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Anyone ever put an A4LD behind a 2.8l before?


d.j.shelton

Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Mar 14, 2024
Messages
5
City
28052, north carolina
Vehicle Year
1985
Transmission
Automatic
Hey all, thank you for your time with my post. I have an old 85 ranger that came equipped with a C5. Well the C5 is now trash and i have a low mile A4LD from an 86 bronco 2. If i try to put this transmission behind my 2.8l what challenges might I face? Anyone ever done this before? Thank you!
 
As long as its an 1985-1988 A4LD with just the one TCC solenoid it should be OK

Probably need the 2.9l flexplate, 2.8l/2.9l cranks were the same not sure on the torque converters bolt pattern

1989-1994 added the 3-4 shift(OD) solenoid so need computer control for that, earlier used engine vacuum


If your not sure look at the electrical connector on drivers side of trans
 
Last edited:
The 1985 model was the last year for the 2.8 and first year of the A4LD, and that combination did come from the factory.

I'm not sure what small part hardware issues you may run into putting an A4LD in place of the C5. Not sure if the shifter can be made to work, and also look at comparing the lengths of the two transmissions, to make sure that your driveshaft lengths are compatable.
 
Shifters for sure are different, you will need an 85-87 shifter & floor plate... '88 will work too if you modify the floor plate

Driveshaft(s) are different lengths

You probably will want a very early A4LD... like '85-87 IIRC... to keep the electrical part fairly simple

Also you need the kickdown rod, I believe it is different than the one you have on your C5.

Too bad you're not closer, I have everything you need for the swap minus the driveshaft! If you can find a transmission locally, I can send you a box with the shifter and all that stuff - yours free if you pay shipping. Personally I like the C5 better and would rebuild what you have but that is just my preference, I think it is a much stouter transmission.
 
Shifters for sure are different, you will need an 85-87 shifter & floor plate... '88 will work too if you modify the floor plate

Driveshaft(s) are different lengths

You probably will want a very early A4LD... like '85-87 IIRC... to keep the electrical part fairly simple

Also you need the kickdown rod, I believe it is different than the one you have on your C5.

Too bad you're not closer, I have everything you need for the swap minus the driveshaft! If you can find a transmission locally, I can send you a box with the shifter and all that stuff - yours free if you pay shipping. Personally I like the C5 better and would rebuild what you have but that is just my preference, I think it is a much stouter transmission.
Thank you very much and im definitely interested!
 
As long as its an 1985-1988 A4LD with just the one TCC solenoid it should be OK

Probably need the 2.9l flexplate, 2.8l/2.9l cranks were the same not sure on the torque converters bolt pattern

1989-1994 added the 3-4 shift(OD) solenoid so need computer control for that, earlier used engine vacuum


If your not sure look at the electrical connector on drivers side of trans
Thank you for all the information its very helpful.
 
As long as its an 1985-1988 A4LD with just the one TCC solenoid it should be OK

Probably need the 2.9l flexplate, 2.8l/2.9l cranks were the same not sure on the torque converters bolt pattern

1989-1994 added the 3-4 shift(OD) solenoid so need computer control for that, earlier used engine vacuum


If your not sure look at the electrical connector on drivers side of trans
Thank you very much
 
Shifters for sure are different, you will need an 85-87 shifter & floor plate... '88 will work too if you modify the floor plate

Driveshaft(s) are different lengths

You probably will want a very early A4LD... like '85-87 IIRC... to keep the electrical part fairly simple

Also you need the kickdown rod, I believe it is different than the one you have on your C5.

Too bad you're not closer, I have everything you need for the swap minus the driveshaft! If you can find a transmission locally, I can send you a box with the shifter and all that stuff - yours free if you pay shipping. Personally I like the C5 better and would rebuild what you have but that is just my preference, I think it is a much stouter transmission.
Oh and i did get a quote on the rebuild, 2k isnt the worst ive heard but i agree i like the c5. I know ill still get it rebuilt at some point
 

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