Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Drivetrain Tech => Topic started by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:10:14 PM

Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:10:14 PM
Will a floor shifter from a Stang' LX ( 87 very) 4 cyl work in a bird? Cuz I can get one cheap and I don't think the H pipe will clear the shifter linkage when it gets put on the car. I belive the trans was a c3 maybe. I'm assuming it will work. And we have gone over this a million times but what all is needed to pull this off?
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 22, 2007, 10:15:00 PM
Nope you need the shifter for an AOD T-bird or Cougar. The 4 cyl Mustang used a 4ALD trans and the shift patter of a 4ALD doesn't match up to an AOD.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:16:03 PM
Can anyone else confirm? Looking at coolcats now, it appeares that it can be used, but the gear indicater will not line up on it. Also on a side note, what shifters do SN95 Stangs have in them? There are a few at the local JY that I can steal parts from if needed.  IF they will work
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:17:38 PM
Quote
Not all factory Cougar/T-Bird floor shifters are alike! You must make sure that you have the shifter that's correct for your transmission type. All C3, C5 and AOD transmissions will use the same kind: with 6 detentes, or notches. You cannot use a shifter meant for an A4LD (4-cylinder) transmission, like those used in 1987-88 Turbo Coupes, since they have 7 detentes. The following chart will help you determine what's needed to use on your car, and subsequently from what car that you can use the shifter:

Your Transmission No. of Detentes Floor Shifter Must Read:
C3 (4-cylinder, V6 or V8) 6 P R N D 2 1
C5 (V6 or V8) 6 P R N D 2 1
AOD (V6 or V8) 6 P R N (D) D 1
A4LD (4-cylinder) 7 P R N (D) 3 2 1

The only difference between the C3/C5 and AOD shifters is the indicator plate that's bolted to the shifter. So if you have an AOD but can only find a C3/C5 indicator plate, for example, you can use it but you'll just have to remember that D is actually overdrive, or (D). Vice versa is also true-- (D) would just be D on a C3/C5

Thanks Eric, hope you let me use this
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: Thunder Chicken on April 22, 2007, 10:28:20 PM
You've answered your own question with that quote from Coolcats. As thunderjet302 said, the 4-cyl Mustang used the A4LD tranny, which has too many detents for your AOD.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:32:21 PM
Thought t would have a C3? I'll grab a pic of the shifter tomorow but I swear it has a c3 pattern on it. A4LD is a TC only trans isn't it? And even if it has too many detents, can't I just not shift all the way?
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: thunderjet302 on April 22, 2007, 10:38:13 PM
Quote from: 84 Fila;142163
Thought t would have a C3? I'll grab a pic of the shifter tomorow but I swear it has a c3 pattern on it. A4LD is a TC only trans isn't it? And even if it has too many detents, can't I just not shift all the way?



Nope 87 and up 4 cyl Mustangs used either a T5 or a 4ALD. Rangers also used 4ALDs as well.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 10:56:08 PM
What trans would 3.8 mustangs have in them? I'm assuming A4LD too? But is it it shte A4LD in the mustang, wouldn't it have that shif pattern. I'll get a pic tomorow so I know I'm not loosing my mind, but it has a C3 pattern on it IICR
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 22, 2007, 10:57:11 PM
You really need one made for the purpose served,and the application needing it.One from a T-Bird or Cougar.I have a V-8/AOD shifter assembly out in the garage.I was going to sell it,but those cables are made from unobtanium.REAL hard to find.SO,it stays as a backup just in case.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 11:03:06 PM
So..in other words... I'm screwed because I'm almost broke. All this because I *think* the H pipe might hit the shifter linage
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: slamedcat on April 22, 2007, 11:05:53 PM
Would one from a Mark VII work. If so I can snag one from my parts car.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 11:05:56 PM
*MAY* have found one on corral. They throw their shiznit away. IF it's all there, it will only cost me $40 shipped for everything
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 22, 2007, 11:14:33 PM
You're going to have to have the H-Pipe anyway,get it and try it.Then you'll know where you stand.I've heard of people drilling new holes in the frame and moving the shifter linkage (on column shifted cars) just enough to clear the exhaust.May save you a lot of time and money.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 11:15:48 PM
May or may not. Ony time will tell. Reguardless, I'l really like a floor shifter. It just looks better in out cars IMO
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 22, 2007, 11:19:43 PM
Mark VII can be made to work,but it's a completely different setup.I'd worry about all of your "needs" before your "wants".You can always get your "wants" when money allows.You do what you have to do,so you can do what you want to do.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 22, 2007, 11:26:02 PM
Well, I'll see what the stang guys say, I'll assume the Mark shifter will work and throw a maybe so far, then pry the prochamber clears it.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: EricCoolCats on April 22, 2007, 11:50:32 PM
None of the Fox automatic shifters interchange, AFAIK. Several people tried different ones and concluded that the Cougar/T-Bird shifter is the ONLY correct Ford one. That doesn't mean you can't get another shifter to work. But something's not going to line up or look right, I will guarantee that.

You're asking for a tall order for an '84 auto shifter. There was only the C3-equipped XR7/Turbo Coupe that had an auto shifter in 1983-84. Finding one is a nightmare; trying to find the corresponding matching-grain bezel is about as difficult as finding the correct floor-shift AOD cable.

H-pipes need to be dimpled around the floor shifter, and sometimes for the kickdown cable bracket. That's a normal thing for our cars.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 23, 2007, 12:01:39 AM
The Mark VII can work,but requires work.It's not just a bolt in,plus,it won't fit in our consoles.It's just rigging it up,which,in my book is a no-no.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: jncocowboyx on April 23, 2007, 03:04:56 AM
LMAO @ thread name
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 23, 2007, 07:15:58 AM
Anyone know if the H will hit the shifter linkages for the column shift? Thats why I thought of this in the first place. Or would an aftermarket shifter like B&M or somebody be better for this?
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 5.0willgo on April 23, 2007, 09:54:00 AM
Quote from: jncocowboyx;142232
LMAO @ thread name

:rollin: I just realized that


I had to dimple my h-pipe as well but then again I have a floor shift.
Mikey do you have the h-pipe?
Reason I ask is that you know you need it and if you already have it, hook it up. Then you'll see if there is a problem with the linkage. IIRC Eric says on his site that it can work with a column shift. You just aren't going to know how well until you try it.
It might be as simple as dimpling the pipe to make it work.

My suggestion is to try to make it work first rather than go through the hassle of converting to floor shift. Sure, you want a floor shifter but is it absolutely necessary to get you going, of course not. Plus you are budgeting to get the car going so rather than "waste" money on something that isn't necessary, work on other stuff. Then once you are going, think about doing the floor shift conversion.

Vinnie stated it perfectly.
You do what you have to do,so you can do what you want to do.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 23, 2007, 11:31:15 AM
Yeah, I just realised the thread name too. I'll have H pipe soon so we'll kow for sure. For the record, how much is the Mark shifter to get that to work and will it even work with an 84? Again I know it's not a need but I would still like it eventualy, even if I'm just collecting parts for now
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 23, 2007, 01:25:57 PM
The Mark shifter isn't worth dealing with.Save up and buy one made for our cars.Then,you have the option of a factory style console,and other parts that make the job easy.The B&M Hammer shifter is supposedly a good alternative,I'm not sure though,but I've heard good things about it.They cost,though.I don't like aftermarket shifters myself in these cars.I think it's easy to cross a line with ours as far as looks go.Some things you can get away with in a Mustang,but would look stupid on our cars.Find a factory shifter for the V-8 T-Birds/Cougars,and go from there.

5.0willgo,thanks for the props.LOL.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 23, 2007, 01:55:14 PM
Got it guys, thanks. IF the H doesn't fit I'll need to bite the bullet though. Don't really have to but I might just go with it
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: Beau on April 23, 2007, 08:00:24 PM
and now...lookin' back at the topic...i MUST say...if you have a "floor shizniter"...now's a good time to potty-train that sumbitch! ;)
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 23, 2007, 09:10:27 PM
To change the title or not to change....
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: vinnietbird on April 23, 2007, 09:13:56 PM
You might as well leave it,it's worked so far.LOL.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: 84 Fila on April 23, 2007, 09:18:34 PM
Well, went to the JY for a few min's just to look at the SHIFTER. I swear for the life of me it has a C3 pattern on it. Waiting for the H before I get any plans but ya never know.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: Kitz Kat on April 24, 2007, 04:57:01 PM
If thunder306 still has it he had a shifter in that car.
Title: Floor shizniter Compatibilty
Post by: TurboCoupe50 on April 24, 2007, 06:21:56 PM
Some "H" pipes clear and some don't... A LSC Lincoln works, but is real close... I trimmed the lower cable mount ear and the bracket... When I went with the Hooker off road H pipe, had to cut off the remaining part of the ear... I use a hose clamp around the cable to help keep it in place(never had a problem)...

A BBK "X" pipe I have won't begin to clear... 5 speed only...