C4 tailhousing

[Mototrucker]

I have read all of the posts about using the tail housing off of the 83 and 84 rangers with the C5 to use on a C4, but after taking the measurements from my tranny (mazda 5 speed) It looks like the overall length will be to short if the overall length is suppose to match the original length. I can't move the x-member forward. Am I missing something or does this swap not work with a truck that had the Mazda tranny? Thanks

 

[slammer67]

You can use the tailhousing off of the c5, but you also need the tailshaft installed in your c4.

There are different lengths of ranger drivetrains - for example, you can buy an adapter for a c4 to a ranger transfer case (basically the same thing as taking the c5 tailshaft and housing) and the adapters from places like James Duff come in 3 different lengths.

It'll work, but you may need driveshaft mods unless you get the right size.

I do have a James Duff adapter that I might sell, not sure what the length is off hand though.

when I did my c5, it was considerably shorter than the m50d I took out.

 

[Mototrucker]

Thanks for the info Slammer, in order to use the C5 tailhousing I would have to move my x-member forward about 5 inches and lenghten my driveshaft because my stock tranny is right at 29 inches and the C4 with the C5 tailhousing is 24 inches. The only problem with that is that I would have to fabricate a new x-member because I can't use the old one because the radial arms are in the way. I really don't feel like doing that so it looks like I am going to have to spend more for the longest adapter that AA makes. I just picked up my donor Crown Vic today and it has a working AOD in it but I would still have to by an adapter and since I am building this Ranger for my son when he is ready to drive I am not to worried about fuel mileage. If the tail section that you have is the long one, like 11.5 inches or so let me know. I haven't ordered anything yet.

 

[slammer67]

I'll check the length.
the only problem is that the adapter is down at my dads house (3 hour drive) so it might not be for a couple weeks before i get down there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Thanks for the info Slammer, in order to use the C5 tailhousing I would have to move my x-member forward about 5 inches and lenghten my driveshaft because my stock tranny is right at 29 inches and the C4 with the C5 tailhousing is 24 inches. The only problem with that is that I would have to fabricate a new x-member because I can't use the old one because the radial arms are in the way. I really don't feel like doing that so it looks like I am going to have to spend more for the longest adapter that AA makes. I just picked up my donor Crown Vic today and it has a working AOD in it but I would still have to by an adapter and since I am building this Ranger for my son when he is ready to drive I am not to worried about fuel mileage. If the tail section that you have is the long one, like 11.5 inches or so let me know. I haven't ordered anything yet.

With mine I was able to use my factory crossmember. I shaved about a quarter of an inch off one side and enlarged the holes with the torch at the same time so I could adjust the tranny side to side. They changed crossmembers in '86.

Dunno what your frame is like, but my '85 still had the holes in the frame from the C5 days. The PS used the factory holes, I had to drill one hole for the DS.

I measured my A4LD driveshaft to be four inches too short, I haven't measured the front yet to make doubley sure though.

 

[Psychopete]

I pretty much did the same thing as 85_Ranger4x4 with an AOD, but 2wd. Drive shaft was also "worlds" too short from A4LD, but this can go either way, just depends on what you had and what you used. Engine placement matters most, drive shafts can be modified.

 

[Mototrucker]

Thanks for all the info guys. My 91 Ranger is different than the 85. I forgot to mention that I put a lift kit on years ago and that is what is really causing the problem. I don't remember what the stock radial arms were like but I do remember the aftermarket ones were a lot longer. Maybe I can motivate myself to fabricate something when I think about 500 greenbacks for an adapter. lol