What transmissons are available for my 1983 2.8l v6 2wd automatic?

[figwig]

I've been looking through the tech docs, but there's not much info on the C3 transmissions. Does anyone know what options are available to me for a fairly easy swap? Can i swap in a c4 easily if i keep the c3 bell housing? If not, what all would it take? That may be the best as i want to do a V8 swap down the road and a c4 seems to work well with the 302. My c3 is failing with jerks on shifts and slipping when going from a stop. Attaching a photo of the trans oil pan just in case someone notices that it's not a c3 but i think that's the pan for a c3.

 

[JoshT]

Unfortunately, the only easy swap that would make sense is a manual transmission like the M4OD from a 4.0L Ranger.

That said, I'm guessing you want to stay auto and you already said you want a V8 swap? If so, get your C3 rebuilt and don't worry about what might be compatible with a later swap. Save the money wou would have spent on swapping transmissions now and put it towards a better package for the swap.

Physically bolting it in being the requirement, an A4LD, 4R55, or 5R55 Ranger transmission from a 2.9L or 4.0L would be easy swap. Problem with those is they are st least partially electronically controlled so you would need to buy and install a transmission controller which adds a fair bit to both cost and complexity.

Yes, you can use the C4 behind your 2.8L with the right combination of parts and it will work behind a 302, but you don't want to limit the engine swap with that transmission. Also according to the tech library there is a limited selection of bellhousing that can be used for the swap, and it does not include the C3 as a source. Even if you collected the parts to do the swap, you would stil need to get the transmission rebuilt due to age and wear (unless you buy remaned for big $$$$). You would be much better served by something like a AOD, AODE, or 4R70W (same basic transmission, E adds electronics, and 4R add even more) with the 5.0L depending on how you are feeding it.

You can probably source an entire Explorer for the 5.0L and 4R70W for what it would cost to collect parts and swap the C4 behind your 2.8L. Especially after you part and/or scrap the donor vehicle. With some rewiring, a 96-97 Explorer would be an idea donor for your year Ranger keeping the EFI system. If you wanted to go carb, you could use any year Explorer with an intake change and adding a distributor, but you'd need a controller if you wanted to use the 4R70W (which I would recommend). Lots of other ways that swap could be worked, but the Explorer 5.0L is highly recommended starting point because that engine acessory package is the best fit in a Ranger engine bay.

That's my 2 cents.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I believe an early a4ld would work with a manual electric switch to control the convertor lockup. Iirc they have only one solenoid that you need to worry about. Its what I plan to do for the 2.8 in my Pinto as I already have an a4ld in my 86 2.9 Ranger. Engine is toast and trans was rebuilt not long before the engine died.