I am swapping out the 3.8 and 3 speed trans in my f100 for a 5.0 ho and an aod auto trans my question is will my driveshaft work or will i need one from an f150 with an aod my truck has the old 3 on the tree manual tranny with an aftermarket floor shifter

 

I don't think any transmissions were the same length, so you will need a new driveshaft.


What are you planing to do with that 3 speed when you remove it from your truck?

 

If I were you, I would try and find a C6 for the 302. The AOD is a very finicky transmission, and can be a major headache to those who do not know how to properly maintain one. Most people that have AOD's usually swap for a C6.

 

Can't help you with the driveshaft, but I got the 5.0 and AOD. It was okay for driving, but it's pretty crappy for working. I've always had tranny problems, even though I've had a couple of different ones in there. I guess the 5.0 is okay, but probably better suited for a car.

 

One, of the biggest issues you will have with switching to an AOD, is making sure the
TV cable or rod is set up corectly and properly adjusted. The AOD will fail if the TV
setup is not right. If your 5.0 and the AOD both came out of the same vehicle it
probably has the correct setup for the TV just make sure you don't disturb it and recheck it's adjustment.

 

hi all.. thanks for the replies.. a C6 might not be a bad idea.. i found out that the truck has the 2.75 9" rearend..it should still run at a decent highway RPM without the OD of the AOD..and wouldn't it have to downshift everytime it met a small hill or bump in the road? I know the 302 doesn't like to be lugged (esp. the HO motor).. i used to have an 86 bronco with the 302/AOD and now that i remember it loved to downshift.. ALOT..plus i hated that god-aweful BANG into OD at lower speeds..i adjusted the TV cable on it (using the procedure in the chilton book), changed the fluid/filter and that BANG into OD never went away..i would use the OD lockout while driving in town to avoid the harsh shift into OD..

does the C6 use a cable for the kickdown with EFI engines?

the only reason why i wanted the AOD is for MPG.. but if it will have to downshift every 5 feet because of the higher rear, then it won't save any MPG's..

heck.. maybe i should stick with the 3 speed stick? or i've got an M5OD in my garage that just needs a new top cover/shifter assembly..will have to change the pedals to a hyd. clutch setup for that trans..so many options for this old truck..

 

The C6 would certainly be a much better choice than the AOD, given the 2.75 rear gear.
Even the stock 3 speed manual would be better than an AOD.
The 2.75 gears will net around 2,000 RPM @ 65 MPH without an OD trans. If you add an OD trans, whether the AOD or M5OD, you will most likely need to drop the rear gears into the 3.25-3.50 range, or OD will be almost useless. Also, I believe both the AOD and M5OD are longer than the C6 and 3 speed manual, so a different driveshaft would be needed.
Just FYI, Ford did sell these trucks with a 302, C6, and 2.75 rear gear combo. Not the most powerful setup, but certainly drivable.

 

Overdrive would only be usable downhill with the AOD and 2.75 gears.

The C6 uses the kickdown on carbs and EFI, but it's not actually needed; many people run them without the kickdown and just downshift to 2nd when needed.

 

Personally I'd go manual .......otherwise C6, with your engine & axle.
I would actively avoid the AOD.
There's nothing to be gained with it for your truck, except the lockup in 3rd/4th - & IMHO the durability of a C6 more than compensates for the bit extra gas.

 

thanks for all of your help/replies..
i'm scrapping the AOD idea.. glad i got some opinions/help before blowing some money on a turd transmission..(a turd in this truck anyway.. not dissing the AOD)
now to decide to keep it manual or go with the C6..i've owned a couple ford's with the C6 and I agree that it is a good tranny when well cared for.
would be easier/cheaper to keep the 3 speed stick since it's still in the truck and I have a clutch/flywheel off of a 91 302 out of an F150(which were used with that M5OD i mentioned earlier), and i wouldn't have to swap the pedals..or wait.. still need to swap the pedals so i can have power brakes..like i said.. so many options for for this old plain jane truck

 

I don't think you need to swap pedals to add power brakes.
The 91 302 flywheel should work fine, but the clutch assembly from the 91 may not work for the 3 speed. I'm not sure if the input shaft is the same between the older 3 speed and newer 5 speed.
I recall something about the 3.8 using the same bellhousing pattern as the 300/302/351W/C engines, so the current 3 speed should be a direct fit to the 302.

 

If your looking for MPG's I stay with the manual tranny, get better MPG's than a automatic with it's "losses"