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Hey, I have an 1985 F150 2wd with an AOD. It's not going to tow a thing, just a street machine. I'll be pushing around 400hp and I'm looking for a good shift kit. So far, I haven't read too many good things about B&M shift kits. Baumann, TransGo, and TCI seem to be the favourites. What are your suggestions and why? Any help at all will be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks In advance!!
It's my understanding that the pre-'88 AODs have some design flaws in them that make them not very suitable for handling high power output. Details I do not have, but may be something worth looking into?
As for shift kits, I've been pretty happy with the TransGo SK-AOD kits, so far I have installed 5 of them in pre-'89 transmissions and they all work great. I put one in a '91 AOD and was not pleased with the 4-3 downshift at WOT, engine flares quite noticeably, not an issue on the pre-'89 transmissions with the 3rd servo piston in the case tho.
Check this link TCCoA Tech Articles
for this article
Ford OD Transmissions 101
It was written by a Ford engineer and discusses the pros and cons of different series. Also tells what parts to change for different power levels.
Wicked! This helps out very much. If my trans grenades on me, I guess I'll just get another one, seems it's cheaper to buy about 3 AOD's than it is to rebuild one to stock specs :P I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks again for your help!