Ford AODE automatic in a 68! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Red68ShortFleetside** · 12-11-2003, 04:12 PM

A couple of you have asked about the Ford automatic transmission in my 68. When I put the TPI engine in, I wanted a modern 4 speed automatic with electronic control. I wanted the electronic control so I could electronically tune the automatic just like the engine. Man as I get older, my body doesn't like getting under vehicles.....I tried to find a GM 4L60E but every body wanted $2000 or more for a complete setup. Then Hot rod Magazine ran a story about a guy in Canada (Lentech Automatics) that was putting Ford AOD (nonelectronic control) automatics behind 1200 hp Chevy big blocks. He also designed an adapter to put the Ford AOD behind a Chevy. After reading that article I knew I had to have one. However he also wanted $2000 for a race ready transmission. After doing a little more research, I found that the newer Ford automatics are electronically controlled (AODE). I also happed to find a used AODE in a junk yard for $400 with new seals installed I also found a company (Baumann Engineering) on the internet that sells an electronic controller and wiring harness for an AODE for a reasonable price.
After getting all of the above pieces together, it looked feasible. The only other issues was having a local machine shop adapt the Ford torque converter to my Chevy flexplate. After bolting the Ford AODE transmission to my TPI engine I lowered the whole thing into the 68 for a trial fit. The rear transmission mount was nothing more than an adapter I made that bolted to the original transmission crossmember. The fire wall needed a little massaging with a sledge (the transmission adapter moved the transmission bell housing back 0.5 inch). The driveshaft was solved by using a 1350 yoke along with a custom driveshaft from Barry Williams.
I have had this AODE transmission running for about 4 years. I really like it (mainly because I can adjust shift points and line pressure with a laptop computer).
There are 3 issues which I didn't know when I started this whole deal.
#1, Ford AODE automatics free wheel when you let up on the gas. So far this has not concerned me too much. I just have to use the brakes more.
#2 Ford AODE automatics shift slow. I was used to my Turbo 400 with a shift kit which would chirp the tires when it shifted. I am told by Baumann Engineering this is fixable with the installation of their shift kit.
#3, The AODE bell housing still rubs against the firewall. This is my fault, should have spent more time massageing with the sledge.
So far I am very happy with my Ford AODE transmission. Even in stock form this is one tough transmission. I can cruise on the highway at 70 mph at 2200 rpm (I have 4:11 gears) while pulling down 24 mpg. The good mileage is also due to the TPI engine and my many years of tuning (another story).
Would I recommend this transmission conversion? You bet!!!!
Keep on trucking!!!!!!!

72MARIO · 12-11-2003, 06:18 PM

That is cool sounds like a project for a few years down the road.

lukecp · 12-11-2003, 06:25 PM

Interesting.....what are the gear ratios of the AODE?

Ackattack · 12-11-2003, 06:36 PM

After everything is all said and done how much did you spend on this setup?

**old Rusty C10** · 12-11-2003, 07:59 PM

it wuld be cool if ya had some pics of this too

*dtlilly* · 12-11-2003, 10:09 PM

Sounds like a pretty cool conversion.

jku72 · 12-11-2003, 10:18 PM

I am pretty sure that the Ford AODE is NOT supposed to freewheel. Many of them do, but it is because of a common problem, the coast clutch seal/unit. I have a Ford AODE and Mine did the same thing, freewheeled when coasting. I replaced the seal, and now I can chirp the tires downshifting.
On the flip side,most transmissions with an inoperaple coast clutch work fine for years with no other counter effects. Just thought I'd let you know.

dinnut · 12-11-2003, 10:23 PM

this is for someone that thinks outside the box

sounds cool. how much gas mileage did you get with the turbo 400? a whole lot better wih the ford tranny?

**Red68ShortFleetside** · 12-11-2003, 10:28 PM

Old Rusty C10 - Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures when I was installing the Ford transmission. When I get my hoist I will take lots of pictures.
Ackattack -The total cost is below:
1. Used Ford AODE transmission - $400.
2. Chevy to Ford AODE adapter - $300
3. Electronic controller - $425.
4. Machine shop, adapt converter - $100.
5. Shifter adapter - $50.
6. Lokar flexible dip stick - $42.
7. Barry Williams 1350 Yoke - $100.
8. Barry Williams driveshaft - $250.
TOTAL - $1667
The key items are the transmission and the adapter. Junk yards seem to have a lot of the AODE transmissions (mostly used in 5.0 Mustangs). I can help with the adapter. Made a few extras before I installed mine. Also the $2000. that other people wanted did not include the driveshaft and yoke.
Yellow72Custom - The gear ratios was the other deciding factor in favor of the Ford AODE. The AODE gear ratios are as follows:
First - 2.40-1
Second - 1.47-1
Third - 1-1
Fourth - 0.67-1
I did not like the 700R4's and 4L60's first gear ratio of 3.06-1
Keep on Truckin!!!!!

*rage'nrat638* · 12-11-2003, 10:31 PM

O MY.........

Chevy67Tk · 12-11-2003, 10:48 PM

I wanted to use an AODE/4R70W in my 67, but couldn’t find any one that could supply a control and interface computer for it. Even though I’ll probably get stomped on for saying this the AODE is an awesome transmission with its ability to very lock-up and it has a wide ratios in the lower gears. Its weak point was the same as TH400 one way clutch sprags and some one a while back came up with some thing called a mechanical diode that solved the problems.

So now it seams I got a new problem I might have to look in to doing the swap.

jku72 · 12-11-2003, 11:06 PM

Correction to my earlier post, the coast clutch thing is for a E40D(4R100), found in Ford 3/4 tons.

Incidentally, my charts show:
AODE:
1st gear:2.84
2nd gear: 1.55
3rd: 1
4th:.67

AOD non electronic:
1st:2.24
2nd:1.47
3rd:1
4th:.67

cableguy0 · 12-11-2003, 11:13 PM

i have replaced too many of those trannies to ever use one in anything. they are a very expensive hunk of crap in my opinion just like most of the other ford slushboxes. which is why a lot of guys that run even a ford motor will run a chevy th400

Hooter · 12-12-2003, 03:03 AM

Every chevy I own has a th400 behind with a stage 2 shift kit and a tranny cooler, and I have never had any problems with any of them, my oldsmobile had a 2004r don't get me started with that pile of crap

1969 GMC · 12-12-2003, 05:21 AM

that is cool! sounds like it is holding up well, I applaud you for innovative thinking!

jimfulco · 12-13-2003, 04:13 AM

Glad to hear it works. I've been beating on an AOD for 175,000 miles, but only with a 302. The thing I like about it is (other than it still works) is that the converter is locked in 3rd gear all the time, whereas the 200-4R & 700R4's will irritate you to death locking & unlocking at certain cruising speeds. Might have to check this out.

12-11-2003, 06:36 PM	#4
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	After everything is all said and done how much did you spend on this setup? __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

12-11-2003, 07:59 PM	#5
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	it wuld be cool if ya had some pics of this too __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

12-11-2003, 10:18 PM	#7
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	I am pretty sure that the Ford AODE is NOT supposed to freewheel. Many of them do, but it is because of a common problem, the coast clutch seal/unit. I have a Ford AODE and Mine did the same thing, freewheeled when coasting. I replaced the seal, and now I can chirp the tires downshifting. On the flip side,most transmissions with an inoperaple coast clutch work fine for years with no other counter effects. Just thought I'd let you know. __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

12-11-2003, 10:23 PM	#8
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	this is for someone that thinks outside the box sounds cool. how much gas mileage did you get with the turbo 400? a whole lot better wih the ford tranny? __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

12-11-2003, 10:28 PM	#9
Red68ShortFleetside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Iowa City, Iowa Posts: 38	Old Rusty C10 - Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures when I was installing the Ford transmission. When I get my hoist I will take lots of pictures. Ackattack -The total cost is below: 1. Used Ford AODE transmission - $400. 2. Chevy to Ford AODE adapter - $300 3. Electronic controller - $425. 4. Machine shop, adapt converter - $100. 5. Shifter adapter - $50. 6. Lokar flexible dip stick - $42. 7. Barry Williams 1350 Yoke - $100. 8. Barry Williams driveshaft - $250. TOTAL - $1667 The key items are the transmission and the adapter. Junk yards seem to have a lot of the AODE transmissions (mostly used in 5.0 Mustangs). I can help with the adapter. Made a few extras before I installed mine. Also the $2000. that other people wanted did not include the driveshaft and yoke. Yellow72Custom - The gear ratios was the other deciding factor in favor of the Ford AODE. The AODE gear ratios are as follows: First - 2.40-1 Second - 1.47-1 Third - 1-1 Fourth - 0.67-1 I did not like the 700R4's and 4L60's first gear ratio of 3.06-1 Keep on Truckin!!!!! __________________ Ike 68 swb fleetside heavily modified TPI engine. Ford AODE automatic (yes Ford!), 12 bolt 4:11 positraction rear axle, 4 wheel disc brakes, wood dash and LED instrumentation, BMW bucket seats, outside stock except for dark red paint.

12-11-2003, 04:12 PM	#1
Red68ShortFleetside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Iowa City, Iowa Posts: 38	Ford AODE automatic in a 68! A couple of you have asked about the Ford automatic transmission in my 68. When I put the TPI engine in, I wanted a modern 4 speed automatic with electronic control. I wanted the electronic control so I could electronically tune the automatic just like the engine. Man as I get older, my body doesn't like getting under vehicles.....I tried to find a GM 4L60E but every body wanted $2000 or more for a complete setup. Then Hot rod Magazine ran a story about a guy in Canada (Lentech Automatics) that was putting Ford AOD (nonelectronic control) automatics behind 1200 hp Chevy big blocks. He also designed an adapter to put the Ford AOD behind a Chevy. After reading that article I knew I had to have one. However he also wanted $2000 for a race ready transmission. After doing a little more research, I found that the newer Ford automatics are electronically controlled (AODE). I also happed to find a used AODE in a junk yard for $400 with new seals installed I also found a company (Baumann Engineering) on the internet that sells an electronic controller and wiring harness for an AODE for a reasonable price. After getting all of the above pieces together, it looked feasible. The only other issues was having a local machine shop adapt the Ford torque converter to my Chevy flexplate. After bolting the Ford AODE transmission to my TPI engine I lowered the whole thing into the 68 for a trial fit. The rear transmission mount was nothing more than an adapter I made that bolted to the original transmission crossmember. The fire wall needed a little massaging with a sledge (the transmission adapter moved the transmission bell housing back 0.5 inch). The driveshaft was solved by using a 1350 yoke along with a custom driveshaft from Barry Williams. I have had this AODE transmission running for about 4 years. I really like it (mainly because I can adjust shift points and line pressure with a laptop computer). There are 3 issues which I didn't know when I started this whole deal. #1, Ford AODE automatics free wheel when you let up on the gas. So far this has not concerned me too much. I just have to use the brakes more. #2 Ford AODE automatics shift slow. I was used to my Turbo 400 with a shift kit which would chirp the tires when it shifted. I am told by Baumann Engineering this is fixable with the installation of their shift kit. #3, The AODE bell housing still rubs against the firewall. This is my fault, should have spent more time massageing with the sledge. So far I am very happy with my Ford AODE transmission. Even in stock form this is one tough transmission. I can cruise on the highway at 70 mph at 2200 rpm (I have 4:11 gears) while pulling down 24 mpg. The good mileage is also due to the TPI engine and my many years of tuning (another story). Would I recommend this transmission conversion? You bet!!!! Keep on trucking!!!!!!! __________________ Ike 68 swb fleetside heavily modified TPI engine. Ford AODE automatic (yes Ford!), 12 bolt 4:11 positraction rear axle, 4 wheel disc brakes, wood dash and LED instrumentation, BMW bucket seats, outside stock except for dark red paint.

12-11-2003, 06:18 PM	#2
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	That is cool sounds like a project for a few years down the road. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

12-11-2003, 06:25 PM	#3
lukecp Formerly yellow72custom Join Date: May 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 7,531	Interesting.....what are the gear ratios of the AODE? __________________ '72 Chevy C10 Mild 350/TH350/3.07. Ochre/White. Old high school ride. '70 GMC C2500 '62 327 4bbl/SM465/4.56-geared Dana 60. White/White. Project or parts truck. '97 Saturn SL DD. 1.9/5-speed. 40+ highway mpg

12-11-2003, 10:09 PM	#6
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Sounds like a pretty cool conversion.

12-11-2003, 10:31 PM	#10
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	O MY.........

12-11-2003, 10:48 PM	#11
Chevy67Tk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: PA Posts: 349	I wanted to use an AODE/4R70W in my 67, but couldn’t find any one that could supply a control and interface computer for it. Even though I’ll probably get stomped on for saying this the AODE is an awesome transmission with its ability to very lock-up and it has a wide ratios in the lower gears. Its weak point was the same as TH400 one way clutch sprags and some one a while back came up with some thing called a mechanical diode that solved the problems. So now it seams I got a new problem I might have to look in to doing the swap. __________________

12-11-2003, 11:06 PM	#12
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	Correction to my earlier post, the coast clutch thing is for a E40D(4R100), found in Ford 3/4 tons. Incidentally, my charts show: AODE: 1st gear:2.84 2nd gear: 1.55 3rd: 1 4th:.67 AOD non electronic: 1st:2.24 2nd:1.47 3rd:1 4th:.67 __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

12-11-2003, 11:13 PM	#13
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	i have replaced too many of those trannies to ever use one in anything. they are a very expensive hunk of crap in my opinion just like most of the other ford slushboxes. which is why a lot of guys that run even a ford motor will run a chevy th400 __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

12-12-2003, 03:03 AM	#14
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	Every chevy I own has a th400 behind with a stage 2 shift kit and a tranny cooler, and I have never had any problems with any of them, my oldsmobile had a 2004r don't get me started with that pile of crap __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-12-2003, 05:21 AM	#15
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	that is cool! sounds like it is holding up well, I applaud you for innovative thinking! __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650



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12-13-2003, 04:13 AM	#16
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	Glad to hear it works. I've been beating on an AOD for 175,000 miles, but only with a 302. The thing I like about it is (other than it still works) is that the converter is locked in 3rd gear all the time, whereas the 200-4R & 700R4's will irritate you to death locking & unlocking at certain cruising speeds. Might have to check this out.

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