Thanks! Sounds like what I need... Are there doner vehicles in the wrecking yards for this? Or is a tranny shop the only way to go? Costs?

Appreciate the info.

 

Packrat -

The info below was posted by an FTE member last year. (I didn't write down who shared it). It is the definitive info on Ford AOD trannys. He gave info on all Ford trannys, including the electronically controlled ones. This blurb regards the most popular AOD for non-electronic (carb) applications. I have the rest of his writeup and can send it to you if you need it.

Junkyards are a very good source for these. Any reputable transmission shop should be able to rebuild, beef up, add shift kit, etc.

AOD info:

Built from 1980-1993. The bell housing and transmission are an integral unit. Not electronically controlled. Overall length is 29.5.
Good medium duty 4 speed OD transmission (0.67:1 4th gear).
Can be beefed up to handle decent power.
Rectangular pan like C4, but both rear corners angled slightly. 14 bolts on pan.
When mated with 2.73:1 diff, speedo gear tends to be 8 tooth, otherwise 7 tooth. Came with wide and standard gear ratios.
V6 version lighter duty than V8 version but can be modified to equal V8 version in strength.
Has 1 electrical connector to neutral safety switch.
Uses TV (throttle valve) linkage & cable on left (driver) side to carb/throttle body.
Proper TV adjustment is CRITICAL.
Pre-88 models do not have rear-lube enhancement – avoid these.
1992-1993 E & F series trucks have a stronger version of AOD available.
Most Lincolns and some trucks use a 1” longer output shaft than the Mustangs and other vehicles. Overall length for these is 30.25.
Shift pattern = P-R-N-OD-D-1.

Gets 3 thumbs up.
Good Luck

 

T56 6 speed manual, double overdrive (6th gear is 0.5 :1) Great for using lower ratio rear yet good MPG on highway, we averaged 27 MPG bringing it home. Tranny is VERY strong, developed for the V10 Viper, has hydraulic clutch.

 

Is there a after market hanging brake and clutch pedal kit with some kinda unversal linkage to retro into my 54, if not what would be my best donor options.
thanks Ernie

 

There are a number of universal pedal kits out there including one that puts the master cylinders under the dash to have a clean firewall. You can also adapt a set from a donor vehicle, mine came out of a 93 Camaro including the master cylinders, chosen because that same make and model vehicle used the T56 tranny so the clutch MC matched the throwout slave. I'd look at van units that had hydraulic clutch as a source. When I got the truck it had the floor mounted brake pedal with a dual MC conversion and a universal hanging clutch pedal, they used the original brake mastercylinder for the clutch. It had an "odd" appearance but worked OK.

 

Southern Rods sells a universal kit. You could start there...they have a website.

 

Your choice of engine will have an impact on choice of transmission. You can get an automatic overdrive for most types of the more recent V8's. But if you're wanting a manual transmission, you can probably adapt an overdrive manual to an older type engine like a Y-block or an FE.

I'll probably put an FMX behind a 292 or 312 into my 54 F100 later this year.

 

I would really like to go with a big block ford with around 425-450 hp with a 4sp tranny, but i have been thinking about a/c and power windows in my 54 but not sure how well it would workout. I do like the modern day engine setups like fuel injection and the compactness that the engines have, like the ford super charged cobra engine at 390 hp, that is also my thoughts, old school big block carb, or new school fuel injected. the super charged cobra is very nice but costs a small furtune.

 

azwafree, thanks for that info, i will definitely check into that site.

 

I went with a T-18 truck 4 speed coupled to a torque splitter. I have the clutch linkage figured out. I didn't need to use a hydraulic t/o bearing either. Fabrication was easy. I also have the option of using a T-10 and a C-6 auto.

 

High HP/torque engines in a heavy vehicle will necessitate a very strong manual tranny and clutch. Most 4 or 5 speeds can't handle the strain, and those that can (truck type or aftermarket like Lenco) are not designed for quick /easy shifting or low noise and aftermarket units are expensive. A beefed automatic is the correct choice here. If you are going that engine route and plan on driving more than just occasionally an overdrive is almost mandatory unless you own an oil well!
That size engine would hardly notice an AC compressor and power windows don't run off the engine. Our small block Panel has both and will be pulling a 4000# trailer.