AOD behind a BBF

I copied this from another site...I hope the author doesn't mind! It could probably use some updating as there are a few companies out there now building some stout AOD and 4R70/AOD-E trannies.
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I've been using a Lentech Strip Terminator AOD transmission in my '78 Bronco, successfully for years. No electronics, just a throttle valve cable! (The AODE can't be built as strong.) I LOVE IT! Truly a world class piece of workmanship. I will never use any other transmission. Mine is the Stage 1 Strip Terminator AOD capable of 1000 horsepower. They make a Stage 2 AOD capable of 1500 horsepower. I first had an Art Carr AOD built for this application, but I blew it up in less than a year. Then I got serious and had Dynamic Racing Transmissions http://www.dynamicracingtrans.com/ (North Branford,CT) build the Lentech Strip Terminator AOD. (Not affiliated with Lentech Automatics in Canada, but they often work together.) No comparison...I've beat the heck out of this tranny and never had a problem.

This transmission was behind my mild (high torque truck) 466" for years and it's now behind a fresh, potent 508" engine. The low first gear of the wide ratio planetary gearset (2.84:1) and the pushbutton overdrive (.70:1) really give you the best of both worlds (if it's a street vehicle). (I don't like the E4OD...too heavy, too long, too much drag, requires expensive conversion electronics and can't be built as strong.)


Here's some quick specs:
Lentech Stage 1 Strip Terminator AOD, fully automatic (gearshift selectable 1st, 2nd and 3rd with pushbutton overdrive), JW SFI Ultra-Bell, Dynamic Racing Trans TCT 10" 2600 rpm stall (non-lock up) torque convertor, Vasco hardened one piece input shaft, FRPP wide ratio planetary gearset (2.84 1st 1.55 2nd 1:1 3rd .70 overdrive), Lokar stainless steel braided throttle valve cable kit, Lokar stainless steel braided flexible dipstick, finned aluminum deep oil pan (2 quart extra capacity), very large (48 pass) Tru-Cool transmission fluid cooler with Aeroquip -6 AN fittings & stainless steel flex hose, CSR Torque Master flexplate, transmission can withstand 1000 horsepower.

Here are two links:
http://www.lentechautomatics.com/aodproducts.html
http://www.lentechautomatics.com/striptrans.html

I highly recommend using the JW Ultra-Bell (adapter bellhousing). If you decide against their adapter bell housing, then the Lentech adapter plate is the next best method of adaptation. It is 5/8" thick and won't flex. I feel it is the best AOD to 460 adapter plate on the market; besides the JW Ultra-Bell. (Don't ask me how I know...I first made the mistake of buying the Art Carr 3/8" thick adapter plate.)

If you want the installation details, you can read my Complete Overdrive Conversion Article here:
http://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/9/063/article/Complete_Overdrive_Conversion_for_7879_Ford_Bronco.html


The JW Ultra-Bell (adapter bellhousing) #92454-AOD is the best way to bolt the AOD to a 400/460 engine (it's installed by cutting the small block bellhousing off the transmission case and bolting the adapter bellhousing to the front pump). Using the JW Ultra-Bell will also require the use of a custom 10" torque converter. If this is too expensive, then the Lentech 5/8" thick adapter plate (as opposed to Art Carr's & others 3/8" thick adapter plate) is the next best method.

I further strengthened my Art Carr adapter plate by fabricating a threaded stud (7/16" fine threads on transmission side - 7/16" course threads on engine side) and elongating the driver side lowest bellhousing bolt hole outward. This enables the engine block, adapter plate and the transmission to be bolted (stud & nut) together. This is necessary when using the AOD-to-460 adapter plate to prevent cracking the flexplate due to the transmission flexing/hinging away from the engine (on the adapter plate bolts) due to the lack of rigidity on the driver side lower mounting. Without my modification, there isn't any mounting support on the driver lower side of the bellhousing; because this area of the adapter plate doesn't bolt to the transmission. If this confuses you, please feel free to email me for further details.

The upgrade/purchase of a Lentech Strip Terminator is absolutely necessary. Please don't make the same mistake I made originally. The Lentech secret is in their 'reverse-third technology' valvebody (it's the solution to even the 'performance AOD's' weak link). I also always use synthetic transmission fluid in my transmissions.

I think that's from Danny Cabral from back on the network 54 forum......good guy and always posted thorough info...haven't seen him around much on the new board though.

I remember he was always real good with the search function too!

JW Ultra Bell for BBF on my AOD

Well, I bought it used from a guy that had it behind a twin turbo small block running 9.20's @ 150's mph - made 905 RWHP & 801 RWTQ. He had it freshened with a bunch of new parts from a Ford tranny tech when I bought it, and he then installed the JW BBF bell.

Has a Lentech Strip Terminator Full Manual Trans Brake VB and most of the other doo-dads that you're supposed to do to these things to make them live. But we'll see I suppose.... I think it will be fine for my expected purposes - mid 10's n/a and lots of street time.

HTH - John

Good tech links I acquired doing research on AOD's in no particular order:


http://transmissionadapters.com/Ford%20429-460.htm
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/ford_429%20install.htm

http://www.lentechautomatics.com/aodproducts.html

http://www.dynamicracingtrans.com/fordtranny.htm

http://www.atfbilletparts.com/aod-aode-4r70w-transmission-aod-aode-4r70w-transmissions-c-103_56

http://www.artcarr.com/merchandise/details/35/627.acpp

http://www.performanceautomatic.com/ssaodpackage02.htm

http://www.thatmetalbox.com/automotive/AOD/

http://www.broaderperformance.com/Index.htm

http://www.clickclickracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7082

http://www.silverfoxtrans.com/silverfoxtrans.com/Home.html
http://www.clickclickracing.com/tech%20mods1.pdf
http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/silverfoxbody/SILVERFOX%20TRANSMISSION/EPOXY%20MOD/

http://www.dirtydogperformance.com/

http://performabuilt.com/FordCars2008.html

http://www.fbperformance.com/fordtrans.asp

The input shaft looks stout on that AOD, looks kinda like a C6 input. Does it still have the OD?

8liter wrote:The input shaft looks stout on that AOD, looks kinda like a C6 input. Does it still have the OD?

Yep, still has OD. It's a one-piece 300M shaft.

Blake , buy the bellhousing and valve body. I have the trans and we can build on and see what happens. we can do it cheaper than what their cost is.

whitefield wrote:Blake , buy the bellhousing and valve body. I have the trans and we can build on and see what happens. we can do it cheaper than what their cost is.

I like ^ that ^ idea ^


This link has some good tech mods for the AOD. http://www.clickclickracing.com/tech%20mods1.pdf

You can find the VB's a lot cheaper, too:

http://www.nmradigital.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89354

Wow. I am so interested in this now. I was looking for an E4OD for my 460 swap........ I am now interested in the AOD swap. How does the TV cable hook up to the TB on a 460 EFI? Do I need a special cable?