Ford C4 Transmission
The C4 is a Ford three-speed, medium-duty automatic transmission that was the successor to the Ford-O-Matic. It was in production from 1964 to 1981 when it was then replaced by the Ford C5, which featured a better and improved lock-up torque converter to give vehicles better fuel efficiency. The C4 gearbox was officially known as the Cruise-O-Matic transmission from 1964 to 1966 and the Select-Shift transmission from 1967 onward.
The Ford C4 automatic transmission has a Simpson planetary gear set as well as an aluminum alloy three-piece case (bell housing, case and tail housing). This made the transmission much lighter than the Ford-O-Matic. The original C4 transmission Ford made from 1964-69 had a 0.788-inch, 24-spline input shaft. For 1970, Ford used a 0.839-inch, 26-spline shaft. Then in 1971, they changed to a 26/24 shaft with 26 splines on the torque converter side and 24 on the clutch hub. We recommend obtaining a 1970 and newer transmission for conversions.
The transmission case length is 11.18 inches. It measures 17 inches with the bell housing. The C4 was primarily put behind inline six-cylinder engines along with Ford small blocks like the 289, 302 and 351 Windsor engines.
Note: Advance Adapters recommends obtaining 1970 or newer C4 transmissions for conversions.
Ford C4 Transmission Applications
Because of the removable bell housing on the C4, this transmission can be used on the 351 Cleveland blocks with a stock C4 big-block bell housing, although these bell housings are rare and hard to find. The Ford C5 transmission had a longer, deeper bell housing to accommodate the larger torque converter. Large bell housings were used on FE or big blocks like the 351M and 460; they were used mostly in trucks and vans. Small bell housings were used in passenger cars like the Mustang, Granada, Pinto and Fairmont. To determine what types of transmission you have, check the Ford C4 automatic transmission identification tag for the part number. This tag is usually underneath one of the servo bolts on the passenger or driver side.
The Ford C4 transmission oil capacity depends on the engine size. A good estimate is eight quarts behind a six-cylinder engine, nine quarts behind a Windsor 302 and 10.25 quarts behind a Windsor 351. This measurement is when the oil pan and torque converter are empty. Use single-brand Type F transmission oil if you can find it; if not, Mercon V synthetic fluid is an acceptable substitute.
Oil pan dipstick: Car oil pan dipsticks push into the pan whereas the truck oil pan dipsticks screws into the pan.
C4 Transfer Case Adapter Kits at Advance Adapters
We manufacture adapters for the Ford C4 to mate to Jeep Dana 18 and 20 transfer cases, the Dana 300 and the later Jeep NP231s with a 23-spline output shafts. We also make manufacturer kits for the Bronco Dana 20, Ranger and Explorer BW 1350 series and as well as the Atlas transfer case.
The adapter for the Atlas is a very short C4 adapter kit and turns the Ford C4 automatic into a manually shifted transmission. This 2.9-inch long adapter is ideal for vehicles that require a short drivetrain. The C4 Short 300M X Atlas Adapter (50-2905) comes with a new output shaft and two castings. The output shaft in this kit is made of 300M material. Some machining is required for the transmission for installation.
Transmission Data Ford C4 Transmission Specifications*:
Forward Speeds: Three (3)
Dates Produced: 1964 to 1981
Manufacturer: Ford
Case Length: 11.18 inches
Bell housing Length: 5.82 inches
Overall Length: 17 inches
Case Material: Aluminum
Output Shaft Spline: 28
Input Shaft Spline: 24 (1964-69), 26 (1970), 26-24 (1971-81)
1st Gear Ratio: 2.46
2nd Gear Ratio: 1.46
3rd Gear Ratio: 1.00
Transmission Weight: 85 lb.
Fluid Type: Type F or Mercon V
Fluid Capacity: 8 quarts (inline six), 9 quarts (302) or 10.25 quarts (351)
Gross Vehicle Weight-Rated: 9,200 to 12,000 lb.
*All measurements are in inches and pounds unless specified.
Advance Adapters: Your Source for Ford C4 Transmissions Parts and Information
Along with specifications and information needed to make your vehicle's transmission upgrades or modifications, Advance Adapters has the parts, accessories and additional components necessary to create the off-road or all-terrain vehicle setup of your dreams. Shop our selection of adapter kits, bell housing kits and more. If you have any questions about installation or component specifications, we can help. Fill out our online contact form and one of our expert technicians will be in contact within 24 to 48 hours.