Uncommon tranny swaps

[ThatGuy]

While discussing the notoriously weak transmission options for rangers today with a friend, lots of questions came up that we couldn't answer. I thought I would run some of them across the more knowledgeable members to see if we could get some answers.

I've read the threads about the NP435 swap many times (which I am seriously considering doing) but that brought more questions...

Since the adapter plate for the 435 swap adapts a SBF bellhousing to a 4.0L what is stopping anyone from adapting an AOD auto to it? The AOD is a much better auto than the A4LD so can someone enlighten me (I'm a trans retard) as to why this would not work or what would be the hard parts of it? I know the physical parts needed like flywheel and torque converter but could they not fit also?

Next we got on the discussion of the NV3550 which could be put on a SBF bellhousing and then mated to the 4.0L. Again, great trans with tons of t-case options, so what's the hold up?

There are more questions that we had but I'll start off with these to see if I can get some answers or if everyone just thinks I'm stupid please say so. I know if it were easy then everyone would have already done it but I just wanted to start a discussion and see where it went.

I have a good A4LD in my Ex and a M5OD in the garage to swap in but I'm thinking I want something different. ....

 

[wahlstrom1]

700r4... as good as they can be built, IMO GM still makes the best auto trannies not to mention the infinite number of aftermarket parts available and the ease of going left or right hand drop!

 

[ThatGuy]

That is another that was mentioned today. I like a manual more than auto though. Evidently I have a rare "good" A4LD that has never given me problems and works just fine even though I've beaten the snot out of it. Still, I will be swapping to a manual and just wanted something different than the M5OD I have. The 435 would suit me fine, especially when I swap in my bigger axles. For daily driving though I would rather have a good 5 speed with a low 1st gear.

 

[projectnitemare]

I will have to argue on the 700R4. It's crap too but has good aftermarket. The AOD got a bad rap from the early models. A late model AOD will handle more power than a 700 if they are built correctly, the parts are slightly bigger. Someday you are going to see the AOD be praised like the 700R. But back to topic. It is much easier to do the manual swaps you are talking about because each of those transmissions have a separate cast bellhousing. It's pretty simple to cast an adapter bellhousing and make some shims and such. Where a totally different automatic is usually one piece anymore. But they do make aftermarket automatic bellhousings that you cut off the factory casting. I would imagine the answer would be the market just isn't there to require the time to make one.

Matt

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Evidently I have a rare "good" A4LD that has never given me problems and works just fine even though I've beaten the snot out of it.

I also have one of those rare "good" ones too.

 

[Bent Bolt]

As I'm sure you're aware of , there is a profound lack of off-the -shelf goodies for Rangers unlike Jeeps and full size trucks. Basically it's a lack of market demand that stops development of those swap parts. Maybe it's because Ranger owners are cheap and don't want to spend real money on their trucks? I don't know.

 

[Foxracin]

I want to do a zf 5 speed. Low first gear and still have the od for driving on the road.

 

[Foxracin]

Also my buddy has a sbf 435 with bellhousing but it needs a rebuild if you decide to go that route.

 

[fordbrian333]

hes got a 435 that needs a rebuild

 

[fordbrian333]

??

 

[PORTnPOLISH]

Ive got a really cheap lead on a np435 np205 combo but im not really wanting to lose my OD. Does any one know that the 4th gear ratio of the 435 is? that way I can get an idea of my 65mph rpm in 4th.
NVM the 4th gear ratio is 1.0 which is the same as the md05. Which isnt to to bad considering the 6.69 1st hehehehehe

 

[Foxracin]

hes got a 435 that needs a rebuild

yes?

 

[racsan]

the nv4500 is a 5 speed manual that has a creeper 1st and a overdrive 5th, has a 2wd g.m. 3/4 ton with one once. think that trans may have also been used by dodge.

 

[projectnitemare]

Any of the 4 speed truck manuals I can think of will all have a 1:1 4th gear. The ZF is decent, pretty tight fit an a Ranger. The NV 4500 is a pretty good unit. You can put them behind about anything being it has a bolt on bellhousing and AA makes adapter bells. They were factory in GM and Dodge trucks. Only real problem with them is the nut on the OD shaft backs off and can kill it

Matt

 

[wahlstrom1]

What would be a real good fit would be an NV3500 from a Dakota or fullsize chev half ton.

I say those models because they had the 4:1 first gear, dodge fullsize and S-10 had ratios very similiar to Ranger tranny's, (horribly high low end gears).