302 C4 swap for AOD
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Highland Village, TX
302 C4 swap for AOD
Hey Guys,
I'm going to look at an 81 AOD thats supposedly new tonite. Considering my C4 has no reverse and I have 3.89 gears in the 9 inch it sounds like a good swap. Wondering if anyone has done this and what all is involved, ie driveshaft, tranny mount points etc.
Thanks for any input.
Scott
I'm going to look at an 81 AOD thats supposedly new tonite. Considering my C4 has no reverse and I have 3.89 gears in the 9 inch it sounds like a good swap. Wondering if anyone has done this and what all is involved, ie driveshaft, tranny mount points etc.
Thanks for any input.
Scott
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton, Alberta Canada
have never done this swap (always thoght about it) but from what i have read the most important part of this swap is getting the tv cable set up properly. it is very, very, very important that the tv cable is set up properly or the tranny will burn itself out in about 5 miles.
i know Lokar makes a kit that is suppose to be fairly decent.
the AOD is suppose to be about 1" longer than the C4, so you have to move the tranny crossmember back 1". also the driveshaft will have to be shortened 1" also. suppose to use the same tranny mount as the c4 though.
looks like a pretty straight forward and very popular swap. do a google search and you will find tons of info on it.
good luck
Mike
i know Lokar makes a kit that is suppose to be fairly decent.
the AOD is suppose to be about 1" longer than the C4, so you have to move the tranny crossmember back 1". also the driveshaft will have to be shortened 1" also. suppose to use the same tranny mount as the c4 though.
looks like a pretty straight forward and very popular swap. do a google search and you will find tons of info on it.
good luck
Mike
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 800
Likes: 6
From: Edmonton, Alberta Canada
one other thing i forgot to mention. the AOD uses the larger flexplate, so depending on what flexplate you have, it may or may not bolt up to your engine. i know the flexplate from a early 351 is suppose to work.
also depending on what year of 302 you have, the early 302 were 28oz flexplates while the late 302 (i think 82 and newer, but not 100% sure of cut off date) were 50oz imbalance so be very careful of what flexplate you use. lots of companies offer the correct flexplate for this application, you just have to make sure what balance your 302 is and order the correct one.
Mike
also depending on what year of 302 you have, the early 302 were 28oz flexplates while the late 302 (i think 82 and newer, but not 100% sure of cut off date) were 50oz imbalance so be very careful of what flexplate you use. lots of companies offer the correct flexplate for this application, you just have to make sure what balance your 302 is and order the correct one.
Mike
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Early aods were trouble. If it's from a truck or from behind a V8 all the better.
It is not simply a C4 with an OD unit--if only it were.
An '81 that's "new"? What does that mean? The propaganda at sites like the one below says '88-'93 are the ones to get. See what's been done, it might be a safe bet. For info and ideas on issues etc:
AOD Transmission from PATC, AOD Transmissions
TCI - Ford AOD, AODE and 4R70W
AOD Performance Products - Baumann Electronic Controls
www.CKPerformance.com
So from the upgrade suggestions here, you may be able to find out if worthwile upgrades have been made, or make them yourself prior to installation.
Good luck with your project.
It is not simply a C4 with an OD unit--if only it were.
An '81 that's "new"? What does that mean? The propaganda at sites like the one below says '88-'93 are the ones to get. See what's been done, it might be a safe bet. For info and ideas on issues etc:
AOD Transmission from PATC, AOD Transmissions
TCI - Ford AOD, AODE and 4R70W
AOD Performance Products - Baumann Electronic Controls
www.CKPerformance.com
So from the upgrade suggestions here, you may be able to find out if worthwile upgrades have been made, or make them yourself prior to installation.
Good luck with your project.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 448
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maybe some help, maybe not.............
changed from FMX to AOD on a 70 Cougar/351C, new flexplate, changed the yoke on the driveshaft to the one from the AOD donor, minor clearance on crossmember, and linkage for the TV cable to the carb
shifter throw was a little longer with the stock shifter but all worked ok
btw, only took a day to do
changed from FMX to AOD on a 70 Cougar/351C, new flexplate, changed the yoke on the driveshaft to the one from the AOD donor, minor clearance on crossmember, and linkage for the TV cable to the carb
shifter throw was a little longer with the stock shifter but all worked ok
btw, only took a day to do
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 3
From: okla
If it a good tranny I would go for it, you can always add updates during any future rebuilds. I have an AOD behind the 302 in my 53 and I love it. It is an 84 with about 80,ooo miles and still works great. I have all the info on file at home because I intend to replace the C4 in my 46 coupe with an AOD I had rebuilt. Keep that in mind if you become serious, pm me and I can send it to you. Joe
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 50
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Early AOD's are junk. You need to find a 88 and up model. Rear lube and better materials throughout. The driveshaft will work without cutting. Lokar makes a cable and I keep them instock also.
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Elder User
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From: Highland Village, TX
Oh well this one was a bust. Whats that saying about if it sounds too good to be true...
Turning the torque converter by hand caused a sound like a missing gear sprocket during the rotation. At least my C4 works going forward, didn't need another tranny core.
Turning the torque converter by hand caused a sound like a missing gear sprocket during the rotation. At least my C4 works going forward, didn't need another tranny core.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Azle, Texas
If your still interested in a AOD or just want to get your C-4 fixed call Mike at Mike's Trick Shift(It's a Transmission shop). He has put AOD's in early Mustangs, he put one in his '72 truck and in his '87 4x4 F250. He also has one in his '40 Ford 4 door. He's installed the 4R70W with the Baumann system in his '82 Capri. He can build you a transmission and torque converter suited to your needs. (817) 657-1419
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Joined: May 2005
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I swapped out a C4 to an 81 AOD in a 34 Street Rod I had. It is a lot bigger Trans but well worth the swap it feels great when it drops into 4th and sure does make it a much nicer ride and more mpg.
I simply bolted the torque converter to the original flexplate no need to change that. I don't remember having to shorten the prop, but it was a few year back so memory fade maybe.
The shifter linkage had to be changed and the TV cable was needed (Lokar) there are technical ways to set up the TV with a pressure gauge but I simply made sure on full throttle the TV cable was piano wire tight and it worked perfect and still is with its new owner. You can fine adjust the TV on the road if needed.
I simply bolted the torque converter to the original flexplate no need to change that. I don't remember having to shorten the prop, but it was a few year back so memory fade maybe.
The shifter linkage had to be changed and the TV cable was needed (Lokar) there are technical ways to set up the TV with a pressure gauge but I simply made sure on full throttle the TV cable was piano wire tight and it worked perfect and still is with its new owner. You can fine adjust the TV on the road if needed.
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