Ive read a lot of threads regarding transmissions on FTE and Im really leaning towards an automatic so that I can just sit back and relax and enjoy the ride. From what Ive read if I go automatic I will have it installed by a local shop. Theres lots of them in Reno Nevada.

That being said Im still not sure about the best choice. Any input would be greatly appreciated. My truck is a 1950 F1 and Im putting a 351W in it. Ive got it stripped to the frame thus far and can make any modifications necessary.

 

What engine are you using?

 

Oops forgot that part. Im putting in a 351W.

 

Now, you can get some recommendations . Sorry,I like my c 6 . So I am not one to look to for advice .....

 

Some people don't like them but I've always used AODs with no trouble. That is not truck specific since most of my work has been on F100s and not F1s. But I have one sitting in my workshop with a mustang fuelie 5.0 for a project down the road. Love the overdrive. Not a C4 fan here.

 

Thanks JWC

 

No problem .

 

I'm also running a 351w in my F1. I bought it out of an 89 F150. It came with the C6 that was in the F150, so I went with it.

If you already have your truck stripped down to the frame, you should consider installing it yourself. I was able to mount the engine forward and down enough for the bell housing to clear the firewall without any mods. That being said, I didn't end up with enough room for a fan on the front of the water pump. I only had enough room for an electric fan mounted directly to the radiator.

On the back end, I did have to replace my transmission cover since mine was rusted out. The new one from Northern Classic Trucks was blank with no holes. I cut it for a Lokar shift lever. As it turns out, the hole for the shifter was very close to the original shift lever location.

There are also several guys on the forum who did cut and notch the firewall so that they could set the engine back a little.

On the trans, many contributors here are C4 fans....they say that the C6 has way more power loss. I haven't noticed a problem, but a C4 can be a very rugged transmission. At the time, I had been spending way too much money, so I kept the C6 that came with my engine.

Dan

 

I see one Aod and 2 c6 . More to come!

 

It depends on what you want the truck to do. Most vehicles today use an overdrive transmission for better fuel economy and for a more quiet ride at higher speeds. A C6 is a great transmission, but it takes a lot of HP to turn it. And you have the 1:1 final drive to contend with. The AOD will give you a more comfortable crusing rpm on the highway, better economy and more HP to the rear wheels, making it feel more powerful than with the C6. You said you wanted to sit back and enjoy the ride. If you're used to driving your daily driver with OD, you may want to strongly consider that option.

 

I have an AOD in mine. It came with the truck and has unknown mileage and use. I figured if I messed up the TV cable adjustment, I wouldn't lose much. It's done a great job, but my only regret was going with the 3.25 rear gear as it's too steep for my taste. Eventually, I'll switch to smaller diameter tires and if that doesn't get me some more revs, I'll switch out the gears in the rear.

 

Hey Fiona,
Hmmm.. Transmissions - not my favorite subject. So... We have a mild cam in our 351W with an Edelbrock top end kit - overkill with 400 hp. We put an AOD behind it with a shift package from Baumann Engineering and some upgrades. If you go the AOD route you want the strongest one that came in V6 Tbirds & V8 trucks from 92/93 to support their HP. You want an AOD with an A servo that comes with a larger 2 inch Overdrive belt. There are (3) different basic AOD versions out there A, B, & C. You don't want the undersized C Overdrive Band Servo - they slip off under hard acceleration.

AOD's are driven by a Throttle Valve Cable - A very sensitive cable. I'd highly recommend that you get your transmission installed by a local shop with a warranty. Setting the pressure correctly is tricky. If you don't get it right your transmission will be toast within a matter of miles. I had some mechanics doing mine & they fried (2) AOD's. I then went to a local transmission shop with some old timers who know AOD's - much better.

If you upgrade your 351W - upgrade your AOD to support it.
It takes some really minor adjusting of that cable to get your shift points right. An Overdrive transmission is nice for smooth highway speed cruising. We've got an Explorer 3.73 gear rear end in our's & paired with an 351W/AOD it's a very nice set up.

Good luck over there.

Ben in Austin
1950 F1

 

Mine came with an unknown condition 289 and C4 resting in it when I bought it. I serviced the C4, changed a couple of seals, and, while it still leaks, it works fine for my daily around town trips. I think I am running around 2100rpm at 55 (3.25 rear and 275/60 tires). OK with me. I did a very minor notch on the factory crossmember to give a flat spot to mount the rear trans mount, modded a newer F150 trans cover to my mostly shot factory cover, and still have 3" or so between the fan and radiator.

 

I love my AOD, makes for a great road truck.

 

Another vote for the AOD. If you will be doing ANY highway driving you will want the overdrive. I turn about 1600 rpm at 65 mph. Truck has a 9 inch rear with 3.00 gears. It's built for cruising, not speed, and I'm very happy with the setup so far.