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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

AOD vs C6

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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 04:59 PM
  #1  
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AOD vs C6

I've just found a good, rust-free 83 F250 for sale with a rebuilt 351W, that I've pretty much decided to buy.
It has an AOD trans, which I know have a dodgy reputation, but in this case still seems in good condition.

If it gives me future trouble, can they be satisfactorily modified? Is it worth the cost to do?
If not, does a C6 bolt straight in as a replacement? Are there any complications in doing this?

It has a 3.54 rear axle, so loss of OD wouldn't be the end of the world

Thanks
 
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 05:31 PM
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From: sunny fla sometimes windy
http://www.lincolnsonline.com/tech/00080.html
Get a big cooler and if you tow getting a temp gauge for it would be worth it since
a $50.00 gauge versus a rebuild is worth the money. If the fluid stays way above
170* for long it starts breaking down and if you can keep it below that your trans
will last a long time. The aod can be upgraded with a lot of the upgraded parts
that make the newer trans so much better. A wide ratio gear set would be a good
idea if you are opening it up to rebuild/ beef up.
 
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Old Mar 6, 2008 | 07:52 PM
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i think aod or a peace of crap unless you driving it to work with your breif case. the c6 is a way much better tranny and can put up with a hell lot. the c6 is a beast ready for work if you ask me.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 09:19 AM
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This site has lots of info.
http://www.becontrols.com/tech/ch3aodeupgrade.htm
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 09:53 AM
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i think clunker86 said it best. In stock form, id rather gave a C6 anyday unless you really need that overdrive.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 10:22 AM
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my vote is for the c6 as well. Dont waste your money on a aod those cable controled shifting are a real pain. Go to the c6 it is a little bit worse on gas but I think it is better and will last alot longer.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 10:44 AM
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c6 is a great choice. plenty of places to find parts and people that will work on them
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:00 PM
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Thanks for replies

Is the c6 a direct, bolt-in replacement, or are there modifications needed to do the swap?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:08 PM
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I would run the AOD till it fails, with gas prices being what they are. 2 or 3 mpg more will add up with gas at $3.00 a gallon.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 12:24 PM
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Franklin

I'll drive it for as long as it lasts - I'm just trying to nail down future options

Getting up toward $2/litre here now - almost numb to the pain
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 04:39 PM
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But is the c6 a direct interchange in this truck ?
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 05:02 PM
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there are c6's for small block and big block applications. Make sure you get one to bolt to a small block for the 351w.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 05:05 PM
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Different lengths.

http://www.tciauto.com/Products/TechInfo/trans_dims.asp

The AOD has some faults, but later models are better. Some beefs are available. Do a little research and prepare. Just drive a couple of tanks in 3rd on your AOD and see how you like it.

http://www.tciauto.com/Products/Ford/ford_aod.asp

http://ckperformance.com/ford_aod.html

http://www.becontrols.com/products/aodcat.htm

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/AOD.htm

C6 is a stronger box, for less $ for sure but like I said, drive it in 3rd for a while....
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 09:11 PM
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Of course you could just go with the e40d or 70w and use the baumann tcs to
control the shift points and firmness and lockup. But doing the upgrades listed
there and minding the tem gauge you can have a decent tranny since the newer
ones are based off the aod all the upgraded parts will fit and you will have the
same but without the comp. controls.
 
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 10:03 PM
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Your best option is to swap a ZF5 in there. You keep overdrive and get a strong transmission. If the ZF isn't strong enough go with an NP435, you lose overdrive but it's stronger. After those two choices I'd put a T-18 as next strongest. After that I suppose the C6 would be next.

I would never, ever, under any circumstances trust an AOD in a truck. Every truck I've ever been in with an AOD has slipped. If you insist on an AOD use the biggest transmission cooler you can find, maybe two of them. The AOD is very weak and not suited to be used ina truck. Trucks are heavy, are worked hard, and get abused. An AOD will not hold up to this without extensive work, and at that point it's cheaper and easier to just run a ZF5 or NP435 depending on power levels and use.
 
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