C4 to AOD swap
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
What carburetor do you have, or are you planning on using?
The stock Motorcraft carburetor that came on your truck will not work [without some modification]. The reason is that this carburetor used a kickdown linkage and kickdown rod for downshifts on a C4 or C6 transmission, whereas models with an AOD used a completely different style linkage for a throttle valve (TV) rod. The TV rod directly controls the line pressure in the AOD. It controls all shift points, shift firmness, and kickdown. If the line pressure is not set correctly or if the TV rod is not connected to the carburetor correctly, it will burn up the transmission.
The stock AOD TV rod is made to work ONLY on the stock Ford kickdown linkage on early 1980s 2-barrel Ford Motorcraft carburetors equipped with an AOD. The linkage on these specific carburetors are designed to move instantly and exactly proportionate to the travel of the throttle lever on the carburetor:
*** EVEN THOUGH THE TV ROD WILL PHYSICALLY CONNECT TO IT, THE KICKDOWN LINKAGE FOR A C4 OR C6 IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE SAME AS THE TV ROD LINKAGE! ***
The problem with the aftermarket Holley and Edelbrock carburetors is that they do not have the correct kickdown linkage that will work with the AOD TV rod, and their throttle levers are not symmetrical to use a later model or aftermarket TV cable.
To correct the first problem, you will need to get a Lokar TV cable to replace the TV rod:
Lokar KD2AODHT - Lokar Stainless Steel Hi-Tech Kickdown Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com
To correct the second problem, you will need to get a TV corrector bracket that bolts on to the Holley or Edelbrock carburetor throttle lever. If you don't, the TV cable will get pulled out of adjustment every time you drive it. Out of adjustment AOD = burned up AOD.
TCI Auto 376715 - TCI TV Cable Bracket Corrector Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Capiche?
The stock Motorcraft carburetor that came on your truck will not work [without some modification]. The reason is that this carburetor used a kickdown linkage and kickdown rod for downshifts on a C4 or C6 transmission, whereas models with an AOD used a completely different style linkage for a throttle valve (TV) rod. The TV rod directly controls the line pressure in the AOD. It controls all shift points, shift firmness, and kickdown. If the line pressure is not set correctly or if the TV rod is not connected to the carburetor correctly, it will burn up the transmission.
The stock AOD TV rod is made to work ONLY on the stock Ford kickdown linkage on early 1980s 2-barrel Ford Motorcraft carburetors equipped with an AOD. The linkage on these specific carburetors are designed to move instantly and exactly proportionate to the travel of the throttle lever on the carburetor:
*** EVEN THOUGH THE TV ROD WILL PHYSICALLY CONNECT TO IT, THE KICKDOWN LINKAGE FOR A C4 OR C6 IS ABSOLUTELY NOT THE SAME AS THE TV ROD LINKAGE! ***
The problem with the aftermarket Holley and Edelbrock carburetors is that they do not have the correct kickdown linkage that will work with the AOD TV rod, and their throttle levers are not symmetrical to use a later model or aftermarket TV cable.
To correct the first problem, you will need to get a Lokar TV cable to replace the TV rod:
Lokar KD2AODHT - Lokar Stainless Steel Hi-Tech Kickdown Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com
To correct the second problem, you will need to get a TV corrector bracket that bolts on to the Holley or Edelbrock carburetor throttle lever. If you don't, the TV cable will get pulled out of adjustment every time you drive it. Out of adjustment AOD = burned up AOD.
TCI Auto 376715 - TCI TV Cable Bracket Corrector Kits - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Capiche?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
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New User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I am using edelbrock carb on a 351W. jeg has the lokar cables and brackets i think $150 for those. what i am wondering is the actual gear selection linkage. can make the 73 linkage work or make a trip to the junk yard and grab the linkage off a 92-93 F150.
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