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My dad just bought a 52 F1. The truck is in good solid shape and he just wants to make a few mods to make is more comfortable to drive. One that he wants is an AOD to make it easier to drive at highway speeds. Anyone have any advice on how to make this work with the flatty carb? How did you manage the TV cable connection to the carb and modify the stock crossmember. What adapter kit did you use?
I really don’t have an answer but want to follow your thread. My 53 came with a Flathead but it was long gone before I purchased it. I’m planning on putting one back one day. Why? I think they are and sound Kool. I think your Dad’s got the right idea. I know a couple of our members have AODs behind their Flatheads. Be sure if you buy a kit that it’s for a TRUCK. The Adapter needs those EARS for your back motor mounts. If you’re really concerned about matching up the TV to the carb I’d call Lokar (I’m sure your not the first one) or you could used a AODE and up with a controller. Be sitting down when you price the controller.
There is a constant pressure valve body available now for the AOD which eliminates the need for a TV cable. A buddy (the guy who can't keep his hands off ANY adjustment screw) just had one installed in his AOD...works great and he can no longer burn up trannies by tweaking the TV adjustments. I think that the valve body runs about $260. Passing gear kickdown is still necessary if you want that feature.
As a point of clarification, the bell housing with the side mounts is for 53 and up. The 48-52's used a conventional rear mount for the transmission with two motor mounts up front. There will be some cutting and modification necessary to the trans crossmember for the AOD to fit in there. Nothing that can't be done, just be aware it will be necessary.
Interesting info on the modified valve body, Charlie, I was not aware of that. Thanks for sharing that.
Feel free to text me, I can't figure out WHY this site won't let me put in all the details I need to give you. I have done this swap, and could give you lots of information. Larry @ 843-274-2331. I am a better mechanic than I am a Computer Geek !
I went with a Ford 4R70W from a 2004 F-150 all electronic transmission which eliminates the need for that fussy throttle linkage. I got the transmission from Monster, the adapter to my original flathead V-8 was from Bendtsen and the trans controller with wiring from Baumann/U.S. Shift.
Thanks for the info and pics. Any concerns about clearance between the bellhousing and firewall/floorpan?
Dave
No it fit just fine. I used a Lokar shifter as you can see. The shifter is not in the same position as the stock floor shift. I bought a new trans cover floor panel as mine was in bad shape. But you can easily modify the one you have if it is in good shape.
I think your Dad’s got the right idea. I know a couple of our members have AODs behind their Flatheads. Be sure if you buy a kit that it’s for a TRUCK. The Adapter needs those EARS for your back motor mounts. If you’re really concerned about matching up the TV to the carb I’d call Lokar (I’m sure your not the first one) or you could used a AODE and up with a controller. Be sitting down when you price the controller.
