Is the AOD a good transmission?
The AOD transmission is endlessly reliable when used on stock vehicles. But if a driver decides to make the engine faster, the transmission could end up failing, especially past 450 horsepower. The internals simply were not built to withstand the much stronger forces that come from the upgraded powerplant.
How many gears does a Ford AOD have?
four-speedThe AOD (automatic overdrive) is a four-speed automatic transmission, with the 4th gear as overdrive.
How much HP can a Ford AOD handle?
Because of this odd power flow, Lentech's Len Bertrand tells us a stock AOD can handle 450 hp, at best, and will always be hard on 3/OD clutch packs.
What Fords had the AOD transmission?
The AOD was used originally on '80s and early-'90s Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products and in the F-series pickups and E-series vans as well. Because Ford used these transmissions in so many production vehicles, the Ford AOD is relatively easy to locate at used parts yards and can be purchased for a reasonable price.
Are all AOD transmissions the same?
The AODE/4R70W is different because there is one input shaft instead of both a primary and intermediate shaft. The AODE/4R70W manual shift mechanism is basically the same as the AOD except it has no linear backup light/neutral safety switch. Instead, this function is outside the case.
What is the difference between AOD and AODE transmission?
The AODE/ 4R70W differs from the AOD in input. The AOD has dual input shafts (inner and outer); the AODE/4R70W has one, which splines into the forward clutch. Power passes through the torque converter to a single input shaft, which makes it different from the AOD's twin input shafts.
How much fluid does an AOD transmission hold?
Transmission Fluid CapacityTransmission (w/ Stock Pan)# of QuartsFord C45.5Ford C67Ford AOD/AODE6.58 more rows
What years did Ford use the AOD?
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.
How much does a Ford AOD weigh?
There are a few different ways to help you identify an AOD transmission with a couple quick glances. The transmission itself weighs in at 150 lbs.
How do I identify my Ford AOD?
The AOD is easily identified from the earlier C4, C6, and FMX by its integral bellhousing and case along with a 14-bolt "Metric" pan, also identified by the Ford corporate oval. If you're lucky, you will find a unit with its original identification tag located at the lower left tailshaft housing bolt.
Which is better C4 or C6 transmission?
While both are used by hot rod and drag racers enthusiasts, the C6 has gained favoritism when it comes to offroad driving. The C4 is not quite suitable for off-road since it cannot handle as much power as the C6 and as such, it was mostly used in cars and not trucks.
How long is a Ford AOD transmission?
AODStyleADSmall Block30 3/8 in.5 5/16 in.Jul 14, 2017
What is a 4 speed automatic with overdrive?
Automatic overdrive is a system that allows an engine to run at lower RPMs when cruising consistently at highway speeds. At the push of a button or the position of a shift lever, a driver can direct the transmission to engage overdrive mode.
How many gears does a 6R80 have?
six forward speeds6R80 Transmission Features and Benefits Offers six forward speeds, with gear ratios of 4.17, 2.34, 1.52, 1.14, 0.87, and 0.69:1. The US-produced Ford 6R80 transmission is based on the robust ZF 6HP26 design, which has been used by automakers world-wide for over 14 years.
How long is a Ford AOD transmission?
AODStyleADSmall Block30 3/8 in.5 5/16 in.Jul 14, 2017
How many gears are in a C4 transmission?
three-speedThe Ford C4 is a three-speed, medium-duty automatic transmission introduced on 1964 model year vehicles and produced through 1981. The C4 was designed to be a lighter and simpler replacement for the original Ford-O-Matic two speed transmission being used in smaller, less powerful cars.
What is the AOD swap kit for a Mustang?
Because the AOD is longer than the C4, you need a special crossmember and related parts available from suppliers such as California Pony Cars, PATC, Mustangs Plus, California Mustang, and a host of others if you have a vintage Mustang or Cougar. The kit consists of the crossmember, transmission mount, TV cable, shift linkages, 164-tooth flexplate, slip yoke, and hardware. This kit makes it easy to perform an AOD swap.
What is old transmission removal?
Old transmission removal means being prepared with fluid drainage from both the sump and the torque converter. Disconnect the driveshaft, shift, and kickdown linkages. Have a solid means of support beneath the transmission.
Why use reference mark during driveshaft removal?
Use the reference mark you made during driveshaft removal to get the flexplate lined up perfectly for installation. There is only one way to install a flexplate because the bolt-hole pattern works only one way to prevent improper installation.
How much fluid should I use for a torque converter?
Torque converters must be serviced with a minimum of 1 to 2 quarts of Dexron III or Mercon V fluid for a good pump prime and a well-lubricated start-up. When the converter is installed, it fills the pump cavity with fluid.
How much torque converter fluid should I use for a transmission?
This fluid prime ensures plenty of lubrication on start-up plus immediate line pressure. Total fluid capacity is approximately 14 quarts. A huge percentage of this capacity is the torque converter once the engine fires and the converter fills.
Why do AOD and C4 have different block plates?
The AOD and C4 transmissions use different block plates primarily because they are different transmissions with two different-size flexplates. This means you need an AOD-specific block plate and dust cover for the 164-tooth flexplate.
What transmissions are available for B&M street strip?
This is B&M’s Street/Strip AOD transmission (PN 114501) with 2.40:1 first gear, 1.47:1 second gear, and .67:1 overdrive. B&M builds and ships a remanufactured AOD transmission with new clutches and bands, seals, and any hard parts as needed, including bushings, bearings, and roller clutches. These transmissions are factory calibrated and ready for operation. All you need to do is service them with fluid and a new B&M torque converter. Don’t forget proper TV cable adjustment. Be prepared to change the manual shift linkage around to fit your application if needed.
What is an AOD transmission?
It is a true 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. In “D/OD,” which is fully automatic, the AOD performs a 1-2-3-4 upshift as vehicle speed increases. At 40 mph, the AOD is designed to shift into overdrive lockup on the smaller input shaft into the direct clutch.
What is an AOD shifter?
AOD operation begins with a six-position shifter marked P-R-N-D (OD)-D-1. These ranges are park, reverse, neutral, drive/overdrive, drive (without overdrive), and first. Beginning in 1991, the AOD couldn’t be placed in gear without a foot on the brake pedal.
What is an overdrive band?
The overdrive band installs wet with transmission fluid and seats against the anchor pin. The servo places pressure against this band, locking the reverse clutch. Some people incorrectly call this the overdrive drum. It is the reverse clutch, which houses the reverse clutches and splines into the forward clutch and input shaft.
How fast does a selector go in overdrive?
When the selector is placed in drive/overdrive, a normal 1-2-3-4 upshift pattern occurs, with overdrive/lockup taking place at around 40 mph. The drive/overdrive position is a fully automatic operation. Slip the selector into “D” and you get 1-2-3 upshifts without overdrive or fourth gear.
How to protect valve body gasket?
Even the smallest speck of dust can cause leakage and pressure loss. You can use a thin film of transmission assembly lube for gasket security.
How to check clearances on a transmission?
When you get to the last intermediate steel plate, check clearances with a depth micrometer. Position the depth micrometer at the pump to the transmission face and take the measurement from there to the clutch plate.
What year was the 2 shift accumulator perfected?
This installation varies from generation to generation as there were run ning production changes. The 2-3 shift accumulator was finally perfected by the 1989 model year and is available from a variety of transmission parts suppliers.
How to identify AOD transmission?from hemmings.com
The AOD transmission can be identified in several ways. Its prominent 14-bolt pan is probably the easiest way. The pan is basically square but the back two corners are tucked in a little tighter than the front corners making the pan look like home plate with the front point cut off.
What is an automatic overdrive transmission?from hemmings.com
Automatic overdrive transmissions had replaced all C-4 and C-5 applications by the 1986 model year. The AOD has the neutral safety switch mounted above the valve body on the driver's side of the transmission and the speedometer drive cable is attached to the vehicle speed sensor on the driver's side as well. This transmission uses a throttle valve linkage or cable assembly to regulate the shifts. The AOD weighs 150 pounds, about 40 lbs. heavier than a C-4 or C-6 transmission.
How much does a throttle valve bushing cost?from hemmings.com
Many complaints of improper shifting can be traced to this bushing. New bushings are less than $3 and can be obtained from your dealer or you can purchase aftermarket aluminum replacement bushings, which will last much longer.
What transmissions were used in the 60s?from hemmings.com
Probably one of the most popular transmission exchanges that are being performed on '60s and '70s Ford cars and trucks involves using the Ford AOD or automatic overdrive . The AOD was used originally on '80s and early-'90s Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products and in the F-series pickups and E-series vans as well.
What is a lock up convertor?from fordmuscleforums.com
Lock up convertors are made for improving mileage. A convertor locks up when you are at a steady cruise about 45 mph or higher. When a convertor locks up yor RPM will drop about 300. Thats the benefit. I personally dont like lock up [ convertors.The mileage benefit is so minor. They can also start to have problems like clutch chatter when they get old.
How many wires are in an AOD harness?from hemmings.com
The AOD harness contains four wires and controls both the neutral switch and backup lamps. The bellhousing mounting bolts are also important because the C-4 bolts are not long enough and standard replacement bolts do not have a long enough thread to be usable.
What cars have AOD?from hemmings.com
You will find a Ford AOD in these donor vehicles: 1980-'92 Ford and Mercury full-size cars with V-6 and V-8 engines 1980-'92 Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria with 4.6 or 5.0 V-8 engines 1983-'86 Ford LTD with a six-cylinder 1984-'93 Mustang and Cougar with transmission code PKA (V-6 and V-8) 1984-'86 Mercury Capri with transmission code PKA 1980-'92 Thunderbird with transmission code PKA 1985-'90 Bronco with 5.0 V-8 engines 1981-'93 Ford pickup and E-vans with V-8 engines 1991-'93 Ford pickups and vans with a 7.3-liter diesel engine 1980-'93 Lincoln (except Versailles) with V-8 engines
Is the AOD transmission going to replace the Turbo 400?
Bertrand believes that the Ford AOD transmission is going to replace the Turbo 400 as the performance transmission in the 21st century. Stop laughing. We know Ford's autobox is a weak suck. By leaving Second gear off the shift pattern (some cynics speculate for cost reasons), the AOD has been doomed to languish on the performance sidelines.
Can you put a Ford AOD in a Camaro?
Both mounting pads remain, meaning you can put a Ford AOD in your Camaro, or you can drop a small-block Chev into your Mustang, and the tranny will fit.
A Brief History of The AOD Transmission
Ford introduced the automatic overdrive (AOD) in 1980, and it was the first domestic AOD transmission. Chrysler and General Motors soon followed suit. General Motors developed the 200 into a 200-4R with overdrive while Chrysler added more overdrive units to the existing 3-speed automatics: the 904 and 727.
The Challenges with the Ford AOD Transmission
The Ford automatic overdrive was said to have durability issues, especially within the clunky overdrive unit known for its constant failure. The transmission’s third gear lacks clutches and additional steel, while its input shaft snaps easily when subjected to too much power.
The 3 Types of Ford AOD Transmissions Identification
The following are the 3 types of upgraded, finely tuned Ford automatic overdrive transmissions and their different price points:
Successors of the Ford AOD Transmission
The successors to the Ford automatic transmission are the electronically-controlled AODE and 4R7XX transmissions. Circuitry and computer parts play significant roles in the overall functions of these exceptional transmissions. This makes them markedly different from the mechanically-regulated automatic overdrive and old-school technology.
Conclusion
There’s much more to your vehicle than transportation, and that is pushing machinery to its very brink and wringing maximum potential out of a custom-built power generator.
How many shafts does an AOD transmission have?
The AOD transmission uses two input shafts to operate the gears. The inner input shaft has a much smaller diameter than the outer one, making it more likely to fail over time. It’s also in charge of operating third gear and overdrive, which puts it under a lot of stress.
How to know when to shift AOD?
To know just when to shift, the AOD transmission must continually receive information from the engine through the throttle valve cable. The cable needs to remain properly adjusted or shifts could occur at all the wrong times. The driving experience and fuel efficiency could suffer as a result.
When was the X transmission made?
Ford created its beloved ‘X’ transmission in the 1950s and included it for decades without issue. This three-speed transmission could handle the toughest of tasks without breaking a sweat and was reliable to boot.
Does Ford AOD transmission need fluid flushes?
For the most part, the Ford AOD transmission functioned without issue for years. It just needed regular maintenance, like fluid flushes, to stay in top condition.
Is AOD transmission reliable?
The AOD transmission is endlessly reliable when used on stock vehicles. But if a driver decides to make the engine faster, the transmission could end up failing, especially past 450 horsepower. The internals simply were not built to withstand the much stronger forces that come from the upgraded powerplant.
How to identify AOD transmission?
The AOD transmission can be identified in several ways. Its prominent 14-bolt pan is probably the easiest way. The pan is basically square but the back two corners are tucked in a little tighter than the front corners making the pan look like home plate with the front point cut off.
How is AOD bolted?
The AOD is bolted to the engine by the use of an integral bellhousing. Because all 289, 302, 351W and 351C blocks used the same bellhousing bolt pattern, the AOD will bolt directly to earlier Fords using these engine sizes. Measure the distance between your two top mounting bolts on the bellhousing to be sure.
How much does a throttle valve bushing cost?
Many complaints of improper shifting can be traced to this bushing. New bushings are less than $3 and can be obtained from your dealer or you can purchase aftermarket aluminum replacement bushings, which will last much longer.
What is an automatic overdrive transmission?
Automatic overdrive transmissions had replaced all C-4 and C-5 applications by the 1986 model year. The AOD has the neutral safety switch mounted above the valve body on the driver's side of the transmission and the speedometer drive cable is attached to the vehicle speed sensor on the driver's side as well. This transmission uses a throttle valve linkage or cable assembly to regulate the shifts. The AOD weighs 150 pounds, about 40 lbs. heavier than a C-4 or C-6 transmission.
What transmissions were used in the 60s?
Probably one of the most popular transmission exchanges that are being performed on '60s and '70s Ford cars and trucks involves using the Ford AOD or automatic overdrive . The AOD was used originally on '80s and early-'90s Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products and in the F-series pickups and E-series vans as well.
How many wires are in an AOD harness?
The AOD harness contains four wires and controls both the neutral switch and backup lamps. The bellhousing mounting bolts are also important because the C-4 bolts are not long enough and standard replacement bolts do not have a long enough thread to be usable.
What cars have AOD?
You will find a Ford AOD in these donor vehicles: 1980-'92 Ford and Mercury full-size cars with V-6 and V-8 engines 1980-'92 Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria with 4.6 or 5.0 V-8 engines 1983-'86 Ford LTD with a six-cylinder 1984-'93 Mustang and Cougar with transmission code PKA (V-6 and V-8) 1984-'86 Mercury Capri with transmission code PKA 1980-'92 Thunderbird with transmission code PKA 1985-'90 Bronco with 5.0 V-8 engines 1981-'93 Ford pickup and E-vans with V-8 engines 1991-'93 Ford pickups and vans with a 7.3-liter diesel engine 1980-'93 Lincoln (except Versailles) with V-8 engines
1. Use the Perfect Aftermarket Parts
Selecting and using the right aftermarket parts will determine the kind of performance you get after modifying your Ford AOD transmission. The wider AOD overdrive band and reverse drum will take the load better.
2. Adjust the Throttle Valve Cable
Modifying your Ford AOD into perfection also requires you to adjust the throttle valve cable. Hence, it’s very crucial you note that the throttle valve (TV) cable can be adjusted in two different ways.
3. Torque Converter Proper Installation
When it comes to Ford AOD modification, special care is needed for the torque converter installation because nothing stings AOD installers more than inappropriate torque converter installation.
4. Use AOD Adaptor and Conversion Kits
In the process of modifying Ford AOD transmission to perfection, torque converter installation and adjustment looks straightforward, when an orderly and methodical approach was used to ensure success.
Conclusion
If you can commit your heart to it, you can build a perfect AOD transmission today. It all starts with making a choice between the 4R70W or AOD-E as your AOD core. You will also have to carefully pick the perfect internal components. After all, they will contribute immensely to the performance level of your Ford Falcon machine.
