I have an 87 ranger which has a 302 in it, right now when i go about 55mph i am doing about 3500 rpm. I think this is because of the transmission, which i think is a C4 or C5, it is an automatic. If i switch it to a automatic transmission with 4 gears will the rpm drop down lower when going at a higher speed? The guy i bought it from took out the 5 speed in it and put the auto in which he said was a stock ranger transmission. I would like it to be lower because it seems like it could damage the engine and probably kills my gas mileage.

 

going with a 4 speed will help. Look into what gears you have as well...going to a numerically lower gear ratio number will lower your cruising RPMs as well. Id say anything over 3K rpms is causing more wear and tear than youd want to. Depending on what car/truck the tranny came out of, you might have a C4, C5, or even an old school FMX. Id look into an AOD if you dont want to swap gears.

 

I recently bought a transmission for a 302 which is a 4 speed but i think its from a 2wd, what would i have to change to put it in my truck which is a 4wd. I checked the sticker in the door and the axle code is 84.

 

I looked at the door code then i took a picture of the tag on the axle and now i am confused.

 

cant help you with that, ive only owned 2wds

Id go by what the tag says. Id even go further and verify the gears.

 

I would but i don't understand the tag.

 

Looks like a 3.73:1

Edit:
Bottom row, first three digits is your gear ratio.

 

Thank you^^
I have decided that i am going to look for a 5 speed to put in the truck. Is the 5 speed the best choice, or is there a better choice (auto or manual) that would handle the power of the 302.

 

AOD would be fine Id think, dont know anything about 5 speeds and clutches

 

But would it fit, since its a 4x4 it has to fit in between the engine and transfer case.

 

bump
If someone knows the length of an aod not including the tail shaft housing i can figure out if it will fit or not. And i talked to my mechanic and found out that the 5 speed would not match up to the 302.