will c3 go inplace of a4ld?

[Ken N.]

89' ranger with 2.3 a4ld went out and Ive got a c3. I know ill be loosing over drive. But will it work?????

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

C3 will probably be shorter than the A4LD, so you may have to play with the tranny mount and driveshaft along with the shifter.

I have never actually seen a C3, but my C4 (much heavier duty) is much shorter and lighter than my A4LD, I would guess a C3 would be moreso.

 

[fix_or_repair_daily]

My 84 2.3 2wd had a c3 and it really sucked on the highway, because there is no lockup converter and no o/d. With 3.73s I was turning close to 4k at 70mph. I personally wouldn't do it especially since it's not a direct fit.

Josh

 

[Ken N.]

Well rats just my luck... is there a different trans. that would
Work beings a4ld are junk.

 

[Will]

The A4LD is a C3 with OD, lockup and electric shift solenoids on 3-4 in later trucks--like your '89, and on the lock-up. I don't know anything about the C3 or it's reliability, but I wouldn't put it in unless I was sure I had everything--converter, flexplate, spacers--whatever, and knew it worked. It might have an amazingly long tailshaft and fit in the same place as an A4LD. You can measure.

C5 is better, but it's not going behind a 2.3. I would find someone that knows how to build an A4LD and get yours going. Go to the tranny section on the tech page and read about it.

 

[Ken N.]

Ive checked with 3 local trans. Shops $700 & up even if I pull trans
Its just a beater with a heater anf I dont wanna put that kind of money
In it it dont get drove much maybe 15 to 20 miles a week. Just tryn to
Get by cheap cause the motor runs well

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

C5 is better, but it's not going behind a 2.3. I would find someone that knows how to build an A4LD and get yours going. Go to the tranny section on the tech page and read about it.

I think there are 2.3 bellhousings floating around for a 2.3, not very many though.

IMO I think the easiest replacement for the A4LD would be the M5OD manual. Same length as the A4LD so the driveshaft stays the same. Granted you have to get the pedals and clutch stuff though...

Back in my 2.8 days when my first A4LD died I bought a '86 that hit a pole for $300, ripped the trans out of it, sold the 2.9 for $200, made a trailer out of the back, set the front axle aside for spares and junked the rest. It still worked fine when I pulled it and the dying 2.8 eight years later to make way for my 302/C5.