I have a 1980 F100 pickup with a 300 in-line six cylinder engine. I'm not mechanically inclined and I'm tired of messing with manual transmissions and changing clutches. So, I'm wondering if an automatic transmission would work on it and if it would, what size would I need for it?
2007-03-25 22:27:08 · 4 answers · asked by krankit8 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Ford
I own a transmission shop, and yes you can do this. I will agree that you can use a C-4 transmission. Some things you will need is; A new flex-plate to replace the flywheel, A cooler & lines to keep it cool, or change the radiator to one that has a cooler in it. Either a shifter set up out of an automatic, or an aftermarket floor shifter. You may have a problem with the cross-member, and the mount on the back of the transmission not aligning, and you may have a problem with the length of the driveshaft. If you could find a junked out truck that you could rob all the parts you need from would be the ideal situation. You might could buy the whole truck, use the parts you need, and sell the rest to a junk dealer. This way you wouldn't have that much invested in it, have all the parts you need, and still make some of your money back by selling the truck.
Glad to help out, Good Luck!!!
2007-03-26 01:43:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
For that year of truck a C4 tranny would work fine. However you will need to make some modifications for the Automatic to fit in the truck. Even more if it is 4 wheel drive. you have to remove the old transmission. the clutch pedal, and change the transmission support brackets for the new transmission. you also need a drive plate/Flex Plate, shift linkage, shift selector, and a change to the drive shaft. This can be more costly then what the truck is worth. But if you love the truck and want to convert it over to an automatic go ahead. Keep in mind that you are not going to have as much pick up and go like you used to have unless you change the torque converter to a high stall speed. (I like to run a 2800 to 3200 in most my automatics) If you have a 4 wheel drive your also looking at a location change for the transfer case (If not a whole new one) and changing both the front and rear drive lines. Hope this gives you an idea as to what you should expect with the conversion.
2007-03-25 23:14:32 · answer #2 · answered by gearnofear 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, you have a couple choices, and you will also need to shift it. IE; different steering column or floor shifter to operate it. You will also have to change your drive shaft, to accommodate length difference from old trans to new. contact your local salvage yard for specifics & availability. You may have option for overdrive trans depending on rear gear ratio. (can easily determined by manufacturer decal in dr. side door jamb, 2 letter code lower right of tag) salvage yard can decode it for you.Ive done this a couple of times, but had some of what I needed on hand, as auto resto. is my hobby. It would be a bit much for a novice, and probably cost prohibitive to hire it done. Talk to your mech., or whomever has been changing the clutches. Good luck. & that 300 - 6 is a great engine
2007-03-25 23:20:01 · answer #3 · answered by DAVID W R 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You will need a c-4. Be warned though, there are many variations of this transmission so get one for a truck or have a reputable shop build it correctly. Good luck.
2007-03-25 23:12:50 · answer #4 · answered by mad_mav70 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋