C4 Transmission Rebuild and Swap

Before

After

While searching the local Seattle craigslist "Free" section, I came across an ad for a 1966 case fill C4 transmission from a Mustang. I had been wanting to replace my Ford-o-Matic so I figured this was the perfect opportunity. I picked it up on a rainy day and placed it in the garage to dry out. Nearly a year later and a 1,600 mile round trip to the FCA National Convention in the near future...I decided it was time to get it rebuilt and installed.

On a scale of 1 (easiest) to 10 (most difficult) I would say this project was a 6. If you're mechanically inclined, patient, and don't mind getting dirty, you can save yourself a good chunk of money by doing it yourself. I won't get into the specifics of most of the rebuild as there are other good sources available for that. I had help from a friend who had just recently rebuilt a later model C4 and he also loaned me the Haynes Techbook #10355 "Ford Automatic Transmission Overhaul" book and a video by the company Technical Video #1204 "Ford C-4." These were both excellent sources of information with easy to follow, step-by-step instructions.

I rebuilt the transmission over the course of a few weekends and decided to take a Friday and Monday off work to do the swap. My rebuild was strictly stock as that is more than sturdy enough to hold up behind my 200 i6. Although I still had a few details to work on, I got it done and was driving to work Tuesday morning. Below are some photos I took during the process along with comments and a few links I found helpful. Also, scroll down for a list of the expenses involved. Take the Full Tour or click on the links below to view individual photos.

Parts	Oiler Modification	#9 Thrust Washer	Assembled Case
Valve Body	Shift Kit	Green Dot	Filter
Mount	Adaptor	Mount & Adaptor	Oil Cooler Bracket
Oil Cooler	Cooler Lines	Up on Jacks	Old Ford-o-Matic
Tranny Jack	Rear Mount	E-brake	Driveshaft
Inspection Plate	Detent Plate	Compare Detents	Indicator Lens
Comet Collar	Shift Linkage	Column Shift	Levers
Carb Linkage	Gas Pedal Front	Gas Pedal Back	Driven Gear

Helpful Links

• Makco Distributing, Inc. - A good source for parts, rebuild kits and excellent prices to boot.
• Falcon Enterprises - Source for mount adapter, detent plate and indicator lens.
• Mustang Central - An excellent page describing the different types of C4 transmissions.
• Burly 4x4 - Details of the #9 thrust washer oiler modification.
• Kelly's Hotrod - Page with lots of C4 links as well as info on other Ford transmissions.
• Ford Muscle C4 Forum - Helpful forum where you can ask specific questions about your C4.
• TFFN - Great forum for all things Falcon. Even a forum for "Transmission Rebuilding & Modifications".
• Ford Six Performance Forum - Specifically for inline sixes but some good info on the C4.
• Exploded view of a typical C4.
• Drivelines NW - The best place in the Seattle/Everett/Fife area to have your driveshaft modified.

C4 Rebuild and Swap Expenses (includes taxes and shipping)

$00 - `66 C4 Transmission Core
$90 - Throttle linkage, kickdown assembly from `65 w/C4
$20 - Powerwash case & bellhousing, used pan
$41 - Master Rebuild Kit
$34 - Pump Gear, Thrust Washer, Modulator, Flexplate
$19 - Transgo Shift Kit
$38 - Tru-Cool Auxiliary Oil Cooler
$85 - C4 Mount Adaptor
$17 - C4 Rubber Mount
$21 - Cruise-o-Matic Indicator Lens
$22 - Column Shift Detent Plate
$91 - Torque Converter
$44 - Valve Body
$148 - Shorten Driveshaft, Weld Yoke, Balance, U-joint Kit
$80 - Misc. parts, hardware, tools, paint, etc.

$750 Grand Total (does not include beer and pizza)

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