Thinking of going to an automatic

[v8ranger]

So if I was to swap out my T-5 for an auto trans, what should I get? I dont race my truck so I dont need anything like that. Something street friendly and highway usable. I dont what anything that requires computer controls. But what something that I can drive down the highway at a resonable RPM. So what does everyone think I should get??
If someone has a nice auto trans and wants to trade for my T-5 with new cluch and hydrlic set up, let me know....

[cgrey8]

It sounds like you are describing a decently built AOD with a good torque converter (not too high of a stall).

[Teddyzee]

Yes, I agree, you want an AOD. Overdrive, no computer control, just a Throttle Valve (TV, kickdown) cable.
Ratios: First: 2.40:1 Second: 1.47:1 Third: 1.00:1 Overdrive: 0.67:1 Reverse: 2.00:1



The later version became the 4R70W, which requires computer interraction of some sort.
ratios for 4R70W were 1st: 2.84 :1 2nd: 1.55 :1 3rd: 1.00 :1 4th: 0.70 :1 Rev: 2.23 :1

[v8ranger]

What year and modle vehicals where they in? I do have a junk yard that I can look for one.

[widetireranger]

I bought a '90 model Lincoln with a roller 302 and the right AOD. They are cheap nowdays.
Hope this helps some.

[Erics88]

Hello. pretty much any 5.0L/5.8L ford car from 80 to 91 and 86 to 93 on the 5.0L mustangs and Cougars/Tbirds. Also, of your wanting a lower first gear and a little stronger AOD, most Ford trucks (4.9L,5.0L,5.8L) from 86 to 91. After the early 90's on they where computer controlled. AODE in the cars and E4OD in the trucks. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.

[v8ranger]

Cool, thanks all. I really think I am going to ditch the 5 speed. Most of my driving is around town. With a nerve in my back that is pinched, and it bothers my left foot, I think its time to go to an auto trans. My left foot get very irritated after to much driving in traffic.
How hard is it to put a "shift kit" in one so it will shift firm???
I know most of the time I can get a trans at our junk yard for less than $100

[cgrey8]

It's been my experience that junk yards are not a reliable place to get good transmissions. It's a great place to get other stuff, but not for trannys. However you can go to the yard to get A tranny to then rebuild. So what I would recommend is you get a video on how to rebuild an AOD. The video I have is by Badshoe Productions and includes all the things you need to have as far as tools as well as all the things to look out for in differences between AODs over the years. Some of the discussion in that video is specific upgrades Ford made over the years that you can apply to make your tranny stronger even if it wasn't outfitted with that upgrade.

Here's a link to the video I have:
http://www.badshoeproductions.com/products.html#aod

I also have this guy's T5 rebuild and his 8.8" RE rebuild...all of which I would highly recommend for someone that is looking to work on any of those. He sells a number of other videos like C4 rebuilds, 9" Ford rebuilds, and a few others, but I haven't seen them.

[gorgo]

i have the C4 one and the 8.8 and rebuild my c4 with the dvd and my little portable dvd player. great dvd's for the price.

[87sc302]

I had an AOD (non E) in my Ranger for a couple years. It had a Trans-go shift kit and once I got the tv cable set with correct pressure it was great. The tv cable is the most important thing if not right you can destroy the tranny.

The tranny is very wide and some headers may need modifications. I also had to make the sway bar cross member removable cut off rivets and now has bolts for extra clearance. The tranny is a tight fit but rotating due to the starter mount it will fit.

I liked it but the 5 speed I put in 3 or more years ago is what I prefer.

If you want more AOD tranny info check with member "Adam McLaughlin" he very good with them.

Note if you use the trans-go kit use the stock servo. Most people will recommend changing to a heavy duty servo but I did this and with the shift kit it would knock your teeth out.

[MalcolmV8]

Yes, I agree, you want an AOD. Overdrive, no computer control, just a Throttle Valve (TV, kickdown) cable.
Ratios: First: 2.40:1 Second: 1.47:1 Third: 1.00:1 Overdrive: 0.67:1 Reverse: 2.00:1



The later version became the 4R70W, which requires computer interraction of some sort.
ratios for 4R70W were 1st: 2.84 :1 2nd: 1.55 :1 3rd: 1.00 :1 4th: 0.70 :1 Rev: 2.23 :1

Also the 4r70w will lock up the torque converter once cruising on the highway simulating a 5th gear. It feels like it just shifted into 5th and the rpms drop down even more.