Manual to Auto? Need opinions

[Coloradorangers]

I have an opportunity to pick up an '87 B2 for about $250.00,2.9 with about 85,000 miles, body and interior in good shape. Been in a garage for the last two years. It needs a clutch and trans. SUPPOSEDLY runs good and was ran once a month. Lady kept in in good shape after her husband died.. Haven't seen it yet. I'm considering pulling the manual and converting into an auto so that we have an extra vehicle around that everyone can drive. If I'm correct I have to swap the flywheel from from an auto, find a donor trans (A4LD?) replace shifter with auto shifter and linkage, driveshaft....what else do I need to do and how much of a PITA would it be?

I've read a bunch of stuff about auto to 5 speed, but nothing about going the other way. The family is just getting back into Fords after years of running Mopars and I can use the advice.

 

[Viper Command]

use a c4 trans its a 3 speed, but you dont have to worry about converter lockup and its a better trans.
a4ld is bolt up but your truck is not wired for converter lockup and they are the worst trans ford ever used.

 

[Coloradorangers]

Any changes needed for vacuum lines, etc? Or will it bolt right up and plug and play?

 

[Viper Command]

a4ld you will need wire harnes, computer, vac line, shifter, floor pan, adjust ignition timming, pedel assemblies, kick down cable

c4 proper bell housing, shifter, floor pan, kick down cable, pedel assemblies,


dosent matter what trans you use it will need to be rebuilt.

 

[Coloradorangers]

So I guess what I'm hearing is that I'm better off throwing a clutch and new tranny in than trying to convert to auto?

 

[Viper Command]

thats what I would do.
its cheeper, faster, better gas mileage, and more dependable.

 

[low_five]

So I guess what I'm hearing is that I'm better off throwing a clutch and new tranny in than trying to convert to auto?

oh god please dont go from a manual to an auto.