A4LD on a 302?

[Ranger101]

I’ve been reading where the C5 has a bellhousing that will bolt on to a 2.9L but C4 parts have to be put into the C5. The C4s and C5s, to my understanding, came standard in many Ford and Mercury vehicles in the mid-70s.

Does this mean that a A4LD tranny would bolt on to a 302? With modifications? Pardon me if I’m being naive. I’m new to the late 80s Ranger world and might get creative if there is a chance that this works. I actually like the strength of the 2.9L engine.

 

[Snoranger]

The A4LD couldn’t hold up to the V6 engines... Why in Gods name would you want to put it behind a V8?!?!

No, it won’t bolt up.

 

[19Walt93]

I’ve been reading where the C5 has a bellhousing that will bolt on to a 2.9L but C4 parts have to be put into the C5. The C4s and C5s, to my understanding, came standard in many Ford and Mercury vehicles in the mid-70s.

Does this mean that a A4LD tranny would bolt on to a 302? With modifications? Pardon me if I’m being naive. I’m new to the late 80s Ranger world and might get creative if there is a chance that this works. I actually like the strength of the 2.9L engine.

The C5 is a C4 with a centrifugal clutch built into the convertor in an attempt to increase gas mileage.It worked but if the idle speed was high it would be like dumping the clutch on a stick shift. There are bellhousings for C4's that will fit everything from 2.3 Pinto's, 2.8's, 2.9's, 200 & 250 inline sixes 255's,302's 351 W & C. The A4LD is a descendant of the C3 used behind 2.3's in Pinto's, Mustang II's, and Fairmonts and wouldn't live long behind a V8. You can buy a wide ratio planetary set for a C4 to get more power off the line, if you want an overdrive I'd look at an AOD, AOD-E, or a 4R70w. The A4LD was an early attempt at a small overdrive trans that almost worked.

 

[adsm08]

 

[RonD]

Yes, you would want an AOD for a V8 if you want overdrive, AOD doesn't need a computer, same as C-series

AOD-E or 4R70 needs computer for shifts, same as A4LD, 4R44 or 55 and 5R44 or 55

 

[Dirtman]

Transmissions is goes boom.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The C5 is a C4 with a centrifugal clutch built into the convertor in an attempt to increase gas mileage.It worked but if the idle speed was high it would be like dumping the clutch on a stick shift. There are bellhousings for C4's that will fit everything from 2.3 Pinto's, 2.8's, 2.9's, 200 & 250 inline sixes 255's,302's 351 W & C. The A4LD is a descendant of the C3 used behind 2.3's in Pinto's, Mustang II's, and Fairmonts and wouldn't live long behind a V8. You can buy a wide ratio planetary set for a C4 to get more power off the line, if you want an overdrive I'd look at an AOD, AOD-E, or a 4R70w. The A4LD was an early attempt at a small overdrive trans that almost worked.

After driving 40k miles in my '00 Explorer I'm a very big fan of the 4R70W with a shift kit, drove like a dream, solid and apparently a decent small block transmission... my Explorer is apparently BEAT and worn the heck out since it averages about 1.5mpg worse than my wife's '98 Explorer 5.0L that's still AWD (mine's 4x4 now), and it doesn't matter which of us is driving...

I'm with Ron too, apparently the AOD is very similar...

 

[Ranger101]

Thanks guys.

It sounds like an AOD on a 302 would be the least technical combo to put in an old Ranger to get a V8 with a automatic trans with overdrive. Have any of you ever done that before in a mid to late 80s Ranger?

Next question. What vehicles had/ have the AOD so I can start looking for one? The 302 is pretty easy to get.

 

[19Walt93]

The AOD came out in 79 for Crown Vics and I think 80 was the first year in T birds. Downsized LTD's in the mid 80's had them, I don't remember for sure but I think the AOD-E appeared in the early 90's.The AOD's disadvantage-in my opinion- is that it has no vacuum modulator so only governor speed and throttle pressure regulate the shifts. If you climb a hill with moderate throttle to maintain say, 40 mph, it will be in 3rd gear. Releasing the throttle at the top of the hill will cause a quick and kind of harsh upshift to OD. But it requires no electronics so I would use one if I wanted and overdrive. If you can find a late 80's T bird donor car it will get you the short front drive brackets and pulleys along with an AOD, and if you're keeping the fuel injection you'll also have a wiring harness to cannibalize. Since I had a C4, I used it along with a 3.00 rear gear to lower cruising RPMs. I think my 351 will be able to handle it OK.

 

[RonD]

Have a look here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_AOD_transmission

Many cars and F-series trucks used the 302 in those years, but not all, you need one with the 302 bellhousing

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Yes, you would want an AOD for a V8 if you want overdrive, AOD doesn't need a computer, same as C-series

AOD-E or 4R70 needs computer for shifts, same as A4LD, 4R44 or 55 and 5R44 or 55

If you have the coin you can get standalone control packs for the AODE and 4R70W.

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There are others, just a quick look and it seems they are all $600+ which means you have to really want it I guess.

 

[19Walt93]

An AOD doesn't shift $600 worth of harsh. Like I said, I'd use one if I wanted overdrive I just don't like some of their shift characteristics.

 

[franklin2]

If you do not get the throttle cable hooked up correctly on the AOD, you can burn it up in short order. Very critical adjustment. Lokar is the only game in town when trying to rig this cable up in a non-stock configuration.