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Hello All. I am returned, and I am about to do an AOD swap.

W

Waffles

Member
Ok, I bought an Art Carr AOD transmission for a great price. I then bought a kit of all the parts I need for a swap.


Anyone have any advice before I do this? The car will be lifted as high as I can get it in my garage, hopefully with enough room to move comfortably underneath, but does anyone have any transmission swap tips I should know before I dive in head first?


Thanks.


Good to be back here too. I have been working like 70 hours a week. It's tough to find time to lurk forums.
 
Well after I went from a 2.80 open to a 3.50 posi, cruising down the freeway is unbearable. So I know this will make it a bit better. Plus, I got an Art Carr AOD with 250 miles on it and receipts for a $3000 transmission that I paid $600 for. Then the swap kit for another $600 and I'm good to go, hopefully.
 
Does that need the pressure set prior to running.....if so, that is critical before going down the road.

Double check the speedo gears you will need....easier to do before install in case you need to see what gear is inside the tail.

How does that setup make use of the shifter?
 
hey welcome back!
Pete, yeah the TV cable controls the pressure and it is critical. If it's too low the clutches will get fried real fast. Ask me how I know...
 
I am doing an EFi and AOD swap in my 70 right now.

You will probably run into issues with the exhaust clearing the trans.
Are you running headers or stock manifolds?
 
"RapidRabbit" said:
I am doing an EFi and AOD swap in my 70 right now.
Click to expand...
and if he would hurry up he could take it on the Power Tour! :steer
just messing with ya...
 
"tarafied1" said:
and if he would hurry up he could take it on the Power Tour! :steer
just messing with ya...
Click to expand...

Come on, I'm almost done. I just need to run fuel lines, do all the electrical, new rad, new exhaust, ..............
Oh hell, who am I kidding. Maybe I can make the 2015 power tour. :roul
 
I'm in the middle of the swap also, AOD installed, now I'm fighting the LT headers to try to get it all to clear. If you've got a 'kit' make sure you've got:
trans cradle, C4 trans mount,
Lokar Cable,
block plate,
adj. rod with rod ends for shifter to shift lever,
longer bolts from trans to motor (AOD ears are thicker)
AOD or T5 yoke,
may/may not need to cut DS varies on AOD tailshaft, diff., etc.
run new trans lines (5/16")
aux. trans cooler (optional but always preferred)
bracket for your carb? to hold TV cable mount
lotsa Mercon V
NS/reverse light wiring pigtail or make your own

Some pics of my parts collection and measurements:

Make sure the TC is fully seated before install, 3 clicks I think, mine is ~3/4" in -
IMG_1140.jpg


IMG_1242.jpg


Someone else's pics of TV cable routing and securing and carb hook up
PICT0012.jpg

PICT0011.jpg

AODTVlever002.jpg



"Waffles" said:
It's tough to find time to lurk forums.
Click to expand...
PERV!
Jon
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks all for the suggestions!


I'll likely get started on it tonight. I have everything that was listed, so I should be in good shape.
 
If you are using the stock Ford shifter you will see that the tranny's indents will not align up with the shifter indents. The pivot point on the shifter's bottom arm needs to be raised about 3/4". Here's a pick of what I did during Red's AOD conversion.


Once you click on this pic, hit the "next" button, upper right area and you will soon find the shifter pics.

 
Given all I have read about these swaps and the TV cable(and damage mis-adjustment can cause) in particular, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be money well spent to have someone give your new trans a once over before you go through the whole install process. Picking up an essentially new transmission for 20% of normal cost raises an alarm in my mind. Unless you are very comfortable with the seller I personally would be a little concerned about possible hidden problems.

Not trying to rain on your excellent buy, just having had similar experiences that resulted in having to install/remove/repair/reinstall has taught me to be cautious, I guess.
 
This is exactly how I felt with the PATC AOD trans I picked up on CL for ~<40% of new price and it had never been installed and was still in plastic. After taking 3 yrs. to get this car back together I don't want to have to remove/repair anything major once the engine starts. I didn't want to have that 'I better not go far I don't know what cond. the trans. is in' feeling.
I found a local reputable indep. shop and they gave it the once through for $300, I was <1/2 what it cost new, still. Peace of mind can cost, but it's much less than being towed 500+mi. from home with an unhappy wife saying 'why did we take your old car?'... and it would be our last trip in the car I would suspect.
Jon
 
I was in the same boat. I bought a 90 model AOD for my 70 Mach conversion from an individual that was converting to T5. I got to drive it before buying and confirmed all was working. Much later during the restoration and after weighing in all the trouble that I might be faced with if there were post-install issues, I elected to get it rebuilt. I am using the Lokar cable, carb bracket, and the first real trip the car makes (even if on a trailer) will be back to the trans shop to let them final adjust the TV pressure.
 
If you are using the stock Ford shifter you will see that the tranny's indents will not align up with the shifter indents. The pivot point on the shifter's bottom arm needs to be raised about 3/4". Here's a pick of what I did during Red's AOD conversion.


Once you click on this pic, hit the "next" button, upper right area and you will soon find the shifter pics.
Click to expand...

Craig you took some great pics of some of the details on your AOD swap. Did you put a how-to together on it? Does Red have a 351c?
 
No, I didn't go any further than what we see. Red had a 302. Shag the turd, has the 351c.
 
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