AUTOMATIC C4

The early Bronco had the option of an automatic transmission from 1973-77. Ford used the C4. All early Bronco C4s were column shifted. It should be noted that the Bronco C4's used the 164 tooth, 28oz. imbalance flexplate and these C4's were the pan fill style.

Pan fill C4's receive transmission fluid through the dip stick tube which goes into the right side of the transmission pan. Thus the term "pan fill".

During the same time period, Ford also used a case fill style of the C4 (transmission fluid goes into the transmission through the dip stick tube going into the case of the transmission). The case fill style was not stock in the Bronco. The case fill style was available with 157 and 164 tooth flexplates and corresponding bellhousings. Torque converters were also particular to the different flexplates.

With the C4 you can build a serious heavy duty transmission in a small package. Many aftermarket parts are available to beef up these units. It's a favorite from rock racers to daily drivers.

Here are approximate dimensions for everything we could think of that might pertain to the C4. You can use this chart to figure out OAL (over all length) of available combinations.

OverAll Length C4 Bellhousing 6" C4 Body 11" C4 to Dana 20 Adapter (Stock) 7 3/8" Dana 20 11 1/4" Atlas 2 13 3/4" C4 to Atlas Short Adapter 3"

Transmission Conversions

Wild Horses supports the do-it-yourselfer by offering individual parts and adapters. Please keep in mind many of these parts have been specifically fabricated to go with other parts we offer. It will be up to you to determine if these parts will suit your needs.

Early Broncos use what is called a "Flare Case" C4. As such the bellhousings we carry will be for this type of C4. This style will also go along with the 164 tooth flexplate and pan mounted dip stick/tube. The tranny to bellhousing bolt pattern will be different than the "Step Case" style C4. This style C4 uses a case mounted dip stick/tube and will have a 157 tooth flexplate. For further information and pictures describing these differences please check out the page created by Paul Pearson on Mustang Central on the following link.


When converting from a manual transmission to a C4 automatic, you will want to consider:
* Torque converter.
* C4 Transmission.
* A/T Starter.
* A/T Transmission Cooler.
* A/T Transmission Lines.
* Shifter (floor or column).
* A/T T-case Input Shaft.
* Neutral Safety Switch.
* A/T Pedal Assembly.
* You may need a new carburetor to use Kick-Down.
* Plus the items below: