Best auto transmission for a '66 with a 302

[Manhollio09]

Hey guys, newbie here. Getting ready to restore a 1966 and I want to put an auto tranny in it. What are my choices and what's the best choice? Thanks in advance.

 

[BUCKWILD]

Well that will depend on what you want. A C4 will bolt in easily because the bronco had one as an option later in production or you can put in a newer overdrive AOD. The C4 will bolt in with only a steering column or a floor shifter, the AOD wil require a little more work and driveshaft changes. Adapters are readily available

 

[B RON CO]

Hi, if the easiest and cheapest is the best, then the C4, as mentioned, is the best.
Many guys here, including me, have take out C4s for sale.
Note that the Bronco C4 is different than the passenger car tranny.
The V8 3 speed tranny and Dana 20 adapters are also different from the 6 cylinder stuff.
Remember that the location of the tranny determines the driveshaft length and angles. Since your 66 was probably a 6 cylinder, the tranny is located first, and then you weld in the motor mounts.
Good luck

 

[Audifan]

If you don't already have a C4, and you have to buy something...AND you want to drive your EB at speed, then spend the extra money and get something with an Overdrive.

AOD or 4R70W

Overdrive is SO worth it.

I'm yanking the C6 (which is awesome and bullet proof) out of mine next month to upgrade to Overdrive.

 

[garberz]

The best? 6R80, it has an awesome set of gear ratios. #2, 4R70w, it has a good 1-2 gear ratio, and a usable OD for vehicles like a Bronco. Probably the most common auto trans upgrade in recent months. Plenty of support with stand alone controllers and T/C adapters. Simple is the Bronco specific C4, bolts right in, no adapters needed. But only a 1:1 3rd. No OD. The AOD has the same less desirable 1-3 ratios as the C4, only the OD is a bit tall at .67:1. No need to consider the AOD, when the 4r70w has better gear selections, and needs the same adapter as the AOD. The other added cost af the 4R70w is the stand alone controller.
The best in my opinion.
6r80
4r70w
700R4 GM
C4 no OD, but simple and very strong.
C6, bullitproof, same gear selection as the C4 only much stronger. Big in size, difficult to route exhaust, uses a bunch more HP than the C4.
AOD, early OD trans that quickly became obsolete. But people like the fact that it doesn’t require a computer to control it. %)

Mark

 

[fordguy]

First, what gear ratio is your rig? What is your budget? You can have a c4 and haves tons of fun driving your rig, more is not always the best choice. C4 is simple and deadbolt reliable. For the record I am going to run a 4r70w because I have ford fuel injection and tall gears. If my rig was stock gears I would be c4

 

[Broncobowsher]

You didn't tell us enough. Best is still a huge variable, best at what?

Best for a beginner to bolt in with the least hassle, modification, using all production parts? A C4 that came from another Bronco as a factory option.

How about the best wow factor? The 10R80(?) the new 10 speed, I think there are enough parts out to support swapping one in these days but don't think anyone has done it yet.

Best proven wow factor would probably be the 6R80. Not supper common but has been done.

Best simple modern transmission would probably be the 4R70W. No adaptors to the engine. It has been done for over 15 years. Gets you the selectable lockup torque convertor. Lower 1st gear compared to the C4.

For any of these transmissions to work right it has to have the correct axle ratio paired to the tire size as well. If you have the factory base V8 3.50 gearing option, none of the overdrive transmissions will work right. If you are running over a 31" tire even the C4 usually won't be happy.

 

[camp9k]

I have a 6r80 in the garage and haven't got time to install. Im running a semi built c4 and after driving mostly on the street, wondering why I would go through the trouble of swapping.

 

[rguest3]

What 6R80 are you guys talking about that will install behind the guys 302 in the initial post?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Late model F150. Adapter needed at both ends. I'm looking to put one behind a 460

 

[rguest3]

What stand alone controller is used for the 6r80 and an Earlier Motor?

Something like the Baumann for the 4R70w?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Quick shift 6 is the only stand alone controller I know of.