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Increased
fuel economy, Better performance;
what could be better? |
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| During
the 60's and 70's, as with their manual transmissions, Ford gained a reputation
for producing excellent automatic units, however they faced a dilemma when
the competition, namely the Japanese began to produce similar good quality
transmission with the advantage of an overdrive gear, this was especially
true in the US market. Not wishing to play catch-up, developing there own,
all new 4 speed box, they took the decision to adapt and existing unit.
Enter the
A4LD 4 speed transmission from Ford. First seen on the US built Ranger
and later introduced to Europe on the MK3 Granada/Scorpio and Sierra models.
Based on the already popular European C3, Ford retain many of the C3's
castings and its basic layout, which has created a lineage that the MK2
owner can use to their advantage.
2.0
litre models: Due to the rarity of the MK2 2.0 automatic, it has not
been included in this project.
ED:
Although, carried out on a 2.8 injection, all of the information here
is equally applicable to the non injection 2.3 and 2.8 models.
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Rating:
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This project was carried
out by myself, however, I recommend that you double check all measurements
& access to equipment before you begin! |
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At
this point there is an assumption of a basic mechanical knowledge in reference
to the procedures concerning the removal and refitting of an automatic transmission.
Therefore, this project relates only to the components and techniques required
for completion.
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Time
& Cost:
The
average conversion time on most vehicles is 15 - 20 hours
(dependent on equipment & skill level). The cost varies
depending on parts availability (whether new or
used), however with a good used transmission costs should come
in at under £300.
ED:
I completed this conversion in the summer of 2001, it took approximately
18 hours spread over 3 day's at a total cost of £211 (although
I carried out this project on my own, I would advise having someone help
with the reinstallation of the A4LD, due to its weight, it is difficult
on your own). I was lucky in finding a very
good transmission with a recorded history (It
was a reconditioned unit, the owner had all receipts and I was able to
verify this with the transmission builder) it
was still in the vehicle
that was drivable.
This price included the modifications required for the propshaft and a
new rubber coupling.
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Introduction:
MK2 refers to the late (post
1980) MK2 models,
MK3 refers to both MK3 Granada &
Scorpio, 4sp
refers to the A4LD 4 Speed Ford automatic Transmission,
3sp refers to the C3 3 Speed
Ford automatic Transmission.
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Which
Model? Any V6 MK3 Granada/Scorpio model
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| Later
Electronic Transmissions 4R44E (sometimes referred to as the A4LDe)
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ED:
The
4R44E (A4LDe) as fitted to later Scorpio models, although almost
identical to the A4LD is a fully electronically controlled
unit (via the engines ECU), and therefore requires the installation
of the donor vehicles ECU & associated wiring harness. This
is a major operation that requires high quality wiring diagrams
and a good working knowledge of automotive electrical systems. Therefore,
this article will not cover this unit, and it is recommended that
you avoid this unit unless you have access to major workshop resources.
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| IDENTIFICATION |
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were two 4 speed transmissions types used in the MK3,
these were the A4LD(1) fitted to the 2.0, and the A4LD(3)
fitted to the V6 engines
The one
that concerns us is the A4LD(3) as fitted to the V6
engine. Although the A4LD(1) fitted to the 2.0 engine
retains the same gear ratios, it requires a bell-housing
from the A4LD (3) so should not be considered.
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| Transmission |
Length |
| C3 |
24
inch (609.5mm) |
| A4LD |
28
9/16 inch (725.5mm) |
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Externally
the similarities between the old C3 and The A4LD are
immediately apparent. However, the A4LD is longer and
rather than the kick-down leaver, there is a solenoid
and a connection for the locking Torque Converter
(later
transmissions), if there
are other connections (in
addition to the inhibitor switch)
this is a 4R44E (A4LDe)
with electronically controlled
overdrive.
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| COMPONENTS
REQUIRED |
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2.3,
2.8
& 2.8 injection V6
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1 A4LD
transmission (including Torque Converter) from a 2.8/2.9 Ford
Granada MK3/Scorpio)
1 throttle
cable + 1 Vacuum switch from a 2.0 or 2.8/ 2.9 Automatic Ford
Granada MK3/Scorpio
(A4LD units utilise a solenoid operated kick-down,
I modified the MK3 cable however, it may be possible to simply
fit the MK3 pedal)
1 Pro-shaft from an automatic
2.8 V6 MK2 ED: initially,
when I carried out this conversion I had my MK2 propshaft
modified, however since then I have discovered that the MK3
propshaft front section is the required length. For more information
see the propshaft section Page 3!
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Copyright
R J Hodgson. 2002.
All rights reserved. I recognize that any photographs, Names, events
and/or associated merchandise mentioned here remain the property of the
Copyright holder and no infringement is intended... R J Hodgson... 2002...
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