Converting 5spd to Auto

[eXXXplorer]

Are there any members on this site that have swapped in a C4 in place of a 5spd? I need some pointers before I get myself to the point of no return (too much money invested in a project that will never be completed).

 

[eXXXplorer]

I'm going to be the first one? Man, that is a scary thought.

 

[yosh18981898]

whats the point in this swap?

 

[IAmTodd]

What about the 700R4 with all the advance adapters stuff?

 

[eXXXplorer]

whats the point in this swap?

The tranny in my '91 sport 4x4 is shot. I want to swap out my 5spd for an auto, and since I eventually want to do the 5.0 swap, I decided on using a C4. I'm also a fan of the strength and durability of an automatic.

 

[eXXXplorer]

What about the 700R4 with all the advance adapters stuff?

The 700r4's are too expensive for my budget, especially after you factor in the price of a tranfercase adapter.

 

[yosh18981898]

As far as the M50 and A4LD originally offered in explorers, almost everyone on this board will say that the M50 is by far the stronger tranny. As for the C-4, yeah, their plenty strong, but its only a 3 speed which means

A) horible gas milage
B) you're gonna fail emissions

If I was going to do a tranny swap while planning to run it with a 302, I'd get a T-5 from a mustang. This is a manual 5 speed thats just a strong or stronger than any c-4. It bolts up perfectly to the 302 block, and the 1354 T-case adapter is pretty cheap, (you're gonna have to get one for the c-4 anyways). The best part about 5 gears instead of 3 is that you'll get much better milage and will have a much better chance of passing emissions.

 

[IAmTodd]

Curious, what does tranny gears have to do with emissions?

 

[yosh18981898]

I don't know that it has something to do with emissions particually. I think it is more of the fact that with a 3 speed tranny, it isn't possible for your truck to get the minimum milage specified by the EPA for that model/year combination.

I just know that several members on this board have said that you wont be able to get the truck legally registered with the state if it has a only a 3 speed tranny.

 

[eXXXplorer]

As for the C-4, yeah, their plenty strong, but its only a 3 speed which means

A) horible gas milage
B) you're gonna fail emissions

The gas mileage, I'm not so worried about. I mostly do city driving and rarely have to shift out of 4th gear. My 4th gear is 1:1, which is the same as 3rd gear in a 3 speed. I think with a final drive ratio of 3.08, or slightly higher, I would be capable of cruising 60 mph and still manage to keep the RPM's below 2500.

All vehicles inspected in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex are required to pass exhaust emission inspection. I am located about 35 miles north east of Dallas, where the exhaust system does not require emissions testing to get inspected. My Explorer passes vehicle inspection without any catalytic converters, so emissions legality wont be an issue.


I appreciate all the responses. Please keep them comming to help me consider all aspects I might overlook.





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[yosh18981898]

Well if you don't mind only having three gears, then you'll be fine with the c-4.

 

[expobronc]

a word on overdrives... overated sometimes, I actualey got better gas mileage in my 92 expo with 3.73's and 31x10.50 if i used 4th gear (manual) @ 60 mph. I used 5th for 75+ Just seemed like the engine was in a better rpm range and didnt have to work so hard. That being said i could plug my c-4 from my 76 bronco that im trying to get rid of but i wont plug it here