Ford C3 transmission
The C3 was a light-duty 3-speed automatic transmission from 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.
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.
Applications:
- 1971–1980 Ford Pinto
- 1974–1986 Smaller rear wheel drive Lincolns
- 1974–1987 Mercury Bobcat
- 1976–1983 Mercury Zephyr
- 1979–1986 Mercury Capri
- 1983–1986 Mercury Marquis
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:
- 1984–1990 Ford Bronco II
- 1985–1994 Ford Ranger
- 1985–1995 Ford Aerostar
- 1991–1994 Ford Explorer
4R44E
The 4R44E was an updated version of the A4LD with full electronic control. Introduced in 1995, it was used in four-cylinder Rangers.
Applications:
- 1995–1996 Ford Explorer
- 1995–2001 Ford Ranger
- 1996–1997 Ford Aerostar
4R55E
The 4R55E was a stronger version of the 4R44E, again with full electronic control. It was used in six- and eight-cylinder versions of the Ranger and Explorer.
Applications:
- 1995–1996 Ford Explorer
- 1995–2001 Ford Ranger
- 1996–1997 Ford Aerostar
5R55E
The 5R55E, though mechanically similar to the 4-speed 4R55E, was a five-speed transmission, the first produced by an American maker. It was designed for the high-torque 4.0 L Cologne SOHC V6.