The Ford Barn

Dave Covey · 07-31-2017, 11:37 AM

1955 Ford car. Has anyone converted to either a Ford AOD or GM 700R4 and used the original column shift?

I'm going with one or the other overdrive trans, leaning 700R4 only because of parts availability.

I want to keep the original shifter. Also want to figure out how or if I can change or modify the shifter gate in the column so the shifter will fall into position as it should for each gear selected. Then I will need to make or buy the plastic gear indicator to match the trans.

Anyone done this or know of anything out there?

Yeah I know I'm weird, but that's how I roll..lol

Thanks

Dave

JeffB2 · 07-31-2017, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Covey

1955 Ford car. Has anyone converted to either a Ford AOD or GM 700R4 and used the original column shift?

I'm going with one or the other overdrive trans, leaning 700R4 only because of parts availability.

I want to keep the original shifter. Also want to figure out how or if I can change or modify the shifter gate in the column so the shifter will fall into position as it should for each gear selected. Then I will need to make or buy the plastic gear indicator to match the trans.

Anyone done this or know of anything out there?

Yeah I know I'm weird, but that's how I roll..lol

Thanks

Dave

It is very easy if you have an AOD you will find it in this blog

https://mainlineford.wordpress.com/ As for parts availability there is no problem getting them for an AOD anything you want is here: https://transmissioncenter.net/produ...gory/ford/aod/ And your stock shift indicator will stay as is

Best donor years for an AOD is 1989-93 these have all the lubrication fixes the earlier ones lacked and the upgraded valve body and are non-computer. SAVE these videos parts 1 & 2 because setting the TV cable is critical !! I also have an 5.0 & AOD in my '54 but shifter is a B&M. Another plus with the AOD is here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/...-small.483808/ READ the notes too,the Crown Vic drive shaft is the same 1982-86 and has the correct front yoke you will need.

JeffB2 · 07-31-2017, 01:02 PM

700R4 No way in that Ford !

You would almost think Old Henry planned for the AOD transplant way ahead of time such an EZ fit.

Rancho/guy · 08-01-2017, 09:22 AM

I have a 57 Ranchero with a 292, just put a AOD in with a aluminum trans. Adapter. I kept my stock steering column and added a power steering box but had to modify and shorten steering column.

Rancho/guy · 08-01-2017, 09:27 AM

Here is the link for adapter
http://www.transmissionadapters.com/

Rancho/guy · 08-01-2017, 09:29 AM

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Bendsten Adapters

Dave Covey · 08-01-2017, 02:19 PM

Thanks Guy's.

Yeah, I know the 700R4 is sacrilege but like my dragster with a 2 speed I don't call it a glide either.. lol

I have narrowed the adaptor down to the Bendsten as I like the way they are made.

Jeff, Thanks for the info on the AOD. Back in 82/83 I was a service manage in our local Ford dealership. I still have nightmares about some issues with the AOD, so many that the tech advisors were sending me transmissions to replace the ones that were issues.
I went active duty shortly after that so for the past 30+ years I have been out of the loop on Fords AOD (all of them really).

My main concern was keeping the stock shifter and indicator.

Thanks again

Dave

07-31-2017, 11:37 AM	#1
Dave Covey Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 67	Converting from Fordomatic to AOD 1955 Ford car. Has anyone converted to either a Ford AOD or GM 700R4 and used the original column shift? I'm going with one or the other overdrive trans, leaning 700R4 only because of parts availability. I want to keep the original shifter. Also want to figure out how or if I can change or modify the shifter gate in the column so the shifter will fall into position as it should for each gear selected. Then I will need to make or buy the plastic gear indicator to match the trans. Anyone done this or know of anything out there? Yeah I know I'm weird, but that's how I roll..lol Thanks Dave

07-31-2017, 01:02 PM	#3
JeffB2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Phoenix,AZ Posts: 1,417	Re: Converting from Fordomatic to AOD 700R4 No way in that Ford ! You would almost think Old Henry planned for the AOD transplant way ahead of time such an EZ fit.

08-01-2017, 09:22 AM	#4
Rancho/guy Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 3	Re: Converting from Fordomatic to AOD I have a 57 Ranchero with a 292, just put a AOD in with a aluminum trans. Adapter. I kept my stock steering column and added a power steering box but had to modify and shorten steering column.

08-01-2017, 09:27 AM	#5
Rancho/guy Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 3	Re: Converting from Fordomatic to AOD Here is the link for adapter http://www.transmissionadapters.com/

08-01-2017, 09:29 AM	#6
Rancho/guy Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 3	Re: Converting from Fordomatic to AOD Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Bendsten Adapters

08-01-2017, 02:19 PM	#7
Dave Covey Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 67	Re: Converting from Fordomatic to AOD Thanks Guy's. Yeah, I know the 700R4 is sacrilege but like my dragster with a 2 speed I don't call it a glide either.. lol I have narrowed the adaptor down to the Bendsten as I like the way they are made. Jeff, Thanks for the info on the AOD. Back in 82/83 I was a service manage in our local Ford dealership. I still have nightmares about some issues with the AOD, so many that the tech advisors were sending me transmissions to replace the ones that were issues. I went active duty shortly after that so for the past 30+ years I have been out of the loop on Fords AOD (all of them really). My main concern was keeping the stock shifter and indicator. Thanks again Dave