

I finally found a M5OD and the swap parts after spending the money to put the C5 in and not have it work the way I wanted....


Keep the 5 speed.

But, here's my swap thread if you want an idea of the worked needed to put a C5 into a 4 door explorer.

http://broncoii.org/fordforum/index.php?showtopic=13386&st=40

EDIT: read your last post again and noticed that you stated your rig is mostly off road use... well.. then the C5 swap would probably work very well for you... it's just not very street friendly.

 

[glfredrick]

I'm preparing for the C4/5 swap into my Ranger and have most of the needd parts.

I have a spare bell housing and tail housing w/ tailshaft that will let you run a c4/5 (they are virtually identical except for a couple of valve body changes) behind the 4.0. I'd be willing to part with them for the right $$$ as I have a spare set.

I also have a good C4 core that would work out will with a soft parts kit. It is basically ready to run except to change it over to the 4x4 tailshaft.

The base transmission that Ford used to make the A4LD and the later 4R and 5R series transmissions was the C3, originally designed to go into the Pinto behind a 4 cyl. engine. Way too light duty a part for some of what we're using our Explorers for.

The C4/5 can be easily beefed up enough to hold the torque of a 500 HP motor. It can take abuse much better than the A4LD.

I'm setting mine up with full manual shift (no automatic) and a reverse valve body that has full lock-up in all 3 gears. Should be great for a trail rig.

Torque converters are available with all sorts of stall speeds. Just make sure you get the right one. Also you won't get one with lock-up (a C5 thing) as they tend to wear out so fast that they are worthless and it is almost imposible to find an aftermarket version.

 

[colindo94]

So i'm going to start collecting parts to do this swap in my truck. If I've read right I need a bellhousing from a 85 or so 2.8lt. I can use my stock auto flywheel and starter? The c4 trans, and a dana 20 tcase. Extended and shortend driveshafts. What torque converter do I want. What truck would have the one I need. And what stall do I want for my trail rig? I know very little about torque converters.

 

[manaen]

if your going to all that trouble, why not dump a V8 in there too

 

[colindo94]

I would love too. Its really not that much trouble though. A lot easier then a engine swap.