302 Transmission upgrades?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 63
Likes: 8
From: Houston, TX
302 Transmission upgrades?
Hey Fellers and Felletes,
Has anyone found any late model 5spd or 6spd automatic transmission retro mods that work on the 1985 302 trucks? If so...I need the details...parts lists...And what where the obstacles? Or, has anyone added the Gear Vendors overdrive module to their AOD? I am looking for hwy gear drivability. We will be adding a Holly Sniper & spark system, maybe the holly fuel tank to our 85 Lariat long bed eventually...It would be nice to couple that upgrade with a selectable overdrive or just a better computer controlled transmission with more gears.
Has anyone found any late model 5spd or 6spd automatic transmission retro mods that work on the 1985 302 trucks? If so...I need the details...parts lists...And what where the obstacles? Or, has anyone added the Gear Vendors overdrive module to their AOD? I am looking for hwy gear drivability. We will be adding a Holly Sniper & spark system, maybe the holly fuel tank to our 85 Lariat long bed eventually...It would be nice to couple that upgrade with a selectable overdrive or just a better computer controlled transmission with more gears.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Not sure what you are trying to achieve? What is the final drive ratio you are trying to achieve? The 302 only has so much power, and it has to rev to make any power, it's a small v8. And these trucks are square heavy bricks. Overdrive on the stock AOD is .67 to 1. What rear gear do you have?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 63
Likes: 8
From: Houston, TX
Its got 3.73 gearing. We are eventually adding horsepower by adding a cam...gt-40 heads...4 barrel EFI...I just dont like the way the stock AOD shifts so I was looking for a more modern "smoother shifting" computer controlled solution. Not necessarily a 6 spd...lol...
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Here's a link to a place that recommends the 4R70W. They make stand alone controllers to shift that trans in older non-computer vehicles.
https://www.becontrols.com/faq.shtml
https://www.becontrols.com/aode.shtml
You can find the AODE or the 4r70w in 1994-1996 F150's that had a 302 in front of them.
https://www.becontrols.com/faq.shtml
https://www.becontrols.com/aode.shtml
You can find the AODE or the 4r70w in 1994-1996 F150's that had a 302 in front of them.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,963
Likes: 512
From: Edmond, OK
Interesting. Was the AOD in the truck the same as the ones in the Crown Vic? My dad had an 89 Crown Vic and the AOD in it tanked. Really too bad since it was a pretty car.
I had an 03 F150 ccsb with the 5.4l and 4R70W. I never had any trouble with the transmission. Just a blown head gasket.
I had an 03 F150 ccsb with the 5.4l and 4R70W. I never had any trouble with the transmission. Just a blown head gasket.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,667
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
I would think places that carry high performance parts for a Ford 302, would have info about what you want to do. It just takes money... Reach out to one of the aftermarket tranny companies. There has to be something out there for a 302. it's not like Ford didn't make many of them in cars...
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
The most popular transmission upgrade for the 302 is the 4r70w requiring a stand alone controller. The later model units are generally the best choices, 1998 on. These can also be found in Explorers/Mountaineers thru 2000. Trucks with the Essex 4.2 V6 engines have 4r70w units that bolt up to a small block.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 390
From: Evansville, Indiana
Almost. The '88 Crown Vic and the Bullnose 2WD truck have different length tail shaft and tail housing. When swapping one out, I believe tail shaft and housing are the exclusive areas of concern. Most other differences were due to upgrades as the AOD developed. In my parts catalog I see seventeen different tail shafts for the AOD. 1980-93. Differences include length, number of governor oiling holes, number of teeth on speedo drive.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 130
Likes: 31
Hey Fellers and Felletes,
Has anyone found any late model 5spd or 6spd automatic transmission retro mods that work on the 1985 302 trucks? If so...I need the details...parts lists...And what where the obstacles? Or, has anyone added the Gear Vendors overdrive module to their AOD? I am looking for hwy gear drivability. We will be adding a Holly Sniper & spark system, maybe the holly fuel tank to our 85 Lariat long bed eventually...It would be nice to couple that upgrade with a selectable overdrive or just a better computer controlled transmission with more gears.
Has anyone found any late model 5spd or 6spd automatic transmission retro mods that work on the 1985 302 trucks? If so...I need the details...parts lists...And what where the obstacles? Or, has anyone added the Gear Vendors overdrive module to their AOD? I am looking for hwy gear drivability. We will be adding a Holly Sniper & spark system, maybe the holly fuel tank to our 85 Lariat long bed eventually...It would be nice to couple that upgrade with a selectable overdrive or just a better computer controlled transmission with more gears.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,667
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
FWIW, I know this is from 2010, https://www.ranger-forums.com/8-cyli...d-auto-112789/ see post 2 there...options are out there.
I asked google,
https://www.google.com/search?q=5+or...hrome&ie=UTF-8
I'm sure its possible, you just need to do your homework, as I'm sure that's why your asking. Good Luck.
I asked google,
https://www.google.com/search?q=5+or...hrome&ie=UTF-8
I'm sure its possible, you just need to do your homework, as I'm sure that's why your asking. Good Luck.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3,963
Likes: 512
From: Edmond, OK
4l80e transmissions are readily available in the salvage yard. Maybe even more common than a C6 since they are getting older. FWIW, the 1-2 accumulator valve spring in my Bullnose's C6 failed. I'm not really sure why. Maybe the PO towed heavy with it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-failure.html
Of course, a GV unit is expensive no matter which way you look at it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-failure.html
Of course, a GV unit is expensive no matter which way you look at it.
FTE Legend
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 30,912
Likes: 4,123
From: Angier, NC
4l80e transmissions are readily available in the salvage yard. Maybe even more common than a C6 since they are getting older. FWIW, the 1-2 accumulator valve spring in my Bullnose's C6 failed. I'm not really sure why. Maybe the PO towed heavy with it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-failure.html
Of course, a GV unit is expensive no matter which way you look at it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...g-failure.html
Of course, a GV unit is expensive no matter which way you look at it.
Now at times I could not pull a steep hill from a stop after pulling for 2 hours.We just hooked a chain to it and fright trained it up.
The only thing with the GV on a non-lock up auto is the converter slips more in OD and that heats the ATF up more.
Dave ----
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
Speaking of that, I think I heard GM and Ford are actually using and sharing the same 10 speed automatics in the newer cars and trucks?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,667
Likes: 1,159
From: Tolland, CT
The new Summit catalog came today, saw an ad for this company. Is that something like what you're looking for ?
https://shop.bowlertransmissions.com...-bpt-4r70w-450
https://shop.bowlertransmissions.com...-bpt-4r70w-450