1985 2.0 Manual to Auto Swap Options

[CodyP23]

1985 Ranger with 2.0 engine and TK5 manual transmission. What would my easiest option be if I wanted to swap to an automatic trans? I couldn't find any existing threads regarding this engine/transmission combo. Thank you!

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm not familiar enough with the engine to say what is all needed but someone else will probably know and help once they see this.

Normally, one would need the wiring harness, the pedal assembly, parts for the steering column or the whole column, and the PCM from an automatic. I'm not sure if the year of truck you have needs all that since I believe the engine is carburated and the transmission might not have any computer control. So, it might just be the pedal assembly and parts for the steering column/steering column.

 

[RobbieD]

An '85 won't need anything done with the steering column; they were all floor shifters until '89.

I suspect that originally the A4LD, overdrive auto, was used for the 4 banger auto, as it was introduced in '85.

If it were me, I'd look at converting to the C3 three speed auto that was used with the 2WDs up to '84. It'd be tough to find a working A4LD with a Lima bell pattern, and you'd need to swap to an auto computer and do some harness work. A C3 doesn't need a computer, but you don't get an overdrive gear.

I think that a C3 would make for a far easier swap, in converting manual to auto, and you might check to see if Pintos or Mustangs used the C3 behind the Lima 4, to broaden the donor horizon.

You'd need a flexplate, the floor shifter, and you might can just swap the clutch/brake pedals for an auto brake pedal and reusing the original mounting bracket (which can be done on the second generation trucks). Not sure on the driveshaft, nor on the starter.

Good luck!

 

[scotts90ranger]

I don't think they even made 2.0L Rangers with an auto so that's probably why you aren't finding much... and being a computer controlled carburetor options are limited, the C3 option Robbie mentioned is likely the best...

 

[CodyP23]

An '85 won't need anything done with the steering column; they were all floor shifters until '89.

I suspect that originally the A4LD, overdrive auto, was used for the 4 banger auto, as it was introduced in '85.

If it were me, I'd look at converting to the C3 three speed auto that was used with the 2WDs up to '84. It'd be tough to find a working A4LD with a Lima bell pattern, and you'd need to swap to an auto computer and do some harness work. A C3 doesn't need a computer, but you don't get an overdrive gear.

I think that a C3 would make for a far easier swap, in converting manual to auto, and you might check to see if Pintos or Mustangs used the C3 behind the Lima 4, to broaden the donor horizon.

You'd need a flexplate, the floor shifter, and you might can just swap the clutch/brake pedals for an auto brake pedal and reusing the original mounting bracket (which can be done on the second generation trucks). Not sure on the driveshaft, nor on the starter.

Good luck!

Hey Robbie, I had a couple of questions if you don't mind? Some of them may be dumb, but I've never messed with transmissions and there is basically no information out there for this year/motor. Just for a reminder, current setup is a 1985 Ranger 2wd, carburated 2.0 with a tk5 manual transmission.

1. I found a transmission somewhat locally, is this the type you were recommending? It was pulled from a 1985 Thunderbird 2.3l.
See it on eBay here

2. Assuming this transmission will fit, you mentioned needing a flexplate. Would that be specific to my current engine or to the new transmission or both? Because I am seeing different sizes for my truck vs what came on the Thunderbird.

3. If my current draveshaft is too short, would it be as simple as getting a driveshaft from the 85 thunderbird, or would it most likely need to be custom?

4. Besides maybe the reverse light and neutral safety switch can you think of any wiring I would have to do?

5. Can the pedal assembly and floor shifter come from any automatic ranger/bronco/thunderbird etc from those early to mid 80s, or would the shifter need to be specific to an old C3 transmission? (like the one that was in the thunderbird originally)

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting in to before I start buying parts and taking stuff apart. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[RobbieD]

I wish that I could answer all of your questions with more certainty. But I'll try, what I can.

1) That does look to be a C3. I didn't know offhand that they came in the Tbird. I'm pretty sure that the 2.3 in the bird was a Lima engine, but I can't say for 100% that the bell house bolt pattern will match your 2.0.

2) I would start by looking at what flexplate came with your model year, 2.0 engine and confirm that it's for the C3 application. The key points: it's got to bolt to the crank, place the gear teeth on the starter axis, and bolt to the torque converter. I notice in the eBay ad that the seller recommends a new torque converter.

3) If your driveshaft is too long you can have it shortened. If it's not long enough, you can work from the needed length measurement and try to score a bolt-in replacement (junkyard); or get a longer one and have it shortened. Besides the length measurement (usually taken from u-joint center to u-joint center), you'll need to make sure that it's the correct yoke which slips onto the tail shaft and into the tranny, and that it has same bolt pattern dimension on the rear diff flange.

4) No; I can not. Should just be reverse light and NSS. On something that old, the existing speedo cable should also work fine.

5)a) The pedal "assembly" can be as simple as replacing the two-pedal shaft only (brake & clutch), with a single pedal shaft (brake only). I know that on a second gen truck (89-92), the mounting brackets are the same, and only the shaft with pedals are different, but they interchange. That's easier than changing out the whole assembly. But it seems, that I've read somewhere was a change in the bracket, sometime during the first gen's run (83-88).
b) You'll need a C3 shifter; the number of detents (gear positions) and their spacing has to match what the shifter arm on the tranny does. That basic 3-speed auto floor shifter assembly was used on a butt load of different Fords back in that time period. I would think, that a C3 shifter from another platform would work in a Ranger, provided the linkage rod allows for the correct adjustment. There's also a kickdown linkage rod (for passing gear) that connects to the carb, but getting it adjusted right should be a lot more forgiving.

>>> You'll also need to provide for trans fluid cooling. Either switch to the auto trans radiator, or add a separate fluid cooler. Lines will need to be ran; these can be made if you can't find a set of good OEM lines.

The ideal, is if you find an '85 2.0 / C3 truck in a yard somewhere, to look at and/or to buy parts from. A good trans is half the battle; getting everything else is the other half!

Wish that I could be more specific; maybe others will come along and offer corrected, or better information. Good luck!

 

[CodyP23]

I wish that I could answer all of your questions with more certainty. But I'll try, what I can.

1) That does look to be a C3. I didn't know offhand that they came in the Tbird. I'm pretty sure that the 2.3 in the bird was a Lima engine, but I can't say for 100% that the bell house bolt pattern will match your 2.0.

2) I would start by looking at what flexplate came with your model year, 2.0 engine and confirm that it's for the C3 application. The key points: it's got to bolt to the crank, place the gear teeth on the starter axis, and bolt to the torque converter. I notice in the eBay ad that the seller recommends a new torque converter.

3) If your driveshaft is too long you can have it shortened. If it's not long enough, you can work from the needed length measurement and try to score a bolt-in replacement (junkyard); or get a longer one and have it shortened. Besides the length measurement (usually taken from u-joint center to u-joint center), you'll need to make sure that it's the correct yoke which slips onto the tail shaft and into the tranny, and that it has same bolt pattern dimension on the rear diff flange.

4) No; I can not. Should just be reverse light and NSS. On something that old, the existing speedo cable should also work fine.

5)a) The pedal "assembly" can be as simple as replacing the two-pedal shaft only (brake & clutch), with a single pedal shaft (brake only). I know that on a second gen truck (89-92), the mounting brackets are the same, and only the shaft with pedals are different, but they interchange. That's easier than changing out the whole assembly. But it seems, that I've read somewhere was a change in the bracket, sometime during the first gen's run (83-88).
b) You'll need a C3 shifter; the number of detents (gear positions) and their spacing has to match what the shifter arm on the tranny does. That basic 3-speed auto floor shifter assembly was used on a butt load of different Fords back in that time period. I would think, that a C3 shifter from another platform would work in a Ranger, provided the linkage rod allows for the correct adjustment. There's also a kickdown linkage rod (for passing gear) that connects to the carb, but getting it adjusted right should be a lot more forgiving.

>>> You'll also need to provide for trans fluid cooling. Either switch to the auto trans radiator, or add a separate fluid cooler. Lines will need to be ran; these can be made if you can't find a set of good OEM lines.

The ideal, is if you find an '85 2.0 / C3 truck in a yard somewhere, to look at and/or to buy parts from. A good trans is half the battle; getting everything else is the other half!

Wish that I could be more specific; maybe others will come along and offer corrected, or better information. Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

C3 would probably be the best. That is what they used behind the 2.3 in the Pinto/Mustang II as well.

Just use a generic floor shifter.

A4LD would probably be the easiest to find but they use a computer for certain functions.