Ring gear help

[Broncobill78]

Hi guys,

First post here but I've been building Broncos for a long time. I'll get right to the point. While I'm sure I'll have more questions later on right now I just have the one. Most of my rebuilding experience is with the 78/79's but I just picked up a well beaten 88 that will be my Son's first truck in a few years. My immediate question is about the ring gear. This truck needs one, or it sure sounds like it does. I plan to take the starter out & spin the flywheel arounf 360* for a good look and with a lot of luck maybe a new starter will carry the day but right now I'm planning on needing to drop the tranny to change out the ring gear. Does this ring gear bolt onto the flywheel or will I be needing a new flywheel ? It's been so long since I did one that I just plain forgot. Additionally, what kind of tranny does an 88' have ? It's an auto but I somehow doubt I'm fortunate enough to have a C6 in there. With 195K or so I'm figuring it will probably be best to just swap out this one once I have it out rather than ***** around with dropping it a second time. Can someone shed some light on this for me ? Thanks in advance

 

[Justshootme84]

Welcome to Bronco Zone!!! The 88 will either have the C6, or AOD if it has overdrive. Just get a new flexplate with the ring gear mated to it. I don't think they can be separated anyway. IF the teeth look OK, you might try shimming the starter to get it aligned. JSM84

 

[Broncobill78]

I'm going to begin w/the starter but we'll see. If I need the whole flexplate does anyone know how particular I need to be about what it comes off of ? I seem to remember there being a few flywheels for my 460's depending on wether it was internally or externally balanced and the balancing weight was stamped on the flywheel, is it the same deal with the 302 or can I get away with something from say an 86 or a 92 F-truck/Bronco or maybe even something from a Crown Vic or mustang? I know it's probably different from an ** flywheel but other than that just how interchangable are they ?

Back to the tranny for a moment, The shift indicator shows Overdrive, Drive & 1st but there aren't any dash indicators or switches for overdrive. Logic tells me that would make it an AOD but, then again Ford isn't always logical and I can easily see someone deciding that they didn't need to buy, stock & install two different shift indicators. Does anyone have a link to compare the oil-pans, I've seen diagrams before that should make it pretty easy to identify but of course can't locate one now that I need it. I need to start calling around to price a bench-rebuild/straight swap and need to be sure I'm not talking out my a$$ about the wrong transmission when I do.

Thanks again.

 

[Justshootme84]

Yes, the flexplates are specific to your engine size and year model, but shouldn't be too hard to find for 88 302 F-150/Bronco. I think there's a link to tranny ID in the Tech Artciles forum. The Ford 4WD AOD tranny pan is basically square, with a small **** on the back edge. BTWm the OD is non-selectable, meaning there is no "push button" to disnegage it like on the later E4OD. You just have to manually shift in or out of OD as needed. Rebuild cost is about $500-$600. JSM84