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1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

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Rembrant

1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Gents,

A friend of mine has a low mileage 2wd AOD that was removed from a 1983 F100 or F150. It was behind a 300 inline 6. I'm planning to buy it for my '52 Mercury...but I know nothing about them. I might install it behind the existing 239 Flathead (there are kits to do so) and I might swap in a roller-block 5.0...still thinking on that one.

Anything I need to know about this trans? What is needed for kickdown? Is it cable or mechanical linkage?

I'm wanting an auto trans with OD, and preferably a Ford trans that will bolt up to a small block should I decide to go that route.

I assume the speedo cable drive and everything is the same as all the other Ford transmissions of the era?

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Cory - I can't answer your question. In fact, I confused myself trying to.

I went to our page (Documentation/Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/Kickdown Linkage) and found that there are differences depending on the engine.

Then I went to the page at Documentation/Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/Automatic Overdrive (AOD) and on pages 2 & three found that:

Throttle Valve (TV) Control Systems

The AOD Transmission employs two different Throttle Valve (TV) Control Systems. A TV Control Rod Linkage System is used on the 5.0L (302 (CID)-2V) carbureted engine (Fig. 2). This engine will initially be available on F-150— F-250 and E-150— E-250 vehicles.

A TV Control Cable System is used on the 4.9L (300 CID) engine used in F-150 and E-150— E-250 vehicles(Fig. 3).

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Oops, I forgot the speedo. Yes, it stayed the same.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

ratdude747

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

In reply to this post by Rembrant

The "kickdown" is a TV cable. You *must* connect it to throttle or else you'll burn the transmission to the ground as the cable regulates line pressure.

They're not bad units... but if you're pushing it's limits, you'll want to swap the inner direct drive input shaft for a hardened one. Instead of a "modern" TC lockup clutch, it has twin input shafts, the inner of which directly attaches to the face of the TC. In 3rd gear it's used for a torque split with the outer shaft, and in 4th (OD) it handles all input torque. More info here (it gets very technical!): https://ateupwithmotor.com/terms-technology-definitions/split-torque-lockup-converters/6/

1984 F150: 300 L6, AOD, RWD. EEC IV / TFI, Feedback Carter YFA Carb. Stock everything but radio (for now).

85lebaront2

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Gary, I thought I had done a piece on the AOD and TV cable/rod adjustments. It is supposed to be done with a spacer and pressure gauge, the rod uses a block between the TV adjustment bolt and the carburetor lever, the cable uses a slotted spacer that inserts between the cable end and the part on the linkage. Both are used to create a pressure rise at the TV test port.

In the absence of these, the old way of setting the Hydramatic TV linkage works, it is a shift feel adjustment. Too much TV pressure and it will shift late and hard and be extremely "touchy" on downshifts, too little and the shift will be early and soft (slipping). The AOD should be able to get into 4th (OD) by 45 mph with light throttle, earlier than that and it will hunt between 3rd and 4th, later and it will want to kick down when accelerating at light throttle.

If you are going EFI, a 4R70 or 75W unit (electronic AOD) could be a better choice, or use an aftermarket controller. The latter allows more flexibility in tuning the shift points.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Bill - I don't remember you writing that, but if you did please send it to me again.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

It was in the "Automatic transmissions" Word document. I will also send you an ATSG technical service information. The TV adjustment is spelled out and has diagrams.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Ahhh! That document. It is on the page at Documentation/Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/General Automatic Transmission Service. That's because you discussed all the transmissions and that page is the only one common to all automatics.

And I added the ASTG document to the page at Documentation/Driveline/Transmissions/Automatic Transmissions/Automatic Overdrive (AOD). Thanks!

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Gsmblue

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

I have an AOD sat behind my 351W in my Bronco. It replaced the C6.

The AOD is longer than the C6 so the prop shafts had to be changed.

It has taken forever to get this thing shifting right due to the bodge job the transmission shop did....

The AOD in my F150 is amazing. It had a transgo shift kit install and shifts like silk...

1985.5 F-150 XL Explorer standard cab 5.0 EFI AOD 4x4
Daily Driver. We call her Eunice the Ute.

1982 Bronco XLT Lariat 351W AOD 4x4
Code name Esperanza, or Espy to her friends. Please see my Project thread for the blow by blow.

1984 F-350 XL Centurion crew cab 460 T19 4x4
"Eylza Dual-little"

Rembrant

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

In reply to this post by 85lebaront2

85lebaront2 wrote

If you are going EFI, a 4R70 or 75W unit (electronic AOD) could be a better choice, or use an aftermarket controller. The latter allows more flexibility in tuning the shift points.

I'm back into reading about transmissions. I'm liking the idea of an electronic auto (with OD) that I can operate with a stand alone tuner.

I don't want to get into custom making parts if I don't have to, but the following kit is available for my flathead:

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flathead-V8-to-Ford-C4-Transmission-Basic-Adapter-Kit,11051.html

So...it says for adapting to Ford C4, C6, and AOD. If it fits those three, wouldn't it also work for later electronic versions, at least up to 1996?

The E40D was from 1989-1996? I see there is also an AOD-E, and the 4R70W?

Should I be looking for a truck transmission, or a car transmission?

Any advice, good or bad?

85lebaront2

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Unless you are making some serious power a 4R70/75W will work nicely. It comes in a Windsor bolt pattern like a C4 and is reasonably compact. The E4OD is a beast, bigger than a C6 and heavy. Any of the electronic ones can be operated with an aftermarket controller.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

An E4OD is a beast? Yep! Looooong!

So what is the diff between an E4 and a 4R70/75W?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Ok, I've located a guy that is parting out a 1996 F150 4x2 with a 5.0 and unknown transmission. He's getting back to me tomorrow with a picture of the certification label. Is it likely to have the 4R70W? I think that would make a nice little package for my '52 Merc.

I have more or less committed to pulling the flathead and Chevy 5spd and swapping in a nice 5.0 with an Auto trans w/OD. The old 239 flathead works great, but it's a slug and adding an auto trans, power steering, AC, etc is troublesome and expensive.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Motor Trend's article entitled Ford 4R70W TCI Automatic Transmission Rebuild says "This transmission was used for 10 years: 1993 to 2003 in the F-150 pickup..." So I think the answer is yes.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Gary Lewis wrote

Motor Trend's article entitled Ford 4R70W TCI Automatic Transmission Rebuild says "This transmission was used for 10 years: 1993 to 2003 in the F-150 pickup..." So I think the answer is yes.

Right. I read that it was in the 1995-1996 F150's behind the 5.0, but I've also read that it could be the E40D...but if that's the HD option, it would be odd to be in an otherwise plain Jane F150 with a 5.0...imho.

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

Baumann says:

1994 and later vehicles with four speed automatic transmissions will all have an Overdrive Cancel Switch and a P-R-N-OD-2-1 shifter pattern, but may have either an E4OD or a 4R70W transmission. All 4.2L, 4.6L, and some 5.0L engines use the 4R70W transmission, while diesel, 4.9L, 5.4L, 5.8L, 6.8L, and 7.5L vehicles always use E4OD's. You can measure the transmission fluid pan to determine which transmission you have if identification information is not available. A 4R70W transmission pan has an overall length of just under 15 inches, while an E4OD pan is much larger, measuring about 20 inches in overall length.

So, apparently on a 5.0 you can have either?

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Rembrant

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Gary Lewis wrote

So, apparently on a 5.0 you can have either?

Ok, that snip-it leads one to believe that it is almost certain to be a 4R70W behind a 5.0 in a 1996 F150 pickup. Thanks Gary. I mean, the 5.0 never really showed up in a "work/HD" truck anyway...so it's likely to be the Lighter Duty 4R70W, which is what I'd want anyway.

I think the stand alone controllers for them work pretty well ya?

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

From what I've heard, yes.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

85lebaront2

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

This post was updated on .

In reply to this post by Gary Lewis

Ok, then I have a conundrum for you. I have my best friend's 2003 E250 with a 5.4L engine, it has a 4R70 or 4R75W automatic in it (which was rebuilt/replaced 4 times while my brother's business owned it. Engine has never been further into than a water pump and thermostat with over 600K on it.

According the Baumann it should have an E4OD or 4R100. Bronco 302s came with E4OD and 4WD, that was where I found an EEC-IV for MAF/SEFI and E4OD before I went with the EEC-V.

Part of the confusion comes from Ford changing the transmission naming conventions. For years they simply used names, like Ford-O-Matic, Cruise-O-Matic, Turbo Drive (Lincolns). Then in 1964 the new light weight 3 speed was designated C4, this was apparently based on the Ford PN system which caused almost all the parts for it to start C4xx, same with the C6 in 1966. Now is where it starts getting murky, the C3 is a very light duty European origin transmission and the C5 is a modification of the C4.

In 1980 Ford introduced the AOD for Automatic Over Drive, when it was updated to be computer controlled it became the AOD-E or AODE for AOD Electronic. In 1988 when the big overdrive unit was released it was designated E4OD for Electronic 4 speed Over Drive.

Ford and GM have both rationalized their transmission/transaxle IDs, both used a number, letter, number sequence. 4R100 = 4 speed, rear wheel drive, 100 Mkg input torque, 10R100, 10 speed etc (GM calls the same unit a 10L100 for 10 speed longitudinal etc.)

The AODE evolved into the 4R70 and later 4R75W (W stands for wide ratio). In selecting a transmission for the Flathead, any Big (240/300) six or Windsor block pattern (watch out for the early 5 bolt C4 case) will work. Since the AOD was only used one or two years behind the 300, one of them is a rare beast. 351s got them in cars in the 80s and those will have beefier internals. The 4R7x ones would be my choice but keep in mind the Flathead has more low end torque than a 302.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

Gary Lewis

Re: 1983 AOD 4x2 Transmission, anything I need to know?

Administrator

But that’s why I included the info about the pan sizes. Measure to find out.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

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