Ford Aod Transmission



First introduced in 1992 for modular 4.6 liter engines in the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car models, these transmissions are excellent choices for street performance with small block engines. By 1994, these units had completely replaced the older AOD. They're readily available on the used market and are great for retrofitting into earlier vehicles.

The AOD transmission is a Ford model that was introduced in 1962 aimed at emphasizing fuel economy and durability. While many transmissions of the time had a fourth gear installed as a basic afterthought only there for minimal purpose, the AOD was designed as having the fourth gear as an integral part of the gearset. Automatic Transmission, Forward Shift Pattern, Automatic, Manual Valve Body, Up to 500 hp, Ford, AOD, Each. Part Number: PMA-PA53101C Not Yet Reviewed.


Important Years

1993

  • First year of the wide ratio gear set, available only in the Lincoln MKVIII
Aod

1994

  • First Windsor-style bolt pattern

1998

  • Received Intermediate one-way clutch / Mechanical Diode update
  • Main connector pin out was changed
  • Received improved Stub Shaft
Ford Aod Transmission

2004

  • Received hardened gears in certain models, i.e. 5.4L trucks (4R75W only)

Ford Aod Transmission 4x4

We recommend obtaining a 1998 or later transmission for your project because they contain most of the important updates and are best suited for performance applications.
Compared to the AOD, they offer increased strength, greater reliability, and complete electronic control of all transmission functions. Often times, they are a better choice and more cost effective than upgrading an AOD. Only 7/8ths of an inch (22mm) of added length to the bell housing means that these transmissions will fit just about anywhere the older AODs did.
The valve body is thicker, simpler, less likely to warp, and more reliable than that of the AOD. Other improvements include a 2 inch wide overdrive band, larger overdrive servo, stronger input shaft, and lockup converter clutch rather than mechanical, gear-dependent lockup.
The torque converter clutch can be locked or unlocked in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear. This means you don't have to compromise between streetability and performance. Although unable to in its factory configuration, it is possible to modify the valve body to achieve converter clutch lockup in 1st gear. 4R70W (wide gear ratio) offers all of the above with lower 1st and 2nd gear to aid acceleration.


Synchronous vs. Non-Synchronous Shifts

A synchronous shift is one that requires either a clutch or a band to release before the next element engages to complete a shift. These can take longer to complete and be more difficult to tune. Non-synchronous shifts occur by simply applying the next element and do not require any components to release prior to engaging the next gear. Another advantage to using the AODE / 4R70W platform is the fact that they are non-synchronous during the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts.
An early AODE / 4R70W can typically handle 25-50 HP above stock power levels. Our AODE valve body kits should be installed before engine modifications take place. 1998 and later 4R70Ws can handle up to 500 HP with our valve body kit. 2001 and later can handle 500hp with only our controller or modified engine computer. Higher power levels should consider having the transmission rebuilt with heavy duty components from a reputable transmission shop.

  1. Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine.
  2. Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the driver's-side rear of the transmission housing.

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Ford Aod Transmission Fluid

Regarding this, how do I know what Ford transmission I have?

How to Identify Ford Transmissions

Ford Aod Transmission 4x4

  1. Take a picture of the transmission.
  2. Measure the distance from the bellhousing to the rear of the transmission.
  3. Look at the transmission pan and note the shape and the number of bolts.
  4. Find the year of the vehicle the transmission came from.
  5. Find the model of the vehicle the transmission came from.

Also, is the Ford AOD transmission any good? The Ford AOD transmission was evident in cars like the Mustangs, Fairmont, and LTDs around 1980 and 1993, and it was quite unique even though not in a really good way. For starters, it uprooted the Second gear in the shift pattern which left the latter dwindling in the gory land without remarkable performance.

Secondly, are all Ford AOD transmissions the same?

The AODE and 4R70W transmissions were an all-new AOD case designed for electronic interaction with engine controls. The AODE and 4R70W are essentially the same AOD-based transmission. This is a 1997 4R70W with a speedometer drive and output shaft speed sensor. Visible here is the manual shift lever for a column shift.

What years did Ford use the AOD transmission?

Ford Aod Transmission Parts

The AOD (for automatic overdrive) is a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Introduced in 1980, it was Ford's first four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The gearset design is based on the Ford 'X' automatic transmissions used during the 1950s, 60s and 70s.