Swapping in an AOD tranny?
 

We have what I believe to be a C6 in our 1985 4x4 F150, which works fine but the question I have is, is there a bolt in tranny from something else that will give the AOD option i.e the 4 speeds instead of the 3. We use our truck to pull our horse trailer and I would love to get a lower RPM cruising on the highway.
I tried searching this forum but I didn't have any luck really understanding what I was seeing.

What motor is in the truck?

If it's a SBF or I6 then an AOD will bolt right in(with the matching x-fer case, chassis crossmember, and driveshafts). But in stock form it's not built to tow a heavy load in OD so you'll have to spend some $$ beefing it up. A better option would be to swap in a ZF 5-speed manual, that will give you OD with the strength to tow a load.

It has the 351 in it. I hear you about the manual but since it is my daughters truck which we are using to teach her to drive I really need to stay with the automatic. I don't mind changing a few things, if I had I could get new driveshafts made up. I just don't want to get into a complete chopshop rebuild.

And AOD beefed for towing in a 4x4: $2000 or so

TCI Auto: AOD StreetFighter® Transmission 4X4

AODs from '88-93 are the better ones, but for your application, I'd just suck it up with the C6.

Thank you. Are the other trans the electronic versions or will the swap in also?

they had a E4od-I would not recommend-they are electronic shifted you'll need the computer and a bunch of wiring-they also had an aode which I know nothing about other than a lot of bad reps on forums I got to :confused:-maybe a bolt on overdrive unit that will go behind the trans -remember hearing about them way back-if available you will have to shorten the driveshaft

AODE and 4R70W, electronic, probably need to be beefed up and a controller:

AODE and 4R70W Performance Products - Baumann Electronic Controls

E4OD, huge but strong trans, electronic, needs a controller. You can find info on it at the above link as well.

OD unit: Gear Vendors is the only game for that afaik, $3000.

Drive shaft mods? Sure. The least of your worries.