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Topic: 1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic (Read 2042 times) previous topic - next topic

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Hi to all, I was wondering if anyone might know about the transmission I received. I bought a tranny online, it is supposed to be a c4, but when I received it the torque converter had on it 1985 thunderbird 3.8. I am trying to install it into a 83' Ranger with a 302 and was wondering will it work? It has wires coming off the tranny that is not ordinary to the old school c4's. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #1
It almost sounds as if they sent you an AOD...
Does the bellhousing area bolt on, if it doesn't, it isn't a C4...
there might be a big "65" stamped into the top of it, right along the bellhousing edge, if it's AOD.
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #2
thanks fordtruckfreek, I will look to see what #'s are stamped. If it is an aod will it still work with the 302 I am tryin to install? I have a junk c4 laying around but have not put them side by side to see if they are alike.

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #3
It should bolt up with no problem, but the torque convertor may or may not match the 302, I'm not keen so keen on that, may depend on what year of 302 you have, and what flexplate.
Sorry for the vague answer there.

You'll be able to tell a difference right away between a C4 and aod.
The C4 weighs about a 1/3 what an AOD does...
And the C4 (most anyway) have the removeable bellhousing...
Far as the wires go, I dunno, may be the reverse light hookup, unless they sent an AOD-E...which is quite a bit newer, I think around 93 or 94 maybe.
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #4
thanks again for the info...I will take a better look with them side by side and check the #'s.

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #5
well for one if its for an 85 tbird it is NOT a c4.... it would be a c5 cause 82 was last c4 made then it was c5 in 83... lock up converter with a few differences here n there.  overall a similar transmission but different.. and yes c5 will work with 302 in a ranger... may have to do some pounding.  You can try this website to help as im a member on there http://www.therangerstation.com  give it a try ;-) u have to register to do forums but u can look at tech section they have info on 302 swaps.
    Eric

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #6
could be a c-3 also .. post up some pics of the trans..
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1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #7
Did the C3 and C5 transmissions have that removeable bellhousing too?
I've heard of a C5, but not a C3.
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #8
Sleeper i do not recall to my knowledge of using the C3 unless on a 4 banger fox car.... i know c3's were used on pintos but never heard of them used in fox tbird/cougars. Not sayin ur wrong or anything but ive not heard of it.

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #9
From the '84 shop manual:
Transmissions for T-Bird/Cougar
With 2.3L Turbo- T5 or C3
With 3.8L--------C5 or AOD
With 5.0L--------AOD

1985 thunderbird 3.8 automatic

Reply #10
well if u look at topic post according to this its 3.8 so it wouldnt have c3 but oh well lol