I'm thinking of swapping out my 4-spd for an AOD in my 93 F-150 4x4 with a 5.0. My question is would I need to replace the engine ECM for one from an automatic equipped truck to compensate for idle changes etc. Any help is appreciated. Sean

 

i would not do this unless your really really really want an auto. and yes you would either need a tranny controler or a new ECM

 

Sean you should be fine with that , the AOD is not a computer controled transmission.... Lew

 

DON"T DO IT! If you want an automatic, go with the 4R70W or at least an AOD-E. They are both way stronger than the regular AOD. I have been through too many AODs to mention and they aren't worth the bother. The 4R70W out of a 1999 explorer V8 will bolt right up, you just have to get a controller from someone like Baumann Electronic Controls: http://www.becontrols.com/products/products.htm
and then you have a bullitproff auto trans good for up to about 450 HP.

 

I agree that the 4R70W is a much better trans . Alot of the mustang guys would get the gear sets out of the 4R70W & put them in the AOD to make them stronger... Lew

 

That only helps a little bit, though you get the wide ratio gears that gives a lower 1st and 2nd gear ratio. The AOD is junk, I've gone through 5 of them, the AOD with the wide ratio out of the 4r70W is still a piece of junk for a heavy truck, I know because I've had 2 of them too, and they both failed after less than 20K, and I have a huge oil cooler. I am doing the AOD for 4r70W swap in a few weeks and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

You will like the 4R70W , i have one in my truck with 180.000 miles on it before i dropped a built Ho in my truck , put B&M shift kit in it and i have been beating on it for a year now with no problems.... Lew

 

Thanks for the replies , y'all have been a big help

 

That's what everyone who knows Ford transmissions tell me, the things are really tough.