My C4 automatic is slipping when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes makes a big clanking sound. I think I need to get a new tranny or rebuild this one. How hard is it to rebuild a C4? If I were to get a whole new transmission, should I buy a new one, a rebuilt one, or get one off of a car in the junkyard? The car is a 72 maverick 302, column shifter. Thanks, -Erick
That's a real common problem with C4s. It's usually due to worn high clutches, low pressure, or leaky seals (in either the intermediate servo or high clutch pack). Either way, it'd be best to rebuild it....and while you're in there it might be a good time to upgrade some things. C4's are easy...though it'd be a good idea to get a book that shows step by step how to overhaul one. When you do it yourself, you'll never pay another trans shop again. I think the overhaul kits nowdays are somewhere around $50.
Thanks, I think I'll try and rebuild it. I will just have to get a good book that shows how step by step.
The local Auto Zone used to carry the Haynes Ford Trans book, it covered c3,c4,c5, c6, and aod. Very good one to have, some others can be had also or go to your local library and photo copy the pages from their non checkout Chilton's etc. Once you do one of the c4's you'll learn a lot and see how they work. Worst job of the whole deal is cleaning all the parts and putting it back in the car.
Just curious...I've never rebuilt a Ford XMSN...are there any special tools required? I had a guy who rebuilt all of our transmissions, race, or otherwise, for a price that just couldn't be beaten. Sadly to say, he passed away last year, and I've been toying with the idea of doing them myself since. I didn't know what I may need tool-wise to get started. Thanks for any info,
Hey Maxx...we do all of our own stuff, c4's c6's, c5's (same as c4), have done 2 AOD's, TH350, TH400 (hate those!), and a bunch of Powerglides. About the only thing special you'll have to have is a dial indicator and a set of feeler gauges. An air compressor is nice to have to pressure check various clutch packs for leakage, as well as a trans pressure gauge to diagnose any problems, but it's not absolutely necessary. The most important thing to have is a CLEAN, wide open work space where you can disassemble the trans and have it all layed out. A parts cleaner does a great job too, but again is not absolutely necessary. The Haynes books at the parts stores are great manuals. They even tell you that you can use like a screwdriver rather than some special tool that costs an arm and a leg. OH...a set of snap ring pliers will make the jobs much easier, and some sort of press to compress clutch springs, etc. Like I say, once you get a feel for doing them, you'll never pay someone to rebuild your trannies again.
I got the book and it looks great. After reading some of it, I think I'll get a new torque converter and shift kit for the rebuild also.
get a "TransGo" series two shift kit it's for "street or strip" but it is really just a great street kit. PaulS
can get all your c4 parts at www.bulkpart.com in dallas tex good folks to buy from if you call talk to Mark they have all you hp parts in stock can buy on line fast shipping good luck with your rebuild just take your time
