Does a Ford AOD need a computer?

The Ford AOD does not need a computer to function properly either. The throttle valve function is mechanically activated and the torque converter lock-up function was contained entirely within the transmission case.

How does a Ford AOD shift?

The AOD was used in multiple applications with varied rear end ratios. The transmission shifts by internal pressure and spinning it faster (higher numerical gear in rear) will generally lower the shift point as you reach pressure quicker.

Is the Ford AOD transmission any good?

The AOD transmission is endlessly reliable when used on stock vehicles. But if a driver decides to make the engine faster, the transmission could end up failing, especially past 450 horsepower. The internals simply were not built to withstand the much stronger forces that come from the upgraded powerplant.

Can you manually shift a AOD transmission?

There is no option to manually shift all four gears. A lot of guys like doing the epoxy mod to the valve body. If you do the epoxy mod it allows you to shift 1, 2 and 3 manually, but will automatically shift into 4th, which is overdrive.

What is the difference between AOD and AODE transmission?

Ford later introduced the AODE, a computer-controlled version of the AOD. The AODE was used from 1992 to 1995, when it was improved with wider gear ratios to become the 4R70W. The AODE and 4R70W differ from the older AOD by an attached cable, allowing computer control.

Does a Ford AOD transmission have a vacuum modulator?

There is no vacuum modulator or kickdown linkage with the AOD as we see with the older C3, C4, C6, and FMX transmissions; only the lone TV cable. The C3, C4, C6, and FMX transmissions have vacuum modulators to control shift-points, depending upon throttle position and manifold vacuum.