swapping transmissions
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swapping transmissions
I just recently purchased a '79 F-150 4x4 (ranger). It has a 4 spd that seems to be geared low. I've read other posts and I guess that's the way these were made. The motor is a 400cid. My question is I am wanting to put an automatic in it (actually have someone do it for me, since I know only basic stuff), and wanted some input on how much is involved, like what needs to be looked at as far as having everything match up, i.e. what parts need to be changed like steering column or what ever. I apologize for not really knowing what questions to ask, But I love classic ford trucks, and have never done any real work on vehicles. I just want to see how much of a hassle it is, or how spendy this could get.
Thanx,
Frd4me2
Thanx,
Frd4me2
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From: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
you have to find a c6 with a 335 series engine bolt pattern on the bellhousing. then you have the choice to change the steering column or you can use a shifter lever instead which comes in a kit. you can find it at most auto performance stores. the crossmember should accept the auto tranny also. I can't remember but you might have to look at the driveshaft length. I did it on a 4x4. not sure what yours is? It will cost quite a bit to have a shop do it unless you can find someone you know or a backyard mechanic that might be able to cut you a deal! instead of paying the awful shop rates. some backyard guys if you offer your help they may accept and cut you more of a deal! hope this helps you some!!!
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Thanks
Thnx, Broncoman79,
Mine is 4x4 also. I was wondering if the C6 tranny would take care of that low gearing or is it a rear end thing. Again I have no real experience with this sort of stuff so forgive all the questions.
Frd4me2
Mine is 4x4 also. I was wondering if the C6 tranny would take care of that low gearing or is it a rear end thing. Again I have no real experience with this sort of stuff so forgive all the questions.
Frd4me2
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From: booger county , mo
When I went to a C6 from a 4-speed, the crossmember and driveshaft lengths worked fine. You will have to get a new transmission to transfer case adapter. I also found that the C6 third gear is a bit between the 3rd and 4th gear on a 4-speed so it wont help the low gearing. Put on bigger tires.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Yuba City, Ca
on your drivers door give us the info pertaining to Axel on the warranty plate. This will help us determine the axel ratio if it hasn't been changed. The C6 Is a great tranny and it's darn near bullet proof. I have the C6 behind a 351M and it's a good combo. I can't tell you much about gearing issues unless you give me the needed info. if you don't feel comfortable inputting this info you can Private Message me and i can tell you.
If You Ain't Good In The Saddle Lord She Won't Be Satisfied
If You Ain't Good In The Saddle Lord She Won't Be Satisfied
Posting Guru
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From: Saratoga, NY
Originally Posted by Frd4me2
Thnx, Broncoman79,
Mine is 4x4 also. I was wondering if the C6 tranny would take care of that low gearing or is it a rear end thing. Again I have no real experience with this sort of stuff so forgive all the questions.
Frd4me2
Mine is 4x4 also. I was wondering if the C6 tranny would take care of that low gearing or is it a rear end thing. Again I have no real experience with this sort of stuff so forgive all the questions.
Frd4me2
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From: Sault Ste. Marie, ON
i agree with phinxter and 74f100! the 4 speed tranny is a great! you can easily start off in 2nd gear. that is what i do all the time. but that 1st gear is nice when i am trying to get to that hard to reach spec lake. I pop it in 1st and let it crawl over the rocks uo the hills. as for gearing the 4sp ends up with the same final drive ratio as the c6 tranny. the only difference with going automatic is you lose control of the power band in your motor and you lose the extra low 1st gear. unless you are sick of shifting gears or drag racing this truck i would keep the 4 speed and start off in 2nd gear. also you will lose horsepower with the auto c6. you will lose 20-35 horse power. just some thoings to think about before you decide to do this. I wish you luck in whatever you decide!!!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,500
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Love my C-6's combinations
Gang,
Just to throw my two cents worth in. I have two Bronco's and three F250's.
1. 1979 Bronco with 460/C-6 combo Np205 Xfer
2. 1978 Bronco 400M with 4-speed (T-10) 203 Xfer
3. 1986 F250 5.0 with 4 speed (T-18)
4. 1989 F250 7.5 with C-6
5. 1987 F250 351with 4 speed
I love my C-6's. I use it all over the Northern Hemisphere from Penn all the way up to the Artic circle. I have found C6's to be tremendously bullet proof. I find I get the same performance out of my C6's as I do my Borg Warner Manual and a hell of alot easier.
I personally feel that unlerss you are doing alot of extreme offroading (Mudding, Competion hauling (Tractor Pulls, or rock climbing)< the C6 is the best of all worlds.
Just my opinion and we welcome yours.
Just to throw my two cents worth in. I have two Bronco's and three F250's.
1. 1979 Bronco with 460/C-6 combo Np205 Xfer
2. 1978 Bronco 400M with 4-speed (T-10) 203 Xfer
3. 1986 F250 5.0 with 4 speed (T-18)
4. 1989 F250 7.5 with C-6
5. 1987 F250 351with 4 speed
I love my C-6's. I use it all over the Northern Hemisphere from Penn all the way up to the Artic circle. I have found C6's to be tremendously bullet proof. I find I get the same performance out of my C6's as I do my Borg Warner Manual and a hell of alot easier.
I personally feel that unlerss you are doing alot of extreme offroading (Mudding, Competion hauling (Tractor Pulls, or rock climbing)< the C6 is the best of all worlds.
Just my opinion and we welcome yours.
Posting Legend
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With the 4 speed T-18 transmission 1st gear is almost never used unless you want to pull stumps etc. For normal driving 2nd gear is used to start off from a stop. There is a T-19 that was found in HD trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles that has a synchro first gear that is used to start for normal driving.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 2
Concur with you
Originally Posted by Torque1st
With the 4 speed T-18 transmission 1st gear is almost never used unless you want to pull stumps etc. For normal driving 2nd gear is used to start off from a stop. There is a T-19 that was found in HD trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles that has a synchro first gear that is used to start for normal driving.
The T-10 that I have is from a very early 70's F-350. It acts alot like a T-18 but is much heavier duty. It's a good combination with my full-time NP203 Xfer.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 2
Concur with you
Originally Posted by Torque1st
With the 4 speed T-18 transmission 1st gear is almost never used unless you want to pull stumps etc. For normal driving 2nd gear is used to start off from a stop. There is a T-19 that was found in HD trucks, buses, and delivery vehicles that has a synchro first gear that is used to start for normal driving.
The T-10 that I have in my 1978 Bronco is from a very early 70's F-350. It acts alot like a T-18 but is much heavier duty. It's a good combination with my full-time NP203 Xfer.
