I have a '77 Shortbed with a 302/C4 combo. 3.25 Rear end gear.

My ultimate plans are to rebuild the 302, port/polish heads, machine for larger valves, install mild cam, headers, etc. If I can get to 250 HP, I'm a happy guy. Not too concerned with burning up the asphalt.


That said, I would like to install an AOD transmission behind the 302 in place of the factory C4. The goal here is to turn less RPM on the highway (a lot of highway driving around Charlotte, NC) and to hopefully save a little gas, wear an tear, etc. Since it'll be mated to a 302, I doubt the tranny will be destroyed by too much torque, horsepower, or whatever. I drive pretty easy too, so that can be taken into account.

I have an opportunity to snag an AOD from a mid-1980's LTD for $100. Doesn't need a rebuild, but I'd plan on doing one before installing in my pickup. I'd want to upgrade all wear-prone components and make it as reliable as possible.

I've read here and other places that the AOD in factory form has reliability issues and if not tuned properly is prone to premature annihilation. (just made that up)

Anyone here have any suggestions about the AOD? Is rebuilding an AOD with the beefed-up components worth the trouble? Anyone have one in their Dent? What about advice on the conversion? Different driveshafts? Linkage doesn't mate up to our shifters?

Any advice/experience is appreciated.

 

I'm putting an AOD behind a 351W in my 74 F100 long bed. Haven't got to the point of hooking up shift linkage yet but shouldn't be too big of a deal. Kickdown linkage MUST be properly adjusted or you will burn up the tranny with 20 miles or so. I live near Gastonia (just west of Charlotte) so shoot me a PM and maybe we can get together and discuss your project.

 

I've read that truck-based AODs like 90 and newer are better suited for retrofitting into older trucks since they had the application in mind (hauling, towing, etc.).

Many articles on the web... get yer Google on.

 

I'm going to have to get out my google shovel!

I thought I read that the 90's AOD's were called AOD-E and were computer controlled? Maybe not. I'll do a little research.

 

Will do. Thanks for the input. This isn't something I'm planning on doing in the next week or so, but I would like to know what my options are so I can decide whether or not to even buy the AOD. I'll shoot you a PM shortly.