With my 89 bronco running and pulling 2200 rpms at around 45 and around 2500rpm at 55, Im thinking about doing an AOD swap, for lower rpms, So Ive got some questions:

1. Will a stock AOD handle the 5.8?

2. Is the AOD computer controlled?

3. Will I be able to manually shift out of overdrive?

Ive been told that changing my gear ratios would accomplish the same thing, but im looking for that extra "gear"

 

1) Yes, be sure to get a V8 truck model from '88-'93 to start with. Using your money, I would get some beefed parts to begin with, checking with an outfit that specialized in the AOD.

2) No computer. There is a throttle valve that is controlled off the throttle linkage that is critical to proper operation. A different valve body can eliminate that.

3) AODs were set up with a way to do that, the shift quadrant being PRN OD D1 See pic:
a4-1.jpg Photo by RampageFSJ | Photobucket

You can stay out of OD, but holding 2nd gear gets tricky.

Changing gear ratios is expensive. One thing about the AOD is that it does not like a heavy load in OD. When introduced, they were very troublesome and caused lots of complaints. People used to their 460/C6 leveling mountains in 3rd gear without complaint soon found the 302/AOD hunting between OD and D, or tried to tow in OD, both eventually causing issues. Other issues exist in earlier boxes. Ford fixed most by '88. A more informed opinion on the AOD here:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...d-rebuild.html

 

A late model AOD with a shift kit will handle a 5.8 no problem.

 

funny I was just talking to a young man from GP about this very topic this last sunday. Don't forget you will also need an AOD/5.8 28oz flexplate to complete this swap. all things mentioned above are accurate.

I wasn't aware of a valvebody that allowed the removal of the TV cable. that could be nice. the TV cable otherswise must be in place and setup correctly otherwise it will burn up the trans fast. like mentioned find one from an 87-89 bronco if possible and get everything, probably also grab the drive shafts front/rear since the AOD is longer I believe then the C6. you may also need the crossmember but again no big deal as it will all be bolt in.

 

And I talked to Someone last Sunday about this too actually. Im just doing some double checking before I commit to doing the swap

 

Complete Overdrive Conversion for '78-'79 Ford Bronco - Ford Trucks