302 and auto trans. in 55 Ford

[grumppyoldman]

Juat bought a 55 Fairlane with a 302 engine and a 3 speed automatic trans. how is a good way to tell what the trans. is? I can't see an adapter so I figure its a standard bolt up, there is a vaccume on the right side by the square oil pan. Could it be a C 6 which has been used in this conversion before? Al

[raceron1120]

If it's a square pan it's probably a C4.

[Alaska Jim]

does it have an oil cooler or is it air cooled?

[grumppyoldman]

I think I saw lines from the radiator, which should make it water cooled. Have to take another look to be sure. I believe the pan is square,I'll take a closer look at that also. Thanks for the help. Al

[ponymare]

If the trans is all one piece, it's a C6, if the bellhousing comes off, it could be a C4.

[rotorwrench]

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While they did make C6s to fit the Windsor small block pattern 351W & 351C for heavy duty applications, they really weren't all that common. If it's an older 302 then it should be a C4. If its later one then it could be a C6, FMX, or an AOD. It just depends on the application it came from. Of course, if it's a 3-speed, then it's no AOD.

[Alaska Jim]

The reason I ask about how it was cooled was to verify that it in fact did not have any type of adapter. it most likely is a c-4 if it is behind a small block 289/302

[poolplayer1]

My 55 ford has a 302 and the tranny is a C4. Yours could be a C6 but more than likely,its a C4 like mine. There is no aod on my tanny but it works very well with the 302.

[JeffB2]

Easiest way to tell is here.

[Bob-93021]

JeffB, Thanks for posting the pix. I am not changing anything but found the pix very helpful in identifying what I have since I have several AT with unknown transmissions - B

[grumppyoldman]

Yes thanks for the pics., I haven't had a chance to get it home from storage to check it out. The rear end has a whine I'll have to look at, I haven't checked to see what the rear end is, and weather has been to bad to work on it. My comp. got fried in lightning storm, so haven't been on site for a while. Thanks for the info. Al

[rotorwrench]

The 55 should still have the old Ford rear axle used basically from 1949 to 56. Does it whine under load or only when you coast? The pinion bearings may be worn or there is a loss of preload if it whines when coasting. If it whines under load then the gears are most likely shot.

At least it has a third member that can be removed and worked with on the bench but finding parts can be a bear.

[grumppyoldman]

It doesn't whine under load, just when coasting. I'm going to pull it next week and check it out. if it's bad I would like a set of gears to make it more hi-way frindley. The tag on it has 30.03-1 but I haven't checked that out. May have to go to a 8.8 or 9" rear end. Al

[grumppyoldman]

I've looked at the rear end and it doesn't look like a 8" or 9" rear, the pinion gear doesn't have a removable flange that holds it in the housing. I guess it has to come out after the rear end is remover from housing. Any ideas? Al

[paul2748]

A picture will tell all.

[grumppyoldman]

can't post pictures, lost my comp. and all pics. from a lightning storm a couple weeks ago, using wife's lap top for now. Al

[grumppyoldman]

After changing the oil in differential, the whine seems to be getting quieter, maybe wishful thinking. But it doesn't seem to be as loud as before, the more I drive it it seems to get quiter. Still waiting on weather to give me a chance to tear into it. Have to work outside under carport, when it rains it's too wet, when it's dry it's too hot, can't work on cars in storage. Al

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

I've looked at the rear end and it doesn't look like a 8" or 9" rear, the pinion gear doesn't have a removable flange that holds it in the housing. I guess it has to come out after the rear end is remover from housing. Any ideas? Al

Just wondering. It is a 1955 F/L HDPT/SEDAN, correct? What is the ENGINE CODE on the PATENT PLATE?

Two period styles rear assy below-

[grumppyoldman]

I'll check today. Al

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by grumppyoldman

I've looked at the rear end and it doesn't look like a 8" or 9" rear, the pinion gear doesn't have a removable flange that holds it in the housing. I guess it has to come out after the rear end is remover from housing. Any ideas? Al

Just a random thought... are you sure it's original to the car?
I know a fellow who bought an old T-bird and discovered the original rear end had been swapped with one from a Studebaker.

Since a previous owner swapped in a newer 302 and automatic, they may have put in a rear end too.
.