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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Tranny selection

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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
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Talking Tranny selection

I am looking at options for my '53 f100. I am picking up a 351W with a FMX attached to it later this week. I also have a old c-4 sitting in the garage. Both will need to be rebuild and I only want to spend the money on one of them. Which is a better tranny. Or should I look for an AOD. I am hoping to end up with a good daily driver that's got plenty of power but is still a good cruiser and gets fair gas mileage. I what to be able to have a little fun with it but still be able to afford to drive a everyday. (during the summer anyways)

thanks
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:09 PM
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For what its worth, the FMX tranny is considerably heavier than the C-4. I dont remember specifics, but its heavy. I THINK they cost more to rebuild too.
Between an AOD and a C-4, it depends on what your rear gear is. You can run around a 3:70 rear gear and still do fair on MPG with an AOD. You cant do THAT with a C-4!
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:13 PM
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the choice between the C4 and FMX if both need to be rebuilt would be the C4.

the FMX is a very good strong transmission, but does not have much in the way of aftermarket support and would probably be more expensive to rebuild. also the c4 is a lighter transmission and can be built to any power level you want (they use them behind BBF in drag racing).

ultimate choice would be a rebuilt AOD transmission. would give you an overdrive so you can go with a little steeper rear end gear for around toen and still have a decent cruise rpm for mileage.

the only thing with AOD is setting up the TV cable properly, but I think Lokar makes a kit for this.

Rgds
Mike
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 12:28 PM
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I run a 351C with an FMX in my 56, and I like it very much. If the end question is which tranny to build, the FMX is a stronger tranny that will take anything the 351W will throw at it, even seriously warmed over. I had mine rebuilt with a shift kit, which I really like. I run a 3.50 rear end which is a little low for freeway cruising, but I will swap that for a 3.25, which I think will be just about right.

Given a deeper wallet, the AOD is a better choice for mileage and freeway cruising, but you will want the rear end the 3.50-3.70's range to get the best out of it.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 01:09 PM
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I have the AOD and the stock 32 rear end. I love it. Have a C4 behind the 302 in my 46 with a 3:00 rear end. IMO the AOD is the only way to go. In fact, I have one waiting to go in 46 soon. Joe
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 02:02 PM
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HI,

I had a 351W/FMX with 3:50 rear gear switched it to a AOD dropped the RPM about 1000. I haven't any idea what the mileage is (can't get Autometer speedo to work right), but it just seems nicer to drive. So I vote for the AOD. Anybody want a free FMX just need to come and get it no shipping or delivery.

Chuck
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 06:43 AM
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Both the FMX and C4 are good transmissions and you could not go wrong with either one although as others have said the FMX is considerably heavier than the C4. If you plan much highway driving consider an AOD as it would save you enough gas to pay for itself down the road.
 
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Old Aug 23, 2007 | 12:01 PM
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Aod

Not sure where you are located but I have an extra AOD just taking up space. Out of a running car, not sure of a value but it is just collecting dust so......
I run a 302 and AOD and wouldn't have it any other way.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2007 | 07:37 AM
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Thanks
I'm in Minnesota, looks like your down in Florida though. I'll maybe have to do some more hunting up here. Thanks for all the great comments. Are the AODs alot more expensive to have rebuilt?
 
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