Silly question for you guys. I'm putting a 302/C-4 combo in a buddies '66 Bronco. The motor is a 302 out of a '75 Bronco that had a manual trans. The C-4/D20 combo came out of another Bronco of a similar year. The trans came as a package deal off of Craigslist and included the converter, starter, t-case, flex plate, and the metal shim between trans and motor. When I get everything bolted together the motor won't turn over. I did engage the converter in the trans and it seems to be in as far as it will go. My question`is, did Ford change the back of the crank between M/T's and autos? Is there perhaps a different converter? Any suggestion or parts number will be appreciated! The Bronco was originally I-6 so I'm flying in the dark here. Thanx!~

 

The starter motors are different between the standard and automatic transmission. The standard one doesn't stick out so far, so presumably doesn't engage your flex plate. You can get another starter or just the proper snout (which is what is different between the two starters) for about $15 at a rebuilder. It's pretty straightforward to swap over, if you are careful the back end of the starter won't get disturbed so your brushes won't come out etc.

However, while you have it apart it would be a good idea to clean it up, and repack the bearings and check the brushes, and pick up new parts at the rebuilder as necessary.

Hmmm.... upon rereading your post I see that you've also got the automatic starter. Put it next to the standard one, and you should see the pinion gear protruding further.

The crankshafts are the same between both styles of transmissions.

P.S. What's a "D20"?

 

I figured it out. I installed longer bolts and slid every thing back about 2". As per advice found on the 'net, I rotated the TC clockwise ptting pressure on it until it went "plink" and popped all the way in. I thought I had it lined up on install but I guess I didn't. Never had this problem before, but this is the first C-4 I've messed with... D20 = Dana 20 T-Case. All early Bronco's had 'em!