Automatic transmission choices
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2008
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Automatic transmission choices
Hello All,
My '51 F1 has a 302 out of a '85 Mustang GT, and a 3 speed manual w/ OD transmission out of an '86 F150.
I'm contemplating putting an automatic in the truck. I haven't kept up with Ford transmissions... what is out there that will bolt-up to the 302, beyond the C4/C6? It would be nice to have overdrive, unless you guys tell me they're junk (in which case I'll avoid them).
Thanks,
-DV
My '51 F1 has a 302 out of a '85 Mustang GT, and a 3 speed manual w/ OD transmission out of an '86 F150.
I'm contemplating putting an automatic in the truck. I haven't kept up with Ford transmissions... what is out there that will bolt-up to the 302, beyond the C4/C6? It would be nice to have overdrive, unless you guys tell me they're junk (in which case I'll avoid them).
Thanks,
-DV
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2008
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Oops! I did search the forum before posting, but I should have Googled it too before bugging you guys about it. Found this excellent summary 5 minutes after posting:
In past 35 years Ford has produced many different rear-wheel-drive automatic transmissions, most of which have been introduced since 1980. The following list outlines a brief chronology of Ford Motor Company’s modern automatic transmissions followed by descriptions of some of the more complicated members.
If I read this correctly, the best choice for an automatic with overdrive to use with a 302 would be the AOD-E? I know that later model transmissions are all tied in with the control module, does anyone know which model/year this happened?
Thanks,
-DV
In past 35 years Ford has produced many different rear-wheel-drive automatic transmissions, most of which have been introduced since 1980. The following list outlines a brief chronology of Ford Motor Company’s modern automatic transmissions followed by descriptions of some of the more complicated members.
- The FMX/Cruise-O-Matic three speed evolved from the 1950’s Ford-O-Matic and was used until 1980 when the AOD was introduced.
- In 1964, the C-4 was introduced, providing a lightweight and durable three-speed automatic which is a favorite among racers today. The C-4 was produced until 1982, when it was replaced by the C-5.
- The C-6 appeared in 1966 as a heavy-duty unit primarily used behind big-block engines or in large vehicles. Internally, it is much like a scaled-up C-4. The C-6 is still used today in certain truck applications.
- The French-built C-3 was first used in 1974 in the Ford Pinto and remained until the Merkur XR4TI was dropped in 1989.
- The Automatic Overdrive (AOD) transmission was introduced in 1980 as Ford's first four-speed automatic overdrive transmission (a.k.a. AOT or FIOD in some literature). Internals are loosely based on the FMX. The AOD was finally replaced by the AOD-E/4R70W in 1994 for all remaining applications.
- 1982 brought the C-5 which was essentially a stronger C-4 with a centrifugal torque converter lock-up clutch and an enhanced valve body for smoother shifting. It was produced through 1986 and was completely replaced by the AOD.
- The A4LD four speed overdrive transmission was introduced in the 1985 Bronco II/Ranger and saw use behind many 4 and 6 cylinder engines until the 1995 model year when it was replaced by the 4R44E and 4R55E electronic transmissions. The A4LD was the first Ford transmission to use an EEC-controlled torque converter lock-up clutch and later became the first to use electronic shift control (via a 3-4 shift solenoid). The French-built A4LD was created by adding overdrive to the front of the C-3 three-speed unit.
- Full-size trucks first received the huge E4OD (Electronic 4 speed OverDrive) transmission in 1989. Internally, it is essentially a C-6 with overdrive added to the front (such as the A4LD is to the C-3) and an EEC controlled valve body.
- The AOD-E transmission first appeared behind the 4.6L modular V-8 engines in 1992. Essentially a beefed-up electronically-controlled version of the AOD, the AOD-E also includes a new and stronger wide ratio model (the AOD-EW or 4R70W) which was introduced in the 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII. The AOD-E (in both standard and wide ratio versions) completely replaced the old AOD in 1994 with a new case that mates to the 5.0L and 3.8L engines.
- For 1995, the 4R44E (4 cyl. - light-duty) and 4R55E (6 cyl. - heavy-duty; i.e. Explorer) electronically controlled transmission replaced the A4LD. It is mechanically identical to the A4LD.
- Later, the 5R55E was introduced behind the 4.0L SOHC V6 as the first domestic five-speed automatic. Mechanically similar to the 4R55E, the 5R55E uses revised controls to leverage the mechanical capabilities of the 4R55E to deliver a fifth forward speed.
If I read this correctly, the best choice for an automatic with overdrive to use with a 302 would be the AOD-E? I know that later model transmissions are all tied in with the control module, does anyone know which model/year this happened?
Thanks,
-DV
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,000
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
I can't help you much as I don't have much experience with the Ford trannys. My recommendation would be for a tranny with overdrive. I think there are several companies that make small control modules to let you run an electronically controlled tranny in a non computerized vehecle. Some more Google searching should turn up some info.
Bobby
Bobby
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Well one thing to consider is the type of use the truck is going to be subjected to. If it's just a daily driver back and forth to work then something a little lighter is super. If you are towing or hauling then I would look at a C6. Also, what is your rear end gearing ratio? Do you want freeway speed and will an overdrive be necessary to attain that?
Also, you might want to look at the types of mods you will have to make to your truck - especially with the aformentioned C6 - just for space and fit; or, whether you will need to modify (or elliminate) your transmission crossmember to get the thing to bolt in.
Tell me more!
Also, you might want to look at the types of mods you will have to make to your truck - especially with the aformentioned C6 - just for space and fit; or, whether you will need to modify (or elliminate) your transmission crossmember to get the thing to bolt in.
Tell me more!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
My recommendation would be for the AOD with a rear axle ratio in the 3.0:1 (for majority of expressway driving) to 3.7:1 (for hauling, towing, stop and go traffic). What wrong with the manual tranny? It's already an OD tranny and it's already in there. I have a 6 speed manual in my truck, and manuals in two out of 3 Daily drivers. The 3rd would have been a manual but it wasn't offered on that car. My wife and I get bored driving an auto.
It may be that changing the rear axle ratio is what's needed if you have to shift a lot.
It may be that changing the rear axle ratio is what's needed if you have to shift a lot.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
When I built my current pickup (I screwed it together from 3 trucks headed for the crusher), I used that same transmission in it that you have now. I can honestly say that I can't blame you for wanting to get rid of it. I did. What a chunk of sheet! The ratios were terrible. The gap between 2nd and 3rd was ridiculous.
ANYWAYS! If you want an easy, hassle-free install with no electronics, an '88-'92 AOD would be the way to go. Avoid the pre '88 units like the plague. The AOD-E and 4R70W are actually stronger transmissions than the AOD's, but they are both electronically shifted and would require an electronics package to work. Approx. $400 from www.becontrols.com. It's hardly worth it. Many of the 5.0L Mustang guys race the AOD and it will hold up with a good shift kit. Daily driver duty would be no problem at all.
ANYWAYS! If you want an easy, hassle-free install with no electronics, an '88-'92 AOD would be the way to go. Avoid the pre '88 units like the plague. The AOD-E and 4R70W are actually stronger transmissions than the AOD's, but they are both electronically shifted and would require an electronics package to work. Approx. $400 from www.becontrols.com. It's hardly worth it. Many of the 5.0L Mustang guys race the AOD and it will hold up with a good shift kit. Daily driver duty would be no problem at all.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2008
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Thanks for the advice on the AOD. I guess I can look for one in an 88-92 Mustang.
-DV
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Amen, Amen, and Amen. I have nothing against manuals, 3 out of 4 of my (running) vehicles are stick-shifts. I just thought that since I need to change this one anyway, I might go to an awfulmatic.
Thanks for the advice on the AOD. I guess I can look for one in an 88-92 Mustang.
-DV
Thanks for the advice on the AOD. I guess I can look for one in an 88-92 Mustang.
-DV
Also, what are you using for exhaust? A stock manifold (what model & year) or headers?
Thread Starter
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Tuned
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-DV
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Upper Left Coast
Howdy,
as someone said if you're going to tow something heavy, you might want a heavy transmission.
I'm using an E4OD behind my 292 in the F-600 (with Bendtsen adapter and Baumann controller) I also needed the integral parking brake assy. The E4OD is about as heavy as you're going to get. Mine came out of a 94 F-450 SuperDuty with the same GVW as my F-600.
If you want one for yours. just make sure it's got the right case. There's a different case for the 302/300, 460, V-10, and the diesel.......but the internals are essentially the same. I'm using the diesel internals and the 300/302 case and torque converter.
I'll program all the shift points, TC lockup etc. with a laptop.
Cheers,
Rick
as someone said if you're going to tow something heavy, you might want a heavy transmission.
I'm using an E4OD behind my 292 in the F-600 (with Bendtsen adapter and Baumann controller) I also needed the integral parking brake assy. The E4OD is about as heavy as you're going to get. Mine came out of a 94 F-450 SuperDuty with the same GVW as my F-600.
If you want one for yours. just make sure it's got the right case. There's a different case for the 302/300, 460, V-10, and the diesel.......but the internals are essentially the same. I'm using the diesel internals and the 300/302 case and torque converter.
I'll program all the shift points, TC lockup etc. with a laptop.
Cheers,
Rick
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