Ford C3 transmission
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| C-3 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 1971–1989 |
| Predecessor | Cruise-O-Matic |
| Successor | A4LD |
| Class | 3-speed longitudinal automatic transmission |
| Related | Cruise-O-Matic |
| Similar | Turbo-Hydramatic 180 TorqueFlite |
The C3 was a light-duty 3-speed automatic transmission from the Ford Motor Company. Introduced in 1974 with the Ford Pinto, the C3 was manufactured in Bordeaux, France and remained in production through 1989. It was updated as the 4-speed A4LD in 1985, which was itself updated as the 4R44E and 4R55E in 1995. The newest evolution of this line is the 5-speed 5R55E.
Contents |
[edit] C3
The C3 was introduced as a lightweight 3-speed automatic for compact cars like the Ford Pinto. It was used with four cylinder and small V6 engines only. The final appearance of this transmission was in the 1989 Merkur XR4Ti.
[edit] Applications (US)
- 1971–1980 Ford Pinto
- 1974–1977 Mercury Capri
- 1979–1986 Ford Mustang (when equipped with the 2.3 I4)
- 1974–1986 Smaller rear wheel drive Lincolns
- 1974–1980 Mercury Bobcat
- 1978–1983 Mercury Zephyr
- 1979–1986 Mercury Capri
- 1983–1986 Mercury Marquis (when equipped with the 2.3 I4)
- 1985–1989 Merkur XR4Ti
[edit] Applications (EU)
- 1982–1987 Ford Sierra
- 1982–1987 Ford Scorpio
- 1979–1987 Ford Capri
[edit] A4LD
The C3 was modified into the A4LD four-speed by adding an overdrive gear, which the C3 lacked. This transmission was introduced with the 1985 Bronco II and Ranger, again with four- and six-cylinder engines only. It was replaced by the 4R44E and 4R55E in 1995.
This was the first Ford automatic to use an EEC-controlled torque converter lock-up clutch. Electronic shift control for the 3-4 shift was later added, another first, though other gears remained hydraulic.
Applications:
- 1985–1990 Ford Bronco II
- 1987–1993 Ford Mustang (when equipped with the 2.3 I4)
- 1985–1994 Ford Ranger
- 1985–1995 Ford Aerostar
- 1991–1994 Ford Explorer
- 1991–1994 Mazda Navajo
- 1994–2002 Mazda B-Series
- 1985–1989 Merkur Scorpio
[edit] 4R44E
The 4R44E was an updated version of the A4LD with full electronic control, introducing duty-controlled TCC lockup. Introduced in 1995, it was used in four-cylinder Rangers.
Applications:
- 1995–1996 Ford Explorer
- 1995–2001 Ford Ranger
- 1996–1997 Ford Aerostar
- 1995–1998 Ford Scorpio
[edit] 4R55E
The 4R55E was a stronger version of the 4R44E, again with full electronic control. It was used in 4.0 L six-cylinder versions of the Ranger and Explorer.
Applications:
- 1995–2001 Ford Ranger
- 1996–1997 Ford Aerostar
- 1995–2000 Mazda B-Series
[edit] 5R55E
The 5R55E, though mechanically identical to the 4-speed 4R55E, was a five-speed transmission, the first produced by an American maker. The ability to produce five forward gears is by improved software control. The 5R55E introduced adaptive shift control and sophisticated friction to friction shift ability. The 5R55E introduced Directional high energy frictions and eliminated all but one thrust washer with high-capacity thrust bearings. It was designed for the high-torque 4.0 L SOHC and 4.0 L OHV Cologne SOHC V6.
Applications:
- 1997–2000 Mazda B-Series
- 1997–2002 Ford Explorer
