Manual to automatic?

[medicdr5]

Hey Guys! I am a Army Medic that was wounded and cannot drive my 88 Ranger anymore because it is Manual shift. I have a C3 Automatic transmission and shifter that were given to me. I want to put it in my 88. Will it bolt up and what modifications will i have to make? Will the manual drive shaft work with the automatic? The truck is a 88 Ranger, 2.3 FI, Manual (Mazda M80 Type), standard bed and cab.

 

[RangerBoy94]

First of all thank you for your service. I'm not sure about tranny. You could sell the c-3 and probably pick up a auto tranny out of another ranger

 

[pcollins]

You could probably just sell your ranger and pick up a newer one for pretty cheap if your only looking for a 4 banger.

 

[fix_or_repair_daily]

If it was from a 2.0 or 2.3 it should work, but you will probably need the crossmember that came with it. When I put a m5od in my 84 like yours that had a c3 they were different, and I had to drill new holes in the frame because it wasn't in the same place. Not sure about the length of the driveshaft, I just used the one from the trans donor. I would probably just find another truck though. Autos really suck the power and gas mileage out of the 2.3. Mine was a major turd and only got about 19 mpg no matter what I did or where I drove. It sucked on the highway too because of no TC lockup or OD. With 3.73s I was around 4k at 70 mph. If you do it you will NOT like the results. A v6 auto Ranger will run a LOT better and will get better mpg. Hope this helps.

Josh

 

[cody93]

the 2.3 and autos are a bad choice, as been mentioned before, a V6 is a better choice for going auto, there 2 engines i would recomend
4.0L - common on 89+ rangers,mazda b-4000s and ford explorers
2.9L - were used in rangers from 86-92, direct drop in to an 88, 86-88 engines had cyl head cracking issues if over-heated..

now id go with a 4.0, but a 2.9 issn't to bad. id recommend a donor vehicle as rolled over or rear ended vehicles can be aquired for 500 or less in alot of places.

one last thing, i believe pre 95 autos used an A4LD transmission, they dont have a good reputation for being durable, but shouldn't be a problem if not beaten on, heres some info on them http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/a4ld.html

BTW, thank you for your service to this country.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

The 3.0 is a pretty decent little motor too, many would venture to say the toughest engine Ford ever put in the Ranger.

If you get a rollover for a donar, be aware sometimes they can run for quite awhile upside down... oil doesn't go in the right places with the sump sucking air and the oil on the top of the crankcase.

 

[medicdr5]

Thanks!

Hey Thanks for all answers!

I am trying to keep the truck. It belonged to my Dad who passed in 97!
So getting another truck is out. I will see about finding a V-6 and auto to go in it!
Thanks again! Hooah!!!!!

 

[cody93]

The 3.0 is a pretty decent little motor too, many would venture to say the toughest engine Ford ever put in the Ranger.

If you get a rollover for a donar, be aware sometimes they can run for quite awhile upside down... oil doesn't go in the right places with the sump sucking air and the oil on the top of the crankcase.

lol how did you find out 3.0s run for a long time upside down?

the 3.0 is not a power monster, but its still better at handling an auto than a 2.3 is.

the 3.0 is found in rangers starting in 1990.

so you basicly have 3 options
1-2.9L direct plug in and was used in your year of ranger
2-3.0L not to bad of a motor, tends to be more common in some areas, first offered in 1990 rangers
3-4.0L probly your best best, its in the same engine family as the 2.9, minus some of its issues, like cyl heads cracking when over heated, offered in 89+ rangers

seeing as you currently have a 4cyl, your gona want engine mounts too, you should go check out the "other engine conversions" section, lots of info!

good luck