-4speed
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Auto Trans Help
I'm in the middle (I hope) of a complete restoration/hotrodding of a '55 F-100. I'm sick of scraping and grinding rust, of cleaing, sanding, painting the frame and suspension parts, etc. but I'm mostly past that stage now. Current status: new IFS is in, new rear springs and Explorer 8.8 rear w/disks is in and the brakes are plumbed. Next will be mounting the engine and trans . . . that's where my current dilema starts.
Several years ago my project started with the donation of the 302 and AOD from my mother-in-law's '84 Linclon Towncar. I rebuilt the engine and added some go faster goodies. The trans in in my shed . . . I was told that the MIL parked the car because the overdrive stopped working.
Question of the Day: Is it worth rebuilding the AOD (my cheapskate side says yes) or would it be better to stick a reman C-4 behind the small-block? Will the AOD work without electronics?. . . I don't plan on sticking a computer (gasp!!) into my '55.
Thanks in advance.
Several years ago my project started with the donation of the 302 and AOD from my mother-in-law's '84 Linclon Towncar. I rebuilt the engine and added some go faster goodies. The trans in in my shed . . . I was told that the MIL parked the car because the overdrive stopped working.
Question of the Day: Is it worth rebuilding the AOD (my cheapskate side says yes) or would it be better to stick a reman C-4 behind the small-block? Will the AOD work without electronics?. . . I don't plan on sticking a computer (gasp!!) into my '55.
Thanks in advance.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
Auto Trans Help
CLW,
RE: AODs
The following notes are from my tranny guide "Tech Article" -
>>>>>>Not electronically controlled.
Good, medium duty 4 speed OD tranny.
Can be beefed up to handle decent power. Very common.
Rectangular pan like C4 but both rear corners angled slightly.
14 bolts on pan.
When matted with 2.73-1 diff., speedo gear tends to be 8 tooth, otherwise 7 tooth.
Came with wide and std gear ratios.
Has 1 electrical connector to neutral safety switch.
Uses TV (throttle valve) linkage & cable on left side to carb/throttle body.
>>>>>>>Proper TV adjustment is CRITICAL.
>>>>>>>Pre-88 models lack rear-lube enhancement - avoid these ones.
>>>>>>>Any post-88 version is worthy of use or build-up except those found behind V6s.
1992-93 E & F series trucks have the stronger version of AOD available.
Most Lincolns and some trucks use a 1" longer output shaft than the Mustangs and other vehicles.
If it were me, I'd think seriously about rebuilding her. Gas is not getting cheaper and it'll drop your revs when you're crusin....
Besides, when you're braggin about your truck - four wheel discs and an AOD sounds good.
Just my $.02 CDN
Later,
RMF
RE: AODs
The following notes are from my tranny guide "Tech Article" -
>>>>>>Not electronically controlled.
Good, medium duty 4 speed OD tranny.
Can be beefed up to handle decent power. Very common.
Rectangular pan like C4 but both rear corners angled slightly.
14 bolts on pan.
When matted with 2.73-1 diff., speedo gear tends to be 8 tooth, otherwise 7 tooth.
Came with wide and std gear ratios.
Has 1 electrical connector to neutral safety switch.
Uses TV (throttle valve) linkage & cable on left side to carb/throttle body.
>>>>>>>Proper TV adjustment is CRITICAL.
>>>>>>>Pre-88 models lack rear-lube enhancement - avoid these ones.
>>>>>>>Any post-88 version is worthy of use or build-up except those found behind V6s.
1992-93 E & F series trucks have the stronger version of AOD available.
Most Lincolns and some trucks use a 1" longer output shaft than the Mustangs and other vehicles.
If it were me, I'd think seriously about rebuilding her. Gas is not getting cheaper and it'll drop your revs when you're crusin....
Besides, when you're braggin about your truck - four wheel discs and an AOD sounds good.
Just my $.02 CDN
Later,
RMF
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 6
From: Connecticut
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THe later trucks and vans have the E4OD, not AOD ,and are electonically controlled. The early versions (80-84) used to self destruct in the lincolns when I was at a L-M dealership.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 5
From: Akron Ohio
Auto Trans Help
Fergie, Good buddy how's it going? Thats a real nice truck ya got there.
-4speed
-4speed
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Junior User
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Thanks for all the input. Even though I may not have an AOD from the best year, I think I'll go ahead and rebuild it and see how long I can nurse it along.
Next Question: Anyone know of a good source for a master rebuild kit? Should I just shop my local NAPA or O'Riley's store or is there a preferred vendor for this type of stuff?
Next Question: Anyone know of a good source for a master rebuild kit? Should I just shop my local NAPA or O'Riley's store or is there a preferred vendor for this type of stuff?
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