AOD to C6
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
AOD to C6
I've been intending to replace my AOD with a manual trans, but I'm starting to lean towards a C6 instead.
Can anyone tell me if the original AOD selector linkages will work (apart from replacing the dash indicator) or need changing to suit a C6?
Also any other parts needed, problems to expect, with this swap?
Thanks - have a great Christmas
Can anyone tell me if the original AOD selector linkages will work (apart from replacing the dash indicator) or need changing to suit a C6?
Also any other parts needed, problems to expect, with this swap?
Thanks - have a great Christmas
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
Just have the AOD rebuilt. You won't be happy with a C6. The mileage will SUCK (I'm sure it's not great now), and your engine will last a lot longer with the AOD due to lower rpms when cruising. As far as what you'll need to swap, you'll need the trans, a new driveshaft, possible a new crosmember and the kickdown linkage for the C6.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 10
From: oklahoma
as he said stay with the aod if your not pulling alot of stuff.if you load it a lot and heavy go to a c6.but as what you'll need to change it are shorter drive shaft/lines moved or remade /crossbar that bolts to frame and trans for a c6 /and the right shift lever in the c6.crossmember is the same mine had like 3 sets of holes for rear mount
try driving in 3rd for awhile and see how you like it 1st you probably got 3.55 in the rear which you may not like driving on the highway
hope this helps good luck
try driving in 3rd for awhile and see how you like it 1st you probably got 3.55 in the rear which you may not like driving on the highway
hope this helps good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
I dunno queesy. My dad has an '88 E150 XLT decked out with a 302/aod, when he moved from indiana to ohio he had the van loaded and a 18 foot car hauler with an 8 foot box he built on it loaded. Weighed in at around 18k pounds. He pulled it just fine. Here's the kicker. The van had about 250k on it then. Now it has about 330k on it and the trans still works just fine.
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Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
My dad has an '88 E150 XLT decked out with a 302/aod, when he moved from indiana to ohio he had the van loaded and a 18 foot car hauler with an 8 foot box he built on it loaded. Weighed in at around 18k pounds. He pulled it just fine. Here's the kicker. The van had about 250k on it then. Now it has about 330k on it and the trans still works just fine.
way (e.g. a UPS delivery truck), the AOD doesn't have a good reputation. But it's fine for
the everyday Joe doing everyday Joe-type of things.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
He does a LOT of towing, and it's usually long distances. He's a trim carpenter. He routinely tows a 12 foot box trailer with mantles or other trim parts. We've never had a problem. I forget to mention that he was overheating the last 150 miles too. First time I ever heard a van cry....
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 69
From: New Zealand
I appreciate everyone's input - I'm still open to options on this.
With the 3.54 axle, along with the hills & winding roads of the area I'm in, I don't use OD - but I get a constant 20 mpg (imperial) in 3rd, if I'm empty - I guess the C6 may be slightly hungrier, but I wouldn't expect a lot.
I'm often carrying under 1/2 ton, but sometimes over a ton or some towing.
If I was confident that a beefed up AOD wouldn't let me down again, I would stick with it, but for the cost, I'm thinking I could fit a rebuilt C6 & never have to look at it again - I'm planning on keeping the truck long-term.
I'm grateful for anyone's thoughts & experience
With the 3.54 axle, along with the hills & winding roads of the area I'm in, I don't use OD - but I get a constant 20 mpg (imperial) in 3rd, if I'm empty - I guess the C6 may be slightly hungrier, but I wouldn't expect a lot.
I'm often carrying under 1/2 ton, but sometimes over a ton or some towing.
If I was confident that a beefed up AOD wouldn't let me down again, I would stick with it, but for the cost, I'm thinking I could fit a rebuilt C6 & never have to look at it again - I'm planning on keeping the truck long-term.
I'm grateful for anyone's thoughts & experience
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 673
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From: Maryland
One big advantage the AOD has on the C6 is that it is locked up in 3rd and 4th; essentually making it a manual. The C6 will have to deal with the heat generated by the constant torque converter slip, so a HD cooler is a requirment if you plan on towing with it. As for the AOD's strength, my '82 LTD S Police Package 4,400 lbs came with one and I was pleased with it (24 MPG highway before the Holley 500 2V went on). I had it rebuilt when the Park linkage quit working (not cool...). Performance Automatic in MD did the rebuild including shift kit. I put 200,000mi on the trans in the following years and even bracket raced it on ocassion. The only failure I experienced was the torque converter balloned and cracked and needed to be replaced. I managed that by doing some "hill climbing" on a very steep drivway (difficult to walk) in 1st at WOT (clearly abuse). In the end it would still catch second gear the day I cut the car up for scrap. I'd rebuild the AOD.
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From: Virginia
It's also the tranny that was in my 80 4x4, and while I had 3 engines, 1 rearend, 1 frontend, and one driveshaft change, I never did have to touch the tranny. When I got the truck it didn't want to go in gear very well, and I changed the fluid and filter and it cleared right up. That was in 93, so the truck was already 13 years old, and the fluid and filter had never been changed. The reason I know that is it had this little thing in the pan, and I found out that was a plug left in the tranny during the assembly process. I sold that truck in 2005, and the c6 tranny was still working ok.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
You've said you're only towing a ton or two. That's not much weight at all. An AOD can handle that with ease IN overdrive. Have you changed the fluid and filter?
Here's something else to think about. I had an uncle (he passed away about 15 years ago now) that had a 1991 F150 with a 302 and an AOD he towed a 20 foot fifth wheel travel trailer with it. He had the trans rebuilt once and they upgraded it from stock for him. He never had a problem after that.
Here's something else to think about. I had an uncle (he passed away about 15 years ago now) that had a 1991 F150 with a 302 and an AOD he towed a 20 foot fifth wheel travel trailer with it. He had the trans rebuilt once and they upgraded it from stock for him. He never had a problem after that.
