AOD transmission - upgrade?
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: San Diego
AOD transmission - upgrade?
Hello guys,
I found a guy in the paper today here in my area that has an AOD transmission for sale for $200. He said he needed the engine out of the car, but doesnt need the transmission. I emailed him asking of the condition, and he says the condition is "perfect". Is this an upgrade from my current C-4? I know they are quite a bit more expensive, but how are they better? I know the AOD is 10 years younger than the trans. I surrently have.
Is there any real way to tell the condition without driving it? I kinda want to buy it. Thanks guys!
Rich.
P.S. It came out of a 1987 302.
I found a guy in the paper today here in my area that has an AOD transmission for sale for $200. He said he needed the engine out of the car, but doesnt need the transmission. I emailed him asking of the condition, and he says the condition is "perfect". Is this an upgrade from my current C-4? I know they are quite a bit more expensive, but how are they better? I know the AOD is 10 years younger than the trans. I surrently have.
Is there any real way to tell the condition without driving it? I kinda want to buy it. Thanks guys!
Rich.P.S. It came out of a 1987 302.
Last edited by 55forder; Mar 27, 2005 at 10:49 PM.
More Turbo
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 8
From: BC, Canada
See if the owner of the trannie will let you take it to an auto trannie shop (maybe give him half the $). The shop can take the pan off to check the sludge in the pan, then cut the filter open to check it's contents! A good trannie guy can tell alot from these two checks. The only thing that bothers me about the AOD is not being able to select second gear. I've heard it's best to get a '90 or newer if you want an AOD. ...Terry, '90 F150, 302, AOD
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
55 -
There are definately certain models of AOD that are desirable and ones that are not. One of the members here (I can't remember who) emailed me a great writeup on them that outlines the years, what they came on, features, etc. The year model you want depends on whether you engine is EFI (computer) or not. What year 302 are you running? Is it EFI?
The cool thing about an AOD is the overdrive 4th gear (0.67:1) That lets you have a low rear end (3.50:1, 4.11:1, etc) for scoot off the line and a nice cruise rpm for the freeway. I would swap to one in a minute.
I'll find the writeup at work tomorrow (if someone else doesn't first) and give you the 411 for specifics.
There are definately certain models of AOD that are desirable and ones that are not. One of the members here (I can't remember who) emailed me a great writeup on them that outlines the years, what they came on, features, etc. The year model you want depends on whether you engine is EFI (computer) or not. What year 302 are you running? Is it EFI?
The cool thing about an AOD is the overdrive 4th gear (0.67:1) That lets you have a low rear end (3.50:1, 4.11:1, etc) for scoot off the line and a nice cruise rpm for the freeway. I would swap to one in a minute.
I'll find the writeup at work tomorrow (if someone else doesn't first) and give you the 411 for specifics.
Last edited by Randy Jack; Mar 28, 2005 at 12:04 AM.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,291
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From: NM
The AOD is pretty contankerous about adjustment of the throttle cable (or linkage). I've heard you can burn one up in 5 miles if it's off too far. In general you want one with cable throttle valve, not the linkage. The big wear item is the OD clutch and there were 3 levels of "heavy-dutiness"; A, B, and C servo pistons. The HD -est were Mustang GT's, police cars, taxis, and trucks. You can drop in the HD one in any of them and it's cheap. I think I'd recommend a rebuild by someone who knows what they need to last before putting it in. There are plenty of people who make upgrade parts for them.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 628
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From: High Park, Toronto
AOD Upgrade - It depends!
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
The AOD is pretty contankerous about adjustment of the throttle cable (or linkage). I've heard you can burn one up in 5 miles if it's off too far. In general you want one with cable throttle valve, not the linkage. The big wear item is the OD clutch and there were 3 levels of "heavy-dutiness"; A, B, and C servo pistons. The HD -est were Mustang GT's, police cars, taxis, and trucks. You can drop in the HD one in any of them and it's cheap. I think I'd recommend a rebuild by someone who knows what they need to last before putting it in. There are plenty of people who make upgrade parts for them.
I agree with Randy Jack, if you get the green light on the interchangabilty it's a good bet.
I pulled the driveline from an '86 Lincoln Mk VII [5.0L/AOD]. I didn't even touch the engine, changed the filter, and fluid. Now I only have a 1000 miles on it but it's great off the line and cruising on lthe highway . I have an 8.8 third member out of an '85 Country Squire with undetermined gearing.
GW
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
55,
Double and tripple check to make sure that it's NOT an AODE. I've heard dozens of stories about guys buying AOD tranny's just to find out that it's really an AODE and that they can't use it. You need a special computer to run and AODE and I'm assuming that is something that you don't want to do.
Good luck - Brad
Double and tripple check to make sure that it's NOT an AODE. I've heard dozens of stories about guys buying AOD tranny's just to find out that it's really an AODE and that they can't use it. You need a special computer to run and AODE and I'm assuming that is something that you don't want to do.
Good luck - Brad
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
55 - Here's the 411 on the AOD from the writeup I mentioned before:
"Built from 1980-1993. Integral bell housing and trans. Not electronically controlled. Good, medium duty 4-speed Overdrive tranny. Can be beefed up to handle decent power. Very common. Rectangular pan like a C4 with both rear corners angled slightly. 14 bolts on pan. When mated with 2.73 differential, speedo gear tends to be 8-tooth, otherwise 7-tooth.
Came with wide and std gear ratios. V6 version lighter duty than V8 version but can be modified to equal V8 in strength. Has one electrical connection for neutral switch.
Uses TV (throttle valve) linkage and cable on left side to carb/throttle body. Proper TV adjustment is CRITICAL. Pre-88 models lack rear lube enhancement - avoid these. Any post-88 version is worthy of use or buildup except those found behind V6's.
1992-93 E and F series trucks have a stronger version of AOD available. Most Lincolns and some trucks use a 1" longer output shaft than the Mustangs or other vehicles. Overall length is 30 1/4. Shift pattern = P-R-N-OD-D-1. Gets three thumbs up."
The writeup had a breakdown on all Ford trannys, but this was the skinny on the good AOD. Hope it helps.
"Built from 1980-1993. Integral bell housing and trans. Not electronically controlled. Good, medium duty 4-speed Overdrive tranny. Can be beefed up to handle decent power. Very common. Rectangular pan like a C4 with both rear corners angled slightly. 14 bolts on pan. When mated with 2.73 differential, speedo gear tends to be 8-tooth, otherwise 7-tooth.
Came with wide and std gear ratios. V6 version lighter duty than V8 version but can be modified to equal V8 in strength. Has one electrical connection for neutral switch.
Uses TV (throttle valve) linkage and cable on left side to carb/throttle body. Proper TV adjustment is CRITICAL. Pre-88 models lack rear lube enhancement - avoid these. Any post-88 version is worthy of use or buildup except those found behind V6's.
1992-93 E and F series trucks have a stronger version of AOD available. Most Lincolns and some trucks use a 1" longer output shaft than the Mustangs or other vehicles. Overall length is 30 1/4. Shift pattern = P-R-N-OD-D-1. Gets three thumbs up."
The writeup had a breakdown on all Ford trannys, but this was the skinny on the good AOD. Hope it helps.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Brad, I believe there are aftermarket vendors selling controllers for the AODE's now, I think MSD or one of the other electronic outfits. The newer trans' have all the good parts, it would seem like a good deal. You must need some additional sensors (MAP sensor, kickdown switch?).
IMHO, a T-5 is still a better choice.
IMHO, a T-5 is still a better choice.
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