I'm looking at buying a stock '85 F-150 with an AOD transmission but when I saw it yesterday something just didn't look right with the way the AT cable and caburetor was setup.

It looked like there was a "kick-down" rod mounted to the caburetor leading back to the transmission as well as a new AT cable. I thought the older style kick-down rod is not used with an AOD transmission. Is this true? Does anyone have any diagrams showing the proper way to make this connection?

Also, I've done some research on adapting a Holley 2BBL 500 caburetor to work with the AT cable and it looks easy. Has anyone done with before and would it be best to have a local shop adjust the cable after I fabricate the linkage?


Thanks.

 

I just replaced my C6 with an AOD. It took some work, and I am not done yet. There are several issues to deal with. You are correct about the kick down. The AOD uses the kick down cable to shift gears. It is a cable, not a rod. You must have the conversion kit. Lokar makes one. That is the one I used. This is very important. This cable controls the pressure in the trans. If it is not correct, the trans will be at low pressure and take out the clutches. Go to http://www.lokar.com for more info. I would recommend calling them to get the right part number. You will find Summit Racing or your local parts store can get it for you. You don’t say which engine you have.
I have a 315W. I originally used a flywheel from a 84 302. That was wrong. The balance was out. The truck vibrated horribly. I knew I would hurt the engine and trans if I drove it that way. Had to order a flywheel from Pioneer inc. The 302’s from 81 up used 50oz balance, I needed a 28oz. Go to http://www.pioneerautoinc.com/. Call Pioneer, ask for tech support. Ask them what flexplate to use in your application. This will save you a lot of time. New flexplates are about $50.00. Well worth it.
I used my original transfer case. The one I picked up with the trans was the wrong size.
The drive shaft will have to be cut, I had to shorten mine by 1.5 inches. That cost $60.00.
The linkage has to be changed. I did not realize this. We made a the linkage when we put it together. I now have linkage out of a 85 Bronco I am going to try. Right now, my overdrive is on the far side of the “N”.
The truck runs great. I lost 1000 RPM’s. I am very happy with it. The truck seems to handle the overdrive fine. I do not know why they did not offer this originally.

 

The main reason that didnt offer the AOD with the 351W is because of power reasons. the 351W makes a lot more torque than the 302... Now, if you had an Art Carr built AOD, I doubt you'd have any trouble...