Notices
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

Stupid C4 question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 19, 2016 | 08:40 PM
  #1  
risingstar's Avatar
risingstar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Stupid C4 question

I recently decided it was time to seek out another C4 transmission for my 67. While I have some mechanical ability, I was going to source a used C4 transmission and have someone else install it (bad back here). I went and took a look at a tranny early today. The seller claims it was rebuilt last year. I am not familiar with how C4s work. During the inspection, I tried to turn the torque converter and it was very stiff. The seller claims he installed new pump gears and the converter was new. I removed the TC and I turned the smaller input shaft and it did turn with some effort, again stiff. While turning the input shaft, the seller seemed perplexed that the output shaft did not turn. I was under the impression that the input shaft turning SHOULDN'T move the output shaft when it was out of the car. I then turned the output shaft and THAT DID turn the input shaft. Am I wrong? Please correct me if I am, thanks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 01:02 AM
  #2  
hoss73ford's Avatar
hoss73ford
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 772
Likes: 1
I'd probably like to know that too since I have a '67 car that I'll want to put one in while it's getting a new motor.
Some of the guys on the Fordbarn site know about transmissions as it's a frequent subject on there. Might check there if you don't get response on here. It could be since you posted at 10:40 that everyone's gone to bed and you'll have some answers soon.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 08:13 AM
  #3  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
When it's out of the car there is no direct connection from the input shaft to the output shaft. Sometimes they will turn each other just from drag. If you hold one of the shafts you should still be able to turn the other one.

The only way the shafts connect is when bands and/or clutches are applied, and that takes hydraulic pressure.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 08:59 AM
  #4  
risingstar's Avatar
risingstar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
When it's out of the car there is no direct connection from the input shaft to the output shaft. Sometimes they will turn each other just from drag. If you hold one of the shafts you should still be able to turn the other one.

The only way the shafts connect is when bands and/or clutches are applied, and that takes hydraulic pressure.
Mark, thanks so much! That is what I thought but having someone question it made me question it. lol One other question - The seller claims he changed the pump gears and put on a new remaned TC and that is why the torque converter is so hard to rotate when fully seated. Does that make sense?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 10:30 AM
  #5  
TigerDan's Avatar
TigerDan
Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
Likes: 5
From: The hills of No. Calif.
Club FTE Gold Member
What would make me nervous is that you say the seller worked on the tranny but doesn't seem to know that much about how an auto tranny works. Or did he have it done professionally? I wouldn't be thrilled about buying a used automatic from a guy who doesn't know much about them and just slapped some new parts in there...
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 11:09 AM
  #6  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by risingstar
Mark, thanks so much! That is what I thought but having someone question it made me question it. lol One other question - The seller claims he changed the pump gears and put on a new remaned TC and that is why the torque converter is so hard to rotate when fully seated. Does that make sense?
It should have resistance. How hard is hard is very difficult to understand. If he didn't set pump clearance or end clearance it could be bound up and will have a very violent and short life. Or it might be normal.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 01:56 PM
  #7  
risingstar's Avatar
risingstar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
The seller stated that he had it rebuilt by a local shop but never reinstalled it. He purchased the TC after the rebuild so I know I never had the shop mate both of them up. He is asking $50 for the tranny and tc. I feel like if its something simple it is worth the asking price but if it needs a full rebuild again then I will rebuild the one I have.

Mark, as for the pump clearance, does the larger thrust washer set that and the smaller washer set the input shaft end play? Or is it the other way around?
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 02:35 PM
  #8  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
It should have resistance. How hard is hard is very difficult to understand. If he didn't set pump clearance or end clearance it could be bound up and will have a very violent and short life. Or it might be normal.
How do you set pump clearance on a C4?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 02:40 PM
  #9  
351Cleveland C4's Avatar
351Cleveland C4
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 191
From: On the Edge of the Desert
It's worth $50 in scrap! You can't go wrong here imo. The only better price would be free
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 02:44 PM
  #10  
risingstar's Avatar
risingstar
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 351Cleveland C4
It's worth $50 in scrap! You can't go wrong here imo. The only better price would be free
I totally agree. It would also be worth rebuilding, I am just trying to figure out if something small was rebuilt incorrectly or if the whole thing should be rebuilt.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 02:47 PM
  #11  
teardropty's Avatar
teardropty
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
Originally Posted by instig8r63
How do you set pump clearance on a C4?
If memory serves correct, the stator pump clearance is set by the smaller brass thrust washer on the end of the pump assembly and the larger plastic washer sets the end play of the assembly.
 
Reply
Old Feb 20, 2016 | 09:34 PM
  #12  
Mark Kovalsky's Avatar
Mark Kovalsky
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 2,661
From: SE Florida
Originally Posted by instig8r63
How do you set pump clearance on a C4?
I've never built a C4.
 
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 12:00 AM
  #13  
chrlsful's Avatar
chrlsful
Logistics Pro
15 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 12
From: Lawrence Swamp
Originally Posted by Mark Kovalsky
I've never built a C4.
Y not if U got one and only enuff $ 4 the internals?

EDIT
o0OPPps may B I miss-read ur post
 
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 07:20 AM
  #14  
BobbyFord's Avatar
BobbyFord
Logistics Pro
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
Originally Posted by teardropty
If memory serves correct, the stator pump clearance is set by the smaller brass thrust washer on the end of the pump assembly and the larger plastic washer sets the end play of the assembly.
There is no way to set pump clearance on a C4. The selective washers only set up end play.
 
Reply
Old Feb 21, 2016 | 05:39 PM
  #15  
chrlsful's Avatar
chrlsful
Logistics Pro
15 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 12
From: Lawrence Swamp
may have some C4 knowledge here, will ask while I got a chance…

I understand that only 1 co. makes parts to make this tranny having 'engine braking' in first gear - most just have it in 2nd & 3rd. (wanna use it in a workin bronk that skids logs up 2 the neighbor's band saw mill). I think the co's name is "Performance" or something like that - R U guys familiar or can U assist in sourcing prts? Tranny is from a V8 and will B behind a torquie six (less HP/similar tq).
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:34 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-1
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-6
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE