87-93 AOD Transmission

The AOD (Automatic Overdrive) transmission was a popular automatic transmission used in Ford vehicles from 1987 to 1993. Here are some details about the AOD transmission:

Design and Features: The AOD transmission was a four-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive gear. It featured a lock-up torque converter, which provided a direct mechanical connection between the engine and transmission at higher speeds, improving fuel efficiency. The AOD also had a throttle valve (TV) cable that was used to control the shift points based on throttle position.

Applications: The AOD transmission was primarily used in rear-wheel-drive Ford vehicles during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was commonly found in vehicles such as the Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Crown Victoria, and Ford F-Series trucks.

Gear Ratios: The AOD transmission had four forward gears and one reverse gear. The gear ratios for the AOD transmission were as follows:

1st gear: 2.40:1
2nd gear: 1.47:1
3rd gear: 1.00:1
4th gear (overdrive): 0.67:1
Reverse gear: 2.00:1
Modifications and Upgrades: The AOD transmission had a reputation for being relatively durable but could benefit from certain modifications or upgrades for improved performance and reliability. These modifications included installing a shift improvement kit, upgrading the valve body, and adding an auxiliary transmission cooler.

Weaknesses: While the AOD transmission was generally reliable, it did have a few weaknesses. One common issue was the failure of the overdrive band, which could lead to slipping or loss of overdrive functionality. Additionally, some early AOD transmissions had problems with the direct clutch drum and the throttle valve cable adjustment.

It’s worth noting that the AOD transmission was later replaced by the AODE (Automatic Overdrive Electronic) and 4R70W transmissions in Ford vehicles. These newer transmissions offered improved electronic control and greater reliability.