C4 and C6 Automatic Transmission Info
C4 History and Information
The C4 transmission came out in 1964 and was produced up
until 1981 The C5
was then introduced which is a modified C4.and ran through 1986 and it's major
difference was an improved lockup converter along with a better lubrication
.
1. Use Caution when swapping C4 and C5 trannys. C5’s are usually about one
inch longer, (deeper bell housing because of the larger converter) which may
make the driveshaft the wrong length.
2. The large bellhousing/pan fed C4’s are normally found in truck, vans, big
bodied cars (Galaxy, Torino etc.) and cars with larger engines like the FEs
or Big Block 460s. Small bellhousing C4’s are in the small cars (Mustang, Granada, Pinto,
Fairmont, etc.) with smaller engines like the 289, 302 and 351w but with most Ford parts there are
always some exceptions to this rule. Engine Factory provides the matching
flexplate teeth size and dimension based upon your vehicle and Transmssion.
It's wise to match your existing flexplate with the one we provide.
Don't swap your old flexplate over being that the engine balance could be
affected.
3.. If you have trouble getting the bellhousing even with the engine block
during installation or can’t turn the flywheel after bolting up, the
converter may not be all the way in the pump. The converter must engage the
input shaft, stator support and pump gear lugs. With the converter installed
properly, the converter hub will be deeper than the straight edge surface of
the bell housing. With the transmission bolted tight to the block, you
should be able to wiggle the converter stud easily in the flywheel.;
4. The factory C4 is capable of handling a higher output engine for a lighter weight car. We've had customers use our 350 HP / 302 with success. Substituting a higher stall speed converter or shift kit can improve it. These days aftermarket companies like TCI sell C4 Trannys that can handle loads over 450HP for a reasonable cost.
C6 Automatic Transmission
The C6 came out in 1966 and ended production in the mid 90's and was used in heavier cars and Trucks. The C6 has a good reputation for carrying big loads as well.
Q. When drawing up the transmission to the block, I can't turn the
crankshaft?
A. The torque converter was not installed all the way into the pump. The
converter must engage the input shaft, stator support and pump gear lugs.
With the converter installed properly, the converter hub will be deeper than
the straight edge surface of the bell housing. With the transmission bolted
tight to the block, you should be able to wiggle the converter stud easily
in the flywheel.
Q. After overhauling my C6, the shift linkage will not line up with the
shift lever.
A. The C6’s shift lever may be upside down. The lever can be installed 180
degrees from the stock position. Always check the lever orientation before
removing from case.
Transmission Pan ID
General Notes
C4 pans have 11 bolts, are 10” by 9” can have a 1” or 2” deep sump.
Trucks and larger cars may have a pan with a threaded hole on the right side for the dipstick tube.
AOD’s ran from 1980 to 93. AOD pans have 14 bolts, are about 14.5” by 13” with a 2” depth. 4x4’s have a pan with a dropped center. AOD’s use a TV. (throttle valve) linkage on the left side that is hooked to the carburetor or throttle body with a cable or rod. It also uses a small round neutral switch above the TV. link which is screwed into the case. The AOD has a one piece alloy bellhousing and case.
C6’s made from 66 to 75 have pans with 17 bolts, are about 14” by 13.5” with 1” to 1.5” depth. 75+ models have pans about 1.75” to 2” deep. 4x4 pans are 3” deep in the center and have an extension tube on the filter. The C6 has a one piece bellhousing and case.
AODE/4R70W go from 92 to present. It’s pan is similar to the AOD. These trannies have a large neutral switch (sometimes called a MLPS) mounted to the manual linkage and has a hole covered by a rubber plug on the bellhousing’s bottom. 4x4 truck pans (and 76+ model cars and 2wd trucks) are dropped near the center. The
AODE/4R70W uses a one piece bellhousing and case. E4OD pans are 20.5” by 13.5” with 20 bolts. The E4OD was used from 89 to 98. The 4R100 normally has a pan drain plug a was used from 98 to present. These trannies have a one piece alloy bellhousing and case.
Engine Factory makes no claims to this articles facts and we're not experts in the field of Transmissions