Manual to Auto swap?

[biplanesforever]

I have a 2002 Ranger, 2.3 with a manual transmission. I want to swap it out for an auto so the wife can also drive it, mostly as a back up.

To help me decide if it's worth it, what are my major considerations? Obviously an AOD trans and probably a different frame mount, shift linkage, and flywheel.

Are there any electronic components I need add/swap? Can I use my old drive shaft? Is the truck "modular" enough to just bolt these parts in, or are modifications required?

I hope that's not too many questions for one thread. I'm new at this forum thing.

Thx

 

[2manyfords]

You would be better off just buying a truck with an auto. Ford automatics are not the most reliable transmission.

The newer automatics are all eletronic controlled. So you will need all of the wiring and ECU to go along with it.

 

[biplanesforever]

I kind of thought that might be the answer. I am a compulsive tinkerer, so the project sounded like a good excuse to visit the salvage yard. When I passed along my last Ranger ('93) to my son as his first car, he didn't like how hard it was to steer (back in my day we had to walk ..... never mind) so we installed power steering from a wrecked Ranger. I just can't seem to leave things alone.

Thanks for the feedback.

L8R

 

[Ranger44]

A4ld's are crap..the newer 4RRE's are better, but like mentioned, you'd need the wiring and ECU. The Mazda 5spd is the most reliable tranny, for RBV's IMHO. You could just get her to learn how to drive stick...LOL