C4 or AOD
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Freshman User
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C4 or AOD
I bought a running 302 for my 55 project and now need a transmission. I'm looking for something cheap but reliable. I think I have narrowed my choices down to either a used C4 or and AOD. Anybody have any pluses or minuses for each? The engine is pretty much stock at this point with the exception of an edelbrock intake/carb and a set of headers to help it breathe. The rear end is some kind of chevy (came with the truck). It calculates out to be 3.55:1. Which way should I go? Most of my driving will be back roads with the occasional highway trip. Suggestions?
Keith
Keith
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Deridder, LA
I have a 302/AOD combo in mines...works out to be beautiful...my gears are bit lower than yours though....i would recommend a 3:73 for better cruising...i have a LOT of torque in mines to make sure the little RICE BURNERS don't even think about pulling up to me at the stop light!!!!! 
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I just had this conversation with Mark Bowler (Bowler Transmission) last week. My goal is a bullitproof autocrosser, so a bit different. Marks thought was that the AOD is pretty tough, and it has a lower first gear, so it won out. He did suggest a 3.73 or 3.9 gear ratio. The OD is nice on the highway. As luck would have it, I found a richmond 5 speed that I couldn't pass up.
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Any suggestions on mounting the AOD? I have seen transmission crossmembers for the C4 and C6 available in most F100 catalogs but haven't seen anything for an AOD. Anybody have pictures of how they mounted their transmission?
Keith
Keith
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Joined: May 2007
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From: south Fl.
I have to agree with the others, unless you have 3.73 + gearing or a real short tire I would stay away from a O/D. I have a AOD in my Mustang with a 3.91 gear and its great. I purchased My truck and it had a GM rear with 2.56 gears and a O/D trans which was little or no use unless we drove 100 mph +. I recently changed to 3.73's in the truck and what a major improvement overall, even the gas mpg improved. I have used both transmissions you are questioning and both are good IMO. The AOD just needs to have the proper TV cable attached and adjusted but when you understand how, it will give you excellent service as will a c-4.
good luck,
Rick
good luck,
Rick
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Freshman User
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So the consensus seems to be that either transmission will work but I want to do more highway driving go with the AOD. The downside is that if I go with the AOD I will probably want to change out the gears in the rear end. This of course means more $$. It also looks like another $100 or so for the TV cable if the transmission doesn't have one. Is the kickdown cable on the C4 easier to hook up to the carb? How about floor shift kits? Is it cheaper, more expensive, or about the same for the C4 vs AOD? Any suggestions on one that will fit well into a 55 and isn't too expensive?
Keith
Keith
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ive heard the AOD has some electrical hook ups thats why i went with a C4. The c4 is a tough reliable cheap tranny. U can rebuild them urselfs and they mount to most any 302 block.
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From: cleveland,Oh.
C-4 is real easy to hook to the carb try to buy a trans from the bone yard and get the kick down rod with it! Goes from the carb to the trans, it will work on a holley you'll have to buy the return spring kit for a ford, its like $10 or less. Shifters it depends on how deep your pockets are,B&M,Hurst,Mr.Gasket,Lokar and the list goes on.
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Elder User
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From: south Fl.
The AOD has no electrical components, E4od's run off computers. the difference in shifter cost i think would be the same. I used the same shifter when i went from the C-4 to the AOD. The OD position on the AOD is actually the D position on the C-4. If you used a old mustang,/ pinto type floor shifter from the u pick that could be cheep but maybe to short for your liking.
You could always run the AOD in the drive position with no harm, then switch to a better performing gear down the road and have the best of both.
Rick
You could always run the AOD in the drive position with no harm, then switch to a better performing gear down the road and have the best of both.
Rick
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2007
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No limit M-160 is a bolt in crossmember that will fit up to the AOD, or C-4. Previous post is correct, the AOD needs no special electrics, the later 'E' transmissions do. Throttle presure is a cable on the AOD, and a solid link on the C-4, I think it is easier to work with the cable when it comes to aftermarket intakes and carbs.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: okla
I'll bet the 3.55 would work just fine. Give up a little on scat maybe. I have the 3.92 Dana in my 53 with 302/AOD and 30" tall tires. Bet if you stayed with 27/28' tire you would be happy. I would chose the AOD over the C4. Joe
Lead Driver
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From: Brentwood, TN
Not true about the rearend gearing...that said, it all depends on your performance expectations. With today's economy and the rising cost of gas, the AOD with 3.0 gears should be highly desirable. However, if you are looking to run the quarter mile with the truck and don't care about gas mileage then find some taller gears. The beauty of an overdrive is that you can still have some reasonable low end power and still be able to drive the freeway without revving your engine over 4000 RPM.
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Just when I have this about figured out two more options present themselves. The first one is a C6 out of an 86 F-150. It is my understanding that these are a heavier duty version of the C4 and my be a little to big (horsepower hungry) for a basically stock 302. Opinions? The advantage of this one is that the guy rebuilt it 3 years ago and comes with the torque converter and its cheap. The other option is a C5 transmission. I can get this one for free but don't know if it has a torque converter and am pretty sure it would need to be rebuilt. The C5 is essentially a C4 with a locking torque converter clutch. Any idea what I would be getting into money wise for a standard rebuild. Can you buy an inexpensive used or refurbished torque converter anywhere or I am looking at a few hundred dollars for one from Jeggs or similar?
Keith
Keith
