Just picked up a Ford AOD trans for for '49 (Mating to Flathead V-8) Anyone know what things I can check internally, just by removing the pan, to get an idea IF trans needs rebuilding? Thanks !

 

Dark syrupy fluid with chunks in the pan are good signs that the trans is toast. Other than that it's a crap shoot. The previous owner may have already dropped the pan, installed a new filter, cleaned off the magnet, wiped everything down, and installed new fluid. The new owner (you) would be none the wiser as to the condition of the internals of the trans. If you had the skills and tools to disassemble the trans, the only way to know for sure about the condition of the trans, then you probably would have already done it. Take it to a reputable rebuilder and he can give you the info you seek. Good luck.

 

I just bought a rebuild from Jegs but waiting for my driveshaft to arrive, I feel better knowing it should be as good as new ...

 

I'm in the process as we speak (write) of stripping down my AOD for full rebuild. Buy a manual and go for it!! I expect to pay $700 to $800 all in.
John

 

I thought about rebuilding my own and then checked with a transmission shop where I have dealt with before. They told me it would be $1500 plus tax and that would be with a shift kit and upgrade parts. I'm going that way.

 

I got a good book and did my own , I will take it to a trans shop to have it fixed after I drive it . LOL

 

Transmission shop went through my C6, installed a shift kit,a 2000 stall torque converter and painted it for $600-700. Idk how much different an AOD is though.

 

I spent more than that on parts without a new tq converter

 

You've only got your labor involved in installing the AOD as is.
From what I've read there are good years of AODs and Bad. It looks as though you can improve the "bad" AODs by exchanging some of the internals. Not being a AOD GURU I'd opt to have the Pros rebuild it if a rebuild is in order.

 

I had a similar situation when I bought a supposedly rebuilt C4 trans off EBAY. It was toast, so I decided to try and rebuild it myself. I enjoyed rebuilding it very much. I only had one problem caused because the PO had a part in backwards, witch I put back in how I found it, backwards lol (the Haynes book didn't have a pic of how it went in) . Long story short, I took it to my local tranny shop, and the builder found the one part right away, double checked my work and charged a reasonable fee for it. I'm so glad that I chose to try, I learned a lot, and got a great feeling of accomplishment. MY 2cents is to try it, just get the best book available for your trans. and try. All that said, it's your truck, your time and money, and your decision of which transmission you want, so what ever you decide there will be support for you on FTE. Oh and in case you arnt aware, there is also a rear end, trans & clutch forum on FTE, https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum69/there's a retired FORD Trans. engineer that is also very helpful. "Mark Kovalsky" is his FTE name, Best of luck on this tranny project. ROCK ON my friend

 

Ford AOD transmissions by George Reid is an excellent step by step plus goes through the different years - weaknesses and upgrades . P.S lots of pics to help out .

 

Much simpler to buy one outright... I should have done it from the start, now I'm waiting for my driveshaft again...lol

 

Note that depending on what year vehicle the AOD came out of that you might need a controller to shift it that costs over $500 for a stand alone unit.

I picked one up out of a 90's Ford Van that doesn't need one, bought a manual, a kit and replaced the steels and clutches myself.

 

No... if it requires a controller it's not an AOD, that transmission has always been a 100% mechanical trans. There are several other Ford slushboxes that require an electronic controller but they have different designations.