C4 Rebuild

[FoxBrnc72]

I have a 1972 Bronco with a EFI 351w, mild cam, 37" tires. It's a street queen with light trail use. I am having the c4 transmission rebuilt. The torque converter is toast. Dropping the car off in several weeks at a small transmission shop for R&R, $2,200. Seemed reasonable as I couldn't find anyone to work on a c4, let alone R&R in southern California.

Should I consider upgrading any trans parts to support the larger tires or additional power? I was thinking an upgraded torque converter, just unsure which.

Any other considerations or recommendations given the information?

Thanks!

 

[pcf_mark]

I think the C4 is small and weak I would not expect it to live long behind a 351 with 37" tires. A shop experienced with drag racing may be able to add a clutch with an additional plate and steel to increase holding power. If you have good gears you may be ok with a stockish converter. If not a lot of gear then you will need a stall converter and that heat will shorten the trans life also. 4R70W is what I would use - more capable, lower first gear, overdrive and you could do the conversion for the cost the C4 rebuild and be ahead.

 

[jeffncs]

Talk to your trans shop. Be honest with yourself and the shop about how you’ll run the truck.

With that said, upgrade all the internals of you decide to invest in the c4.

Redirecting - for $2200, I’d look at and AOD swap b/c that sounds expensive to me.

 

[badandy73]

As others have mentioned, another vote for upgrading to a 4R70W, can handle the additional power and torque of the 351, plus electronic controlled OD and full torque convertor lockup is sweet.

 

[FoxBrnc72]

4R70W was my first choice, but upfront cost of extra parts and a new trans pushed me away. I think I need to find a better shop that knows what they are doing based on these responses. I wanted to just be done with it and throw the C4 in, but your answers are why I am here!

Thanks guys! Any suggestions for shops that will take this on in CA?

 

[badandy73]

Don't have any info on CA shops, but you could call WH and see if they have any recommendations?

 

[thegreatjustino]

Any suggestions for shops that will take this on in CA?

Transmissions By Hal
26A N Cherokee Ln
Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 334-1122

 

[bronco italiano]

Novotny in Upland
As the other members said, a C4 is not a good choice for your current setup.
2200 is appropriate for R&R. In Southern, CA and Bay area, labor is very expensive and license requirements/fees/EPA/and EVERYTHING else they tax you on.
4R70W is well worth the cost.