does it exist? Callin on all you ford gurus...

[skipnrocks]

The short: Is there a good non-computer controlled auto that will work behind a 3.0 or 4.0l ford motor? It will be used for short track racing so reliability is a must! I like the non-computer controlled since there is less to go wrong.

The long: I was given a rolled for ranger 2wd from a good friend of mine. Having no need for a restoring this 1994 ranger I stripped it down and got addicted to short track racing. Now with the tight corners it is apparent that the failing manual is not a good option, I know I want to go with an HO 4.0 at some point in time but am not ready yet. I need a very reliable transmission that will hold up in racing. I obviously dont have a lot of hp and as long as I am running the 4.0 or smaller will not be running a lot of hp. However there is always and option of running a 351 or 5.0 at a later date. I dont imagine there is a tranny option that will work for all phases. But the the 3.0 and 4.0 will do for now. Thanks.

 

[skipnrocks]

I have been doing as much reading as as I can and found the A4LD transmission. And from what I understand came in a light duty and heavier duty versions? Would this work on my 3.0 and later a new 4.0?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I think that you could get a c-4 to work. The early 2.8 liter came with a c-5 and with some work you may be able to use a c-4 on the 4.0 as the 2.8 bellhousing is the same bolt pattern as the 2.9 and 4.0. I don't know about the torque converter but I'd guess that's possible. Then change the bellhousing for a small block ford later on down the road.
The 3.0 is a different bellhousing bolt pattern tho.

Richard

 

[Lil-Pony]

The c-4 and c-5 are both capable of supporting the 4.0 and when built properly a H.O. 351 or 331 stroker. I would do a 4.0 for now with a c4 or c5

 

[dieseldane]

Yep, a c4 or c5. If you are looking for a 2wd transmission, and if i remember right (and if I don't I'm sure someone here will correct me) you can look for one out of a pinto which used a 2.8. The bellhousings on these trans are removable, so if you found one from a vehicle with the wrong engine pattern, you could swap it out with one from a pinto or b2 that had a 2.8. I think that you have to use the 2.8 flexplate, so grab that too.

 

[skipnrocks]

Are there certain years of the c4 that are better/heavier duty?

From what I can tell the only difference in the bell housing is the gap between the two upper bolts and the side the starter is on.

I havent looked under the truck to verify but I dont know why it would matter which side the starter is on to me? and if all the other bolts line up I can fab something to secure the top of the tranny in place of the upper bolts...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't know if there are better years. When i was doing research on a different tranny, this site came up and seemed good;
http://www.c6-c4.com/
I'm not endorsing the products as I have not used them.

Richard

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Pan fill are stronger, using a 2.8 bellhousing you are going to be stuck with a case fill though.

Both can take a V8, just the pan fill got spicier V8's from the factory.

With the case fill the pump is sandwiched between the bell and the case with the same bolts securing them. With the pan fill they bolt on separately which is stronger.

The 2.8 C5's are weaker inside, they can be built the same as a V8 but Ford chose not to originally.

 

[bobbywalter]

The short: Is there a good non-computer controlled auto that will work behind a 3.0 or 4.0l ford motor? It will be used for short track racing so reliability is a must! I like the non-computer controlled since there is less to go wrong.

The long: I was given a rolled for ranger 2wd from a good friend of mine. Having no need for a restoring this 1994 ranger I stripped it down and got addicted to short track racing. Now with the tight corners it is apparent that the failing manual is not a good option, I know I want to go with an HO 4.0 at some point in time but am not ready yet. I need a very reliable transmission that will hold up in racing. I obviously dont have a lot of hp and as long as I am running the 4.0 or smaller will not be running a lot of hp. However there is always and option of running a 351 or 5.0 at a later date. I dont imagine there is a tranny option that will work for all phases. But the the 3.0 and 4.0 will do for now. Thanks.

the c4 is a perfect deal for sure.


but the a4ld can be made to fit the bill as well.

just use 123....or use a pressure switch on the early vb for lockup and run 1234.


c4 would be the best deal.

 

[skipnrocks]

Thanks for all the info! I am going to the pick and pull friday to see if I can get one.