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C4 transmission shifting issues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Porter07
  • Start date Start date Aug 17, 2024
P

Porter07

Member
Aug 17, 2024
3
1
13
Oregon
Aug 17, 2024
#1
  • Aug 17, 2024
  • #1
I recently swapped a used C4 transmission into my 66 mustang and immediately found that the car had a lot of difficulty shifting gears. Even when trying to do it manually it will rarely leave the one gear. Me and my brother have been tinkering with the shift linkage hoping that would change it but it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. He did comment after adjusting it that he thought it still felt like it needed more adjustment, which still gives me hope that that is the issue. I was just hoping some people with more experience on this topic could help us flesh out the answer to why it won’t shift gears, even at high rpms. Anything helps and we really appreciate any wisdom you guys have!

Side note: when I mean it occasionally shifts I’m saying that after really rowing through the drive gears it’ll change em.
 

89ripper

Founding Member
Jun 3, 2002
926
308
103
Rockford, Illinois
Aug 24, 2024
#2
  • Aug 24, 2024
  • #2
Porter07 said:
I recently swapped a used C4 transmission into my 66 mustang and immediately found that the car had a lot of difficulty shifting gears. Even when trying to do it manually it will rarely leave the one gear. Me and my brother have been tinkering with the shift linkage hoping that would change it but it doesn’t seem to be doing anything. He did comment after adjusting it that he thought it still felt like it needed more adjustment, which still gives me hope that that is the issue. I was just hoping some people with more experience on this topic could help us flesh out the answer to why it won’t shift gears, even at high rpms. Anything helps and we really appreciate any wisdom you guys have!

Side note: when I mean it occasionally shifts I’m saying that after really rowing through the drive gears it’ll
Click to expand...

Ford C4 & C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide - DIY Ford

Ford C4 and C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide- Detailed Guides Covering Ford C4 and C6 Automatic Transmissions. Don’t miss to read step-by-step guide!
www.diyford.com

Check link. I have little experience with c4s (friend had one in his foxbody)
 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"
Founding Member
Oct 10, 2001
2,468
86
99
Western Mass
Aug 28, 2024
#3
  • Aug 28, 2024
  • #3
Have you already adjusted the kickdown linkage and verified the vacuum supply to the modulator/modulator replacement?
 
P

Porter07

Member
Aug 17, 2024
3
1
13
Oregon
Aug 31, 2024
#4
  • Aug 31, 2024
  • #4
Realmongo said:
Have you already adjusted the kickdown linkage and verified the vacuum supply to the modulator/modulator replacement
Click to expand...
I don’t have much understanding on the subject but when we installed the new transmission the selector shaft head broke off so I replaced that. I tried to leave it untouched but I do worry that I could have messed something up there. Of course I recently discovered that on a 66 c4 the shift pattern is different from 67 and up so when I reattached the linkage it’s most likely misadjusted. I don’t know though. This is new for me so I’m basically flying blind
 
P

Porter07

Member
Aug 17, 2024
3
1
13
Oregon
Sep 1, 2024
#5
  • Sep 1, 2024
  • #5
89ripper said:

Ford C4 & C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide - DIY Ford

Ford C4 and C6 Transmission Trouble Shooting Guide- Detailed Guides Covering Ford C4 and C6 Automatic Transmissions. Don’t miss to read step-by-step guide!
www.diyford.com

Check link. I have little experience with c4s (friend had one in his foxbody)
Click to expand...
I really appreciate it. Seems like the vacuum modulator might be something to look into!
 
Reactions: 89ripper

89ripper

Founding Member
Jun 3, 2002
926
308
103
Rockford, Illinois
Sep 1, 2024
#6
  • Sep 1, 2024
  • #6
Porter07 said:
I really appreciate it. Seems like the vacuum modulator might be something to look into!
Click to expand...
Good deal, may not understand it but gotta start somewhere
 
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