I need an overdrive trans. I currently have a 4x4 c6 behind a 302. The truck is a work "beater" albeit in nicer condition than you would expect. It doesn't need to be a powerhouse, just get me to and from home depot and then a customers house. I'm a finish contractor and the majority of weight I pull is my own f@t @$$. I'm not pulling any heavy bulldozers or anything.

My point is that I want to swap out the c6 for an AOD. First, does anyone know what the overdrive ratio is? 0.75:1? etc... second, what is a good year to look for. are the 87 up trannys better? Will I need a cross member or will my c6 crossmember work? How does the 4x4 work? What I mean here is do I have to find a trans that came out of a 4x4 truck? I'm not completely unfamiliar with the mechanics of the trans swap I just don't have any experience with the ford setup.

Lastly and most importantly about the AOD...I've heard rumor you can not get a replacement TV cable? How about the throttle bracketry? I've found a lot of AOD's on craigslist for a fair price and it's a tempting offer.

On that note, I have seen a lot of 5 spd. manuals. I'm now debating a manual swap. Other than the trans/transfer case what else do I need. Clutch pedal assembly, linkages and flywheel? Is this a more simple swap?

I really prefer the automatic trans especially after a long day doing physical work but if the 5 speed means better longevity, reliability and fuel mileage it maybe a better idea...

thanks.

EDIT: vehicle info below. rear gears are 3.55 and the motor is screaming at 60 mph hence a good part of why I want an overdrive. Also have bigger tires (one size bigger than stock. prev. owner did it, not me. If they weren't in new condition I'd put stock size back on).

 

The overdrive ratio in an AOD is 0.667:1. You MUST have a trans from a 4x4 truck to be able to attach the transfer case. A 4x2 trans has the wrong output shaft. It takes a complete teardown to replace the output shaft.

I don't know if the brackets are available. The cable may not be available at a dealer, but I'll bet any decent auto parts store can get one.