I have a buddy with a complete EFI 302 in his shop and a C5 transmission. While the transmission is still being debated (not sure on auto or manual, adapter availability will be a factor, etc.) I have been debating what R&P I should run.

Currently, I'm running 36" TSLs, will probably be going to 38s eventually, and I'm running 5.29s to help the 4-banger live. But I need more motor. A buddy of mine is running a 302 in his CJ, 3.73 gears, and 33" claws. He thinks it's undergeared, so I'm thinking of either staying with 5.29s if I can find an O.D. transmission or dropping down to either 4.88s or 4.56s if I end up using a non-OD transmission. Your thoughts, guys?

BTW - My primary concern on the gears is street use, since it's driven to the local trails pretty much every weekend.

IMHO; With OD stay with the 5:29
If going w/o Od then 4:88 with the 38" or 4:56 with the 36"

Are the Toy diffs origanal 4 banger or V6 centersections?
If 4cylinder diffs then don't expect them to last long with the V-8.
The V-6 diffs will last a little longer but too much loud peddle will eat them too.

Good luck.


Eric

I agree w/Alpo 100%. I'm running 37" MTR's and 5.38s with my 351 and OD tranny (E4OD).

I think Alpo said it well

Thanks, that's about what I thought. The rear diff is a V6 with a detroit, so if it blows, it's time for a 9" or a 60...

The front is a standard 4-cyl diff, and I'm running longfields instead of the stock birfs. I expect I'll blow a front shaft where they neck down for the snap-ring before the front diff goes. The lockright worries me, but if it breaks I won't exactly be pissed. I'm surprised it's still kicking, really.

Anway, thanks for the advice. I don't think it would be too hard to find someone who would trade 4.88s for 5.29s if it comes to that, but I don't think it will.

Is a C5 an O.D. Tranny, or would I have to go with the E4? Advance Adapters has a C4->Toy case adapter. I have heard that a C5 is nothing more than a C4 with a larger (C6?) torque converter - is this correct, and if so will a C5 bolt up to this adapter?

Sorry for the endless questions. I feel like such a newbie. :emb3:

I know nothing of the C5. There really aren't any decent Ford autos w/OD that are worth swapping in. You could look into something like a built Art Carr AOD, but the stock AOD hardly seems worth the effort given it's reputation for being weak.

The E4OD is a decent tranny and I like mine, but it's not worth swapping in, either. You do open up a world of possible heartaches, not to mention you'd need a stand-alone controller for it.

How 'bout a ZF? Or a good 'ol T18 (no OD of course)? Or do you have enough d/s for something like a Gear Vendors OD?

Sorry not more help

If I'm understanding this correctly, the C4/5 is a decent enough tranny, but it's not an overdrive unit. And there aren't really any decent options for ford overdrive autos besides the E4OD, which is an electrical PITA to do.

What does it take to fit a T-18 to the 302? I know T-18s came in fords, but did they ever come behind the 302? What does it take to get a T18 behind a 302? And can you recommend a good place to start researching this, so I can stop posting newbie questions?

If you are interested in running the C4. I have a C4 to Toyota minitruck transfercase adapter from AA. It came in a truck I bought several years ago and the tranny was bad.
I still have the adapter and all the parts need to bolt a Toyota minitruck transfercase to a C4 transmission....


If you are interested... $250obo. (which is about 1/2 price of what AA wants)

E-mail me if you are interested at:
BBuiltparts@yahoo.com

Brian

I'm running 302/C6/Atlas/4.56's and 38.5's. I need to go to 5:13's. Even on the street it's a little on the high geared side. If you run 36's you will probably be ok but if you jump to 38's go to at least 4.88's.

Originally posted by Dr. Evil
If I'm understanding this correctly, the C4/5 is a decent enough tranny, but it's not an overdrive unit. And there aren't really any decent options for ford overdrive autos besides the E4OD, which is an electrical PITA to do.

Yep


What does it take to fit a T-18 to the 302? I know T-18s came in fords, but did they ever come behind the 302? What does it take to get a T18 behind a 302? And can you recommend a good place to start researching this, so I can stop posting newbie questions?

Yep, it wasn't uncommon for '87 full size Broncos to have the T18 behind the 302. Probably true for F150s, too. I think what it takes to get the T18 behind a 302 is to, well, ....
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bolt it up :flipoff2:

There is also the 4R70W but again it is a computer controlled tranny so you have to deal with that.

Okay, sounds like my 5.29s would be in the ball park. If it turns out to be overgeared, I'll simply buy me a set of 38s.

I think we've narrowed it down to the T18 and C4... neither of which is an OD tranny. I think I'd like to try me out an auto tranny, simply because I run a lot of mud, and it can shift mid-mudhole as nesscary.

Which brings me back to one last question: anyone know if a C5 will bolt up to a C4's adapter? I've heard it's just a C4 with a larger torque converter. Is this correct?

I plan on keeping the 302 pretty much stock, so I think a C4 would hold up if my buddies C5 won't work.