I considering an engine / tranny swap in my 78 F150 4WD. I have a 351 C and would prefer to install an AOD. Some previous posts suggest if the AOD is for a 4WD it shouldn't be a problem but would I have to change or make any new mounts. I've also heard differing opinions on when/if the AOD started being electronically controlled. I'd prefer one without the electronics. Which years / model were they available?

Jason

 

I found out what years were available but would I have to change any trans mounts from a c6 to an AOD?

 

If you have a 4wd,you would need a trans for a 4wd.If it were a 2wd,a pass. car trans is a bolt in.1992 was when the AOD went to elec.My 2wd was a simple swap,just needed to get the Throttle Valve linkage right and it is a great mod.

 

Remember, the TV linkage on the AOD is very different from that on the 3 speed autos. It is much more than a "kickdown" linkage. The linkage controls shift points, clutch/band apply pressure and other things. If it is not adjusted properly, the trans can be damaged very quickly.
You will need an AOD with the TV lever for a carb, the later (EFI) boxes used a cable and the lever was different at the trans. The carb setup can be swapped to to the later trans if you can get the pieces.
The mechanism for the TV linkage on the carb is also unique. The usual "kickdown" mechanism can't be used. Holley made specific AOD linkage kits for their carbs, Carter ond others may have too. If using an Autolite carb, you will need one with AOD specific linkage.
There may be a way to adapt the cable TV setup to a carb, I've never heard if that though. Maybe someone else has.

 

(lokar) has aod kits for carbs.
Do you have 351c or 351m i don't know if aod came in bigblock bellhousing bolt pattern.
You can find the kits at jegs
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...=10001&Ntk=all

 

The AOD did not come with a big block bolt pattern. It also does not have a removeable bellhousing.

 

The 351 c has the same bolt pattern as a 302.

 

A friend of mine used the Lokar cable on his street rod and has had no problems.I had to modify the kickdown lever on my Holley (Ford OEM) to get enough travel but it works great.It was a trial and error thing and I didn't start driving the truck around,only road tests, until it was shifting right.