Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

78 351W AOD install problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 30, 2014 | 11:06 AM
  #1  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
78 351W AOD install problems

hey guys need some help i have a 1978 351W and i am trying to install an AOD trans. the problem i am have is the torque converter and the flexplate are pushing agianst each other. i have already trash one trans.
I am useing the stock (orlielly's ) flexplate 164 tooth 28oz. "stock" junk yard trans.
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2014 | 02:25 PM
  #2  
mebe2k's Avatar
mebe2k
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 12
From: Ford, WA
I don't think the AOD ever came behind the 351w.. You might have to special order a flex plate for it.. I know the c6 flex plates do not work.. I went that route and my trans died in a few hundred miles
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2014 | 06:16 PM
  #3  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Did the Trans pump go out ?

I am woundering if a guy could not add two or more Block to trans plate just to make a little more room they are about 1/16".
You might end up shiming the starter back. i hear about guys doing it all the time overdrive would be nice.
 
Reply
Old Jun 30, 2014 | 09:26 PM
  #4  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Sounds like the converter isn't all the way in.

Bolting an AOD to a 351 should be nearly the exact same process as an older model 302 with 28oz imbalance. All of the parts are the same, bellhousing, flywheel, all cross.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 09:46 AM
  #5  
Doc_G's Avatar
Doc_G
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
When seating the Tq Converter are you getting 2 "clunks"? You will get one when it first goes in, then rotate it clockwise a few degrees while pushing will get you the second "clunk"

::EDIT::
sorry for the non-technical term clunk. It's the only way I can think of to verbalize it. It literally clunks each time it seats (for a total of 2)
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 09:54 AM
  #6  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
I think "clunk" is the technical term... lol

I've never heard it described any other way.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:06 AM
  #7  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I trashed one trans already. The torque convertor is rubbing the back of the transmission bell houseing. And still doesn't have enough room. If i measure from the block plate to the front of the flexplate it's 1". With the torque converter jamed in the back of the trans i measured 7/8" from the back of the torque convertor bolts to the face of the tans.

The starter ingages fine with no noises
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:11 AM
  #8  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
What converter are you using?
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:15 AM
  #9  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
its a junk yard trans it came out of a 92 van (stock) i guess ???? any other way to tell
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:19 AM
  #10  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
The converter shouldn't be rubbing, obviously. Not sure where the problem is. Something is definitely wrong. From what you're describing it sounds like the converter is too far forward and too far backward at the same time, sounds like it is too big, which sounds like it isn't the converter that came with it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 11:28 AM
  #11  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
ya i dont know. i wonder what spaceing the C6's and C4's have. or if some one through a C6 converter in the trans. Do you know if the C6 converter is bigger. i hate to go buy anther AOD trans and have the same problem. but one the same token it would be nice to have that 4 gear
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 01:12 PM
  #12  
2020's Avatar
2020
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 510
Likes: 4
I have an AOD in my 79 out of a 1987 Cougar. I used the flexplate from my FMX trans. and it's still doing OK after 5-6 years.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 08:26 PM
  #13  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Are you using the flexplate for the 351 with a C6?

Quick google search says the C6 has a different flexplate than the rest. I learned something today.

A 164 tooth flexplate from an older 302 (pre 1980-81) will work with the AOD.

I hadn't run into that myself. I knew the 351W flexplate was a potential source for my 302 w/AOD, but I didn't realize that the C4 and C6 used different ones.
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 08:45 PM
  #14  
Ab73ford's Avatar
Ab73ford
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
The 302 is a 24oz weight and the 351 is a 28oz counter balance weights. Wouldn't that 4oz through the motor out of balance?

are you running a 302 or 351 in your truck?

I allways thought that the 302 and 351 blocks were the same on the out side
 
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2014 | 09:51 PM
  #15  
0ldman's Avatar
0ldman
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
302 is 28oz, same as the 289 and 351. Or was changed to 50oz in the early 80s.

I've got a 302 in my Comet with an AOD. Truck has a 390.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:36 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE