C4 Auto Swap Shifter

[JoeDaddy21]

Hello, I am doing the prep work to swap a 302 with a C4 into my 85. I got the motor and trans for free from my neighbor because he just had no use for them. The only hiccup, is that the C4 did not come with a shifter. The truck currently has the hole in the floor from where the manual was, so I'd like to stick with a floor mounted shifter, but don't know where to start or what I need to do. What shifters are you all running, and is there anything else I need to think about besides the shifter?

 

[19Walt93]

I'm using a shifter from a 74 Mustang II that I parted out years ago, I replaced the bushings and bolted it in there. The lever is a little shorter than ideal but I'm used to it now. Most any 68 or later Mustang shifter would work. 65-6-7's had a weird shift pattern with 2 drive positions, the one next to low was actually drive, the one closest to neutral used only 2nd and 3rd gear. It was someone's idea of improving traction in snow by taking off in 2nd. Dumb. Repro shifters are available from places like NPD or CJ Pony Parts. There are a bunch of aftermarket shifters from street rod or racing parts vendors, too.

 

[Shran]

I used a B&M Unimatic in my Explorer with a C5 - I had to build a custom floor plate that raises the shifter itself quite a ways off the floor to clear the linkage. It looks like it's really high but it's very comfortable to use while from a normal sitting position. The only thing I don't like about this shifter is there are no really positive detents between gears in the shifter itself so it's really easy to miss a gear or be in the wrong gear.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I used a B&M Unimatic in my Explorer with a C5 - I had to build a custom floor plate that raises the shifter itself quite a ways off the floor to clear the linkage. It looks like it's really high but it's very comfortable to use while from a normal sitting position. The only thing I don't like about this shifter is there are no really positive detents between gears in the shifter itself so it's really easy to miss a gear or be in the wrong gear.

View attachment 112755

I used the same with my truck, with a bodylift I didn't have to move it up.

 

[JoeDaddy21]

I used the same with my truck, with a bodylift I didn't have to move it up.

How much of a body lift did you do to clear the linkage? I was planning on doing one for the sole fact that it will make install easier for the trans.

Also, what other components do I need to take care of for a C4 swap? Do I need any carb linkage? I know I need to change out the yoke on the driveshaft, but other than that I am not too sure.

 

[Shran]

You may want, but don’t necessarily need, a kickdown rod or cable from the carb. Helps the trans shift down into passing gear. It’s not mandatory like a TV cable is on an AOD but it’s nice to have.

 

[JoeDaddy21]

I used the same with my truck, with a bodylift I didn't have to move it up.

When you installed everything, how did you go about mating the trans and motor? Did you install trans by itself first then the motor? Or mount the trans to the motor then drop them in together? I'm hoping to start in a couple weeks and getting final plan put together.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

When you installed everything, how did you go about mating the trans and motor? Did you install trans by itself first then the motor? Or mount the trans to the motor then drop them in together? I'm hoping to start in a couple weeks and getting final plan put together.

Went in as a team.

A 2wd has a longer tailshaft, no idea how that would work. The 2.8/A4LD was tighter coming out than the 5.0/C5 was going in... but my bell was deeper than a C4 bellhousing as well.

 

[JoeDaddy21]

Went in as a team.



A 2wd has a longer tailshaft, no idea how that would work. The 2.8/A4LD was tighter coming out than the 5.0/C5 was going in... but my bell was deeper than a C4 bellhousing as well.

Great, thank you very much for that. That helps figure out some of the alignment questions I had. My plan is to drop both in together and put the transmission crossmember in unbolted to help figure out where I need to drill holes as well as just support some weight.

Now I just need to figure out what year the C4 is so I can figure out what things I need to get that operational. The previous owner just cut all the lines to pull it out so I need to redo the cooling lines as well as the vacuum line, and then get the shifter.

My next biggest hurdle is figuring out the slip yoke. You have a 4WD so you may not know, but I read in only place that the C4 is 28 spline, and so is the 85 5 speed. If that is the case, I shouldn't have to worry about a new yoke.