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(GM 700R4
Automatic Transmission)
The
Ford automatic transmissions used in the Ford Ranger haven't been known
to very strong. The Ford C5 is similar to the C4, but was only used in
1983-1984. It's also only a 3-speed automatic.
The
A4LD is probably the weakest of the Ford automatics, and definitely
struggles to survive in an offroad application. The 4R44E and 4R55E were
an improvement in the Ranger 4-speed automatics, with the 4R55E being
the stronger of the two. And finally, the 5R55E 5-speed automatic was
probably the strongest automatic used in the Ranger.
With
the exception of the C5, the Ford Ranger automatics were electronically
controlled, and that can come with it's own problems that can cause the
transmission to not function properly.
Adding
an automatic that's not electronically controlled has its benefits, and
if you want a Ford 4-speed automatic, your only option is the AOD (The
Ford C4 is a 3-speed automatic.). The AOD can be used with an adapter
from Advance Adapters. However,
Bendtsen’s
Transmission Adapters offers a kit to put a GM automatic
behind a Ford 4.0. This opens up the option to add a GM 700R4
non-computer controlled 4-speed behind your Ford Rangers 4.0L. Here
is a comparison:
|
4-Speed
Automatic Transmission Comparisons |
| Transmission |
Ford A4LD
4R44E / 4R55E |
Ford AOD |
Gm 700R4 |
| Controlled |
Computer |
Hydraulically |
Hydraulically |
| 1st Gear |
2.47 |
2.40 |
3.06 |
| 2nd Gear |
1.47 |
1.47 |
1.63 |
| 3rd Gear |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
| 4th Gear |
0.75 |
0.67 |
0.70 |
| Length |
28.687"
(A4LD) |
20.500" |
23.400" |
Note
the lower 3.06 1st gear ratio in the 700R4 versus your Ranger's
stock 2.47. That's 0.59 lower. That would be like taking your
stock 3.73 rear gears, and updating to 4.32 gears.
How
Do I Install a GM 700R4: If
you're replacing the automatic in your Ford Ranger, then you're
going to have an issue with the connections that go to the
transmission. The GM 700R4 is going to need to be used with a
computer from a manual transmission Ford Ranger. That means you
can either mount this in place of your existing manual, or if it
was already equipped with an automatic, you'll have to swap to a
computer from the same year Ford Ranger with a manual
transmission. 
(Bendtsen’s
Transmission Adapters - Chevy Transmission to Ford 4.0 Adapter)
What
Bendtsen's Transmission Adapters Says About This Adapter:
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We
assume that the person installing this kit has a certain amount of
mechanical aptitude and ability. It is not for the beginner. Make
sure you clean all surfaces when mating these parts together.
Always check bolt clearances. We try to make everything as simple
as possible to help you, but the ultimate responsibility as to the
assembly of the kit is up to the installer. Check and recheck as
you go. We can’t foresee every change or modification that could
possibly occur in the building of a custom vehicle.
A
few common sense installation tips:
1.
Install all bolts before tightening in any sequence.
2.
Use Loctite and torque bolts where applicable.
3.
Don’t over tighten bolts. There is NO warranty on stripped
threads.
4.
Be careful and don’t assume. Check everything and be sure.
Kit
contents:
Adapter
plate
Torque
converter adapter
Bolt
kit
Clean
the back of the block before installing the adapter plate. Remove
the exhaust manifolds, they will be in the way. Cut the Ford
alignment dowels down to .330 (about 5/16 to 3/8 of an inch.)
Install
the adapter plate using the supplied socket head cap screws.
Install
the converter adapter onto the torque converter you will be using
and then trial fit it onto the stock Ford flexplate.
You
will be using the stock Ford 4.0 liter starter, but you will need
to grind a flat spot on the end. Bolt the starter onto the adapter
plate then trial fit the converter and converter adapter as an
assembly.
You
should be able to see where you need to grind the flat spot. Once
this is done and everything clears, remove the starter. The torque
converter nuts are installed through the starter access hole. Spin
the converter assembly into the transmission and install the
transmission onto the engine just like you would if you were
installing a Ford trans. Make sure the converter is spun in all
the way or you won't have enough clearance and you could damage
the trans. |
Links: Bendtsen’s
Transmission Adapters - Chevy Transmission to Ford 4.0 Adapter Advance
Adapters (For AOD Swaps)
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