What Trans Should I Use

[SCRAPINRANGER302]

I'm in the process of planning out my explorer based 5.0 swap into my 98 ranger. My truck is currently 2wd and I want to keep it that way. I'm hung up on what trans I should use for my swap. A buddy of mine from the ford dealer told me I dont want the hassle of swapping the existing explorer trans into my truck. My question is what would be my best trans choice for this truck? What should I do about wiring or deleting wiring for a computer or non computer controlled trans? Should I just get an old c4, c6, aod or aode or another option? I love my ranger to death and cant wait to get it where I want it. Thank you in advance

 

[sniper_101]

Both the AODE & 4R70W will require an stand-alone controller. The 4R70W is a very stout trans and some of the internals can be swapped into an AOD to improve strength also.

Basically you have to decide if you want an OD and if so, how beefy of 4-spd.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Id go with a C6.

later,
Dustin

 

[fordmike1]

AOD all the way!!!

 

[SCRAPINRANGER302]

Please tell the me benefits of the aod. Also if I was to use the c6 I would be sucking up a ton of power with that trans right? I'm not ruling the c6 out I just feel its gonna take a ton of my power away when the c4 or aod would do the same thing with less power robbing. What about the wiring issue? Does the ranger have a seperate trans computer? Im sure it does. How would I delete the computer controls for the trans? Thank you

 

[johndk56]

Please tell the me benefits of the aod. Also if I was to use the c6 I would be sucking up a ton of power with that trans right? I'm not ruling the c6 out I just feel its gonna take a ton of my power away when the c4 or aod would do the same thing with less power robbing. What about the wiring issue? Does the ranger have a seperate trans computer? Im sure it does. How would I delete the computer controls for the trans? Thank you

I have a 91 2wd long box i put in a 302 with a AOD, EFI, got a stand alone harness from Ford, made my own motor mounts, the stock 4 banger drive shaft work perfect, your best bet for a swap would be to find a lincoln mark 8 that has EFI and mass air, then you got all you need, the AOD is the best way to go, get you some mpg, and its a pretty tough tranny

 

[Scrambler82]

IMHO...

The only reason to not use either the C4 or the C6 is no OD, both are good transmissions and can handle 400 HP without a problem, if in good condition.

The AOD is a non computer controlled OD type Automatic; this one gives you the OD without a lot of extra wiring.

The AODE, not all that sure but I believe it is an AOD w/ computer control; this means more wiring and a specific computer.

What about Manual trans, T-5; get a early 90s engine harness with a manual trans computer and you can run the t-5,any manual trans or an auto.

p.s. no matter what trans you decide on, make sure you have the OD, that is the most important part for long runs and gas milage.

 

[Mac]

If you used the 4R70 from a V-6 Mustang or F-150, you wouldn't have any wiring issues or have to worry about the computer. In both the Ranger and Explorer, it's the main CPU that controls the transmission, no seperate one. Really suggest getting the Helms wiring diagrams.
Dave

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

C-6 It would take whatever the 302 could throw at it.

 

[red85]

A Mazda M5R2 out of an F150 will work as well. I use a C4 with a modified valvebody with my 306 setup. It will chirp the tires in all 3 gears.

 

[Mac]

The C-6 can hold up a lot of power but it's big, heavy and the most in-effecient trans to use, has no O.D. With any trans other than the 4R70, you will be throwing engine codes until you get the computer transmission functions deleated. I assume you're goiing with the Explorer motor so just pick up the trans harness at the same time.
Dave

 

[SCRAPINRANGER302]

I was gonna buy a 96 or 97 explorer 5.0 donor truck. How would I goabout deleting the trans functions? Thank you

 

[Mac]

Most SCT or equivalent tuners shops can do it, even the diesel shop here can do it. Not sure where you're located but there are a lot of places that can do it. Like I said earlier, if you use the two wheel equivalent of the Explorer trans, no programing required. Good luck!
Dave