new to the forum need advise on trans swap.

ran2 · Dec 5, 2008

hey fellas,new to the forum here.in need of advice.i have an 86 2wd with a 2.9 and a 5 speed.the trans is not very good at all.lol.i would like to swap for an auto trans.what are my options?i have been doing some research on here and read somewhere that the 2.9 and 4.0 have the same bolt pattern on the bell housing.if this is so could i use the adapter from advance adapters to put a 700r behind my 2.9?thanks dan

Mutant Pony · Dec 5, 2008

Welcome to TRS.
The 4.0 A4LD is a little tougher than the 2.9 A4LD and will bolt in it's place. In order to run the A4LD you'ld need the harness and computer for a 2.9/A4ld.
The C5 from a 2.8 Ranger will bolt in and doesn't require any special wiring but, is only a 3spd auto (no overdrive).
The 700's TV cable would be VERY difficult to connect and adjust properly.
It might be cheaper and easier to drop in a good used 5.0/aod.

Hahnsb2 · Dec 5, 2008

Not sure how well an 4.0 electronic A4LD is going to work in an 86 where the A4LDs were not electronic. Not to mention the 86-87 A4LD that came with those trucks was garbage (as well as any other A4LD for that matter). Your best bet is an M5OD, it's a stronger 5 speed than what's in your truck but it's still a manual. You've got to compromise, you either lose reliability by going A4LD, lose overdrive if you go C5, or you have to shift with a 5 speed. I'll shift any day to keep overdrive and reliability.

Mutant Pony · Dec 5, 2008

The A4lds are electric. Just not to the degree of the newer ALL electronic trannies. All A4LDs use the computer to turn on the lock up converter and I believe it is '91 up use the computer to engage overdrive. All 4.0 trannies use the computer to engage overdrive but, you can put an old 2.9 valve body in and just loose the lock up converter. You could also wire it with a switch or two, that would be interesting.
The M5OD is the easiest solution.

Hahnsb2 · Dec 5, 2008

From the tech library.

The single solenoid originally on the 1985-1987 transmission only controls the torque converter lockup function. Later models had the 3-4 shift inhibit solenoid added in 1988.

2ranger87 · Dec 5, 2008

And......

Any 4.0 A4LD will have a cable shifter setup, whereas his '86 will not. Because of that, the shift lever (coming out of the tranny) is different and are not compatible. Not only will the valve body have to be swapped to an earlier one, so will the internal shifter.

Mutant Pony · Dec 5, 2008

2ranger87 said:
And......

Any 4.0 A4LD will have a cable shifter setup, whereas his '86 will not. Because of that, the shift lever (coming out of the tranny) is different and are not compatible. Not only will the valve body have to be swapped to an earlier one, so will the internal shifter.

Never thought of that. If I were going to do this (I wouldn't). I would use the 4.0 trans, '85-'87 2.9 valve body, a toggle switch for the lock up and an aftermarket shifter.
Go through all that and you still have an undependable A4LD. It would work though.

ran2 · Dec 6, 2008

thanks for all the info fellas.i think i am still leaning toward the 700r if i do a swap.i have some experiance with the 700 and there is a down shift eliminator kit out for them.i dont want to sink a bunch of money in this truck so i might just repair the trans that is in it now.it is drivable but is making noise in 2 and 3 gears.all the rest are fine.and the shifter is real sloppy.i am thinking of expermenting with a turbo on this truck and want to keep the 2.9 in it for that purpose.but would like to have an auto trans and i am not fond of ford aod trans. so if i decide to swap i would rather do the 700.or is there a way of putting a c-6 or c-4 in it.not real concered with having od.thanks again Dan.

Simple_serf · Dec 6, 2008

As they said, a c5 will fit... therefore a c4 will fit (with a little work, i'm sure)...

I can't say myself, because I WILL NOT deal with an Automatic Ranger, well, because they all have issues.

new to the forum need advise on trans swap.

ran2

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Mutant Pony

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Hahnsb2

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Mutant Pony

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Hahnsb2

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2ranger87

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Mutant Pony

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ran2

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Simple_serf

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