I am considering buying a 1970 maverick grabber that comes with a c4 transmission the problem is it is not installed. the other problem is i do not know how to install a transmission and do not have enough $$$ to pay someone to do it. If anyone out there in there infinate wisdom could tell me how to install a transmission and or lead me to a website that can tell me on how to hook up an automatic c4 transmission to a 302 engine please help me. I know this is prob. a job for a professional but that is not an option for me.Its either I do it or it doesnt get done. so if anybody can help it would be much appreciated.
it is kinda difficult to type out what to do...best bet is go to autozone, advance auto parts in paducah or hopkinsville ( i was stationed at Ft Campbell for a year, and if i was still there i could help ya out) and get a chiltons or haynes manual on trannys or ford maverick manual......and follow the directions....and find someone that has done it before to help you out.....if you dont get the input shaft all the way in place you will burn up the tranny in less than 15 miles.... not recommnded if you have no idea how to do it...if you do it and mess it up you will still have to pay someone to do it and fix the tranny... that costs more than to have someone install it if you are of drinking age you might be able to talk a mechanic into doing it for a case or two.....costs a little but still cheaper than the 300 or so it will cost good luck
2 biggest mistakes a person usually makes is they do not get the converter installed correctly and they don't replace the front and rear seals You should really find someone that knows what they are doing to help. Regardless, get a service manual and read the steps for transmission removal and replacement it is worth the money. Basic steps On a solid level surface raise car up high and support with jack stands Pour 1 qt of Type F trans fluid in the converter (if empty) Lubricate front seal in the transmission with clean trans fluid Slide converter onto input shaft Spin converter by hand while applying pressure against it The converter will drop back 2 times while spinning it, once to engage the pump and a second to engage the main input. Keep spinning till you’re sure you got it, if not you will burn up the transmission Using a transmission jack raise the trans into position Do not allow the trans to tilt forward or the converter will slide out Jockey trans into position and onto the alignment dowels on the block Install 5 of the bell housing bolts into the bell housing (do not install the 2nd one up on the passenger side at this time) Install transmission cross member Place new O-Ring onto dipstick tube and install it into the trans Install 2nd bolt up on the passenger side to hold dipstick tube in place Install the 4 bolts through the flywheel into the converter, you will need to turn the crank by using a socket on the bolt in the center of the harmonic balancer to get to all the converter bolts (install all bolts before tightening them) Lubricate rear trans seal with clean trans fluid Install driveshaft (now would be a good time to replace the u-joints) Connect linkage to transmission Connect downshift rod Connect cooler lines Double-check that all bolts are tight Fill transmission with Type F fluid Start car and run transmission through gears (make sure the wheels are stopped before going between forward and reverse and park) Check fluid level and top off as needed Lower car back to the ground Test drive Clean up your tools and work area
Man those are great instructions! Convertor probably has studs and drain plug, make sure they are lined up with the holes in your flywheel.
I wish I could cruise over and help you.....when do you "need" to do this? I am leaving for Philly on Sunday. But I could get over there in a couple weeks if it can wait that long. Only thing to add to the above info is. Especially since this is your first time. Try to get someone to help you get the tranny bolted up. Even if they do not know what there doing, having that second person on the other side of the tranny to get it on the dowel pins will help greatly. I have pull/put my tranny in/out atleast 5 bizzilion times by myself, but for a first timer a second hand would make things a lot easier.
Thanks, didn't think about the possibility of studs, I have ran an aftermarket converter for years that uses bolts
One thing to pay attention to that I did'nt see posted. if the tranny does'nt want to mate up the the block easily do not pull it up with the bolts. It means you don't have the torque convertor back all the way. If you pull it up with bolts it will break the pump or the ears off the tranny. Also don't forget the block spacer thing. Anybody ever done that? lol clint
thanks guys for all the info i think it will come in very usefull. i will post some pictures of the car once i get some of the body work done and a new coat of paint.
if you use a floor jack for raising the tranny you'll definitely need a second pair of hands to steady the transmission. i bought my tranny jack at harbor freight on sale for $49. works great. strap the tranny on and use a 1/2" rachet to raise it to the height you need. it's better than a second set of hands.
hey, now where talkin. if i have trouble getting the trans in (which is very likely) I will message you in a few weeks.Shure are some good people in this forums. by the way my name is Justin.
