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somarp
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Convert Manual to Automatic
Ok, I know this question has probably been asked a lot, but it seems like it never really gets answered.
I am very early on in the thinking of replacing my 3 speed transmission with an automatic in my 71 F100 – 240-I6. There is nothing wrong with it just that it would be more convenient for driving in town for my wife if it was an automatic.
I have not identified the transmission or read end that I currently have – I do know that the rear end it is not original since it was replaced right before I bought the truck.
Right now the list of parts that always seems to pop up when talking about such a conversion are:
1. C/4 Automatic transmission
2. Driveshaft
3. Radiator with transmission coolant tubes
4. Power Steering components
5. Flywheel
Some of my questions are:
1. What year of trucks should I be looking for to get the transmission from?
2. I am assuming that the driveshaft will need to me modified – length?
3. Could I possibly use an after market transmission cooler instead of trying to find an older radiator? I would think that the new aftermarket would probably have better cooling.
4. If I wanted to not mess with the column shifter could I just leave it alone and install a floor mounted shifter for the transmission.
5. I have heard that the Automatic uses a flex plate instead of a flywheel - what does this mean?
I would appreciate any and all advice on how to make this conversion possible.
Once again thanks in advance for everyone’s input!
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4/27/2004, 12:10 pm
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cobraf100
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
1. What year of trucks should I be looking for to get the transmission from?
** About any Year C4 will work,You can get them out of Cars-Trucks-Vans.If you can See if you can find an AOD with the wright bolt pattern so you will have an OverDrive Gear, 3 Gears plus a 4th for overdrive..
2. I am assuming that the driveshaft will need to me modified – length?
** Do you have 1 Piece or 2 Piece Drive Shaft.It should be a 2 Piece,If you have a Short Bed you may want to go with a 1 Piece,This is what I did because I ripped the 2 Piece out of it..
3. Could I possibly use an after market transmission cooler instead of trying to find an older radiator? I would think that the new aftermarket would probably have better cooling.
** It's up to you,if your not running a Race Trans or pulling really large loads all the time, then a Stock Radiator with the Trans cooler in it will be fine.
You can find them in almost anything from a Car-Truck-Van up thruw at leat the late 80's.
I use an After Market cooler because I run a Stall converter and Had some work done to the Trans.Remember your trans has an operating temperature of around 180 deg.
4. If I wanted to not mess with the column shifter could I just leave it alone and install a floor mounted shifter for the transmission.
** Yes, I did this in one of my Other Trucks.I used a B&M Pro Stick But there a lot out there to chose from.
Last edited by cobraf100, 4/27/2004, 3:42 pm
---
Thanks,
Chris P.
Fort Hood,Tx.
Never Forget Our Soldiers
And
My Wife
72 F100 SWB Hot 390FE Everyday driver
http://community.webshots.com/user/cobraf100
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4/27/2004, 2:39 pm
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6772FordFseries
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
...and just to expand a bit...no, you don't need to get another radiator to utilize it for cooling the transmission. An aftermarket cooler will work better anyway. Just be sure you don't get cheap and get one of those POS that just strap to the radiator with zip-ties. While it'll work for a while, it's vibrating against the radiator will eventually ruin the radiator.
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Keith
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4/27/2004, 4:22 pm
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DuckRyder
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
Crown Vic police cars (Box bodies) have nice auxillary coolers and show up in the yards.
--- Robert
1972 Ford F100 RangerXLT
323i.net
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4/27/2004, 5:37 pm
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somarp
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
What all flywheel related parts will I need?
Do you think this is too big of a job for a beginner do it yourselfer?
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4/28/2004, 8:37 am
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390Nut
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
You will need a flexplate instead of a flywheel. Flexplates are much thinner, and lighter, than a flywheel.
Dont forget the flexplate bolts, and there should be a retaining ring on the flexplate that the bolts hold down. Sort of spreads the torque of the bolts over the entire flexplate (as it is so thin).
And no, if you keep level-headed about it, and have some basic tool/wrenching skills, it shouldn't be too difficult. Just keep in mind exactly what you are doing, and like everything else, try to get a clear picture of what all you have to do before you start. Makes it much easier when things dont go as planned 
If all else fails, ask for help, I'm sure someone can help here!
---
Paul--
`69 F100 .030 - 390 4 spd 3.50 gears
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4/28/2004, 10:44 am
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somarp
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
Well, I have located a C-4 at local salvage yard - it is a 3 speed for $150.00. They said they also may have access to a 4 speed and it would be $300.00.
He asked me one question that I did not know the answer to - what bell housing am I going to be needing? How do I determine this?
Also, what are the little things that are involved with this conversion? - like a kickdown lever for the carb? are there any vacuum lines? and the backup switch?
I am thinking that the vacuum lines and backup switch aren't an issue since I will be using a floor shifter - is this a correct assumption?
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4/28/2004, 2:07 pm
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DuckRyder
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
You need a "big 6" bellhousing (is it the same as the smallblock?)
You will have to run a vac hose to the modulator for it to work. Should be no big deal, just have 'em snatch the hard line off with the tranny.
C4 has a kick down rod, but I'lllet someone more familiar witht he 6 fill you in cause I only know C6 and FE.
--- Robert
1972 Ford F100 RangerXLT
323i.net
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4/28/2004, 2:17 pm
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cobraf100
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
Ok,
Do Not Buy anything yet untill you know what your getting and make sure if it's the wrong one they will Trade it back for the right one..
Clear something up here.....
*** There was never a C4 made for the Ford FE (332-352-360-361-390-391-406-410-427-428)There was Only the C6 and Cruise O Matic..
I cant find a really good Picture to send you of one but Hopefuly someone on Here has one Laying around that they can take a Pic. of to Post so that you can see what BellHousing your needong for an FE..
There are 3 different types of C6's that I know of:
1- Fits the FE
2- Fits the Big Blocks 429-460
3- Fits the Small blocks 302-351
and Non of these can be used to work on the other(in it's stock form)
So know what your getting before you get it,just one less Problem and Time.
Last edited by cobraf100, 4/28/2004, 3:07 pm
---
Thanks,
Chris P.
Fort Hood,Tx.
Never Forget Our Soldiers
And
My Wife
72 F100 SWB Hot 390FE Everyday driver
http://community.webshots.com/user/cobraf100
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4/28/2004, 3:04 pm
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DuckRyder
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Re: Convert Manual to Automatic
O.k. I'm lost he said he has a 240 right? A "big 6" or truck six.
I was the only one that said anything about an FE.
He's wanting to put a C4 or AOD behind a 240, unless I totally missed someting.
--- Robert
1972 Ford F100 RangerXLT
323i.net
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4/28/2004, 3:29 pm
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