Automatic Transmission Teardown - Ford AOD (XT-LOD, FIOD, AOD, AODE, 4R70W, 4R75W)

Learn how to disassemble the Ford AOD automatic transmission. Get a bird's eye view on the basic AOD teardown techniques, along with some helpful disassembly tips and tricks. Equally important, also learn what NOT to touch during disassembly.
See what it takes to remove all of the AOD sub-assemblies from the transmission case:
1). AOD Pump.
2). AOD Intermediate Clutch.
3). AOD Reverse Drum (Reverse Clutch).
4). AOD Forward Drum (Forward Clutch).
5). AOD Planetary gear set (ravigneaux).
6). AOD Overdrive Band & AOD Low-Reverse Band.
7). AOD Valve-body and AOD Governor.
This trans has numerous names and generations:
1). XT-LOD (Extension Lock-Up Overdrive).
2). FIOD (Ford Integrated Overdrive).
3). AOD (Automatic Overdrive).
4). AODE.
5). 4R70W.
6). 4R75W.
This video is led by Andy. He's been wrenching on automatic transmissions for over 40 years.
About Andy:
Coming soon!
Help This Channel Grow:
Coming Soon!
*****Transmission Teardown Vids*******
42RE: • Dodge 42RE / 44RE / A5...
4L60E: • 4L60E Rebuild: Teardow...
4R70W: • 4R70W Teardown (Disass...
Aluminum PowerGlide: • Aluminum PowerGlide - ...
NP 435: • New Process 435 - Tear...
TH400: • TH400 Rebuild Series -...
RESOURCES:
1) Safety-Wear: 😷
A) Comfortable Safety Glasses (3M):
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B) Awesome Nitrile Gloves: 🧤
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3) AOD Repair Manuals: 📕
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4) AOD Tools: 🔧
Craftsman 230-Piece Tool Set: amzn.to/2L0AtWv
Pump Puller: amzn.to/2VmhXgZ
Pump Pry Bar: amzn.to/3zO3cFN
Pump Slide Hammer: amzn.to/3p8W0iO (Adapters: amzn.to/3Ql8FLi )
Palmgren 3-Ton Arbor Press (12 inch working height): amzn.to/2Reqmyx
Lip Seal Installer: amzn.to/2Gz4KI5
Lip Seal Installer (Huge Time/Headache Saver): amzn.to/2MxUC8O
AOD Lip Seal Tool: amzn.to/3SLeHX8
Universal Clutch Spring Compressor (Use in trans & drums): amzn.to/2YHQGn6
Adjustable Clutch Spring Compressor (Use with shop press): amzn.to/2W2DAQs
Universal Bushing Driver Kit (Larger Sizes): amzn.to/2M1aQHn
Universal Bushing Driver Kit (Smaller Sizes): amzn.to/2Et1ON3
Snap Ring Pliers (Clutch Spring Compressor Snap Ring): amzn.to/2GwwixP
Snap Ring Plier Set (Pump Circlip Snap Rings): amzn.to/2IUxpdu
5) AOD Parts: 🔩
Overhaul Kit: amzn.to/3JUMlGc ebay.us/yZ0046
Filter Kit: amzn.to/3vTFqqH
Shift Kit (TransGo): amzn.to/3PgXnqf
Band (Front) (Overdrive): amzn.to/3K2xMAx
Band (Rear) (Low/Reverse): amzn.to/3pf3GAa
Intermediate Sprag: ebay.us/YKu2SX (7-Element)
Low Roller: amzn.to/3SIV5mJ
Pump Gears: amzn.to/3SNeB1A ebay.us/qhiliS
Bushing Kit: ebay.us/tuNvgS
Bearing Kit: amzn.to/3SGOucp
Washer Kit: ebay.us/g8a8s5 (Selective)
Low-Reverse Servo: ebay.us/mjUfwG
Low-Reverse Servo Cover: ebay.us/MxRX66
6) Shop Supplies: ✏️
Assemblee Goo (LubeGard): amzn.to/2WrN7nT
Thread Locker (Permatex) (Blue): amzn.to/2YLtmFk
Brake Parts Cleaner (3M): amzn.to/2HxQ1Pz
DISCLOSURE: 🕵
Links provided are affiliated links with the associated websites. While there is no extra cost to the purchaser, a small portion of the sale goes to support this KZbin channel.

[@Adrenacyde]

This was VERY well done. Thank you.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Texasknowhow]

Please keep this going by doing the full rebuild on the AOD! I'm going to attempt this on an AOD destine for a '61 F100 behind a 302 that will be mildly built for more than stock horsepower.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Input received. Thank you. Right on! That sounds nice.

[@_cameronjohnson__]

Thank you so much for the detailed explanation of the rubber piece inside the extension housing I’m putting my new extension housing on after an accident and had no idea what that was for and why it was grooved

[@REPOOCNITSUJ]

I've been waiting for the next video for a week or so now... just got home from work after a rough, very busy week... found this video was posted and all got better!!! These videos are awesome. Can't wait for the next one!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Glad to hear these videos are something you look forward to. We've got real busy week of filming ahead. Aiming to get another video done this week. You can see what we've got going on behind- the-scenes by checking out the Members-Only videos....that you have access to. The newest one went live yesterday. Thank you for your support!

[@kenchaffin4946]

Once again outstanding content can't wait for the next one.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

More to come! Thanks for dropping us a line!

[@TheColinlarson]

I've got a aod out of my 83 econoline I've been working on. It doesn't slip but it doesn't even try to shift into overdrive. It goes through all the other gears and I've adjusted the throttle valve to factory spec. The other gears shift perfect at the exact time they are supposed to except for overdrive. Is there anywhere I should check right off the bat first? I also put a shift kit in thinking it could possibly help out but it made no difference for overdrive. Thanks in advance!

[@azkards]

another great video - thanks guys!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Our pleasure!

[@ferdinandcuevas8457]

Good content Thank You . 🇺🇲 🇵🇷 🦊 👍

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Our pleasure! Thanks for dropping us a line.

[@zaynezito9983]

Alot of great information. ❤

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@jraydelatorre]

Great job not really too many questions as they were answered while I patiently listened and watched your video. I just wonder if there will be a individual video of the valve body assembly and overhaul

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Good question! In time, I believe we will be doing a complete rebuild series on this trans...which would include the valve-body. For the time being, we're super busy working on the TH400 video series, 4L60E videos, etc. Thank you for your positive feedback on this video. Much appreciated. Always nice to hear from you!

[@ronaldhurtado5131]

Very nice job there guys!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thank you!

[@josejasso5389]

Great video wishing that was my tranny been rebuilt. Currently struggling 2 transmission shops later still can’t fix my AOD 1986 f150. Right now it won’t shift to over drive, 1-3 work great 3-4 goes out max 55 mph and shifting to single “D” works great full time because it’s 1-3. Governor was changed as well and know I’ve been told it’s valve body which I ordered today!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

This could be a number of things... 3-4 shift valve, incompatible governor, throttle linkage/cable misadjusted, worn out throttle valve bore, etc.

[@clems6989]

I wish you would explain the way the transmission works. Like the path of power transmission through each gear setup, how it shifts from one to the other etc. Thanks for the great video.....

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

I don't currently have anything like that, for the AOD. However, I have posted how-stuff-works videos for the 4L60E. Yes, they are two completely different transmissions. But, there's a lot of cross-over, especially when it comes to hydraulics, and the electronics. Hope this helps. Thanks for the support. **************How the Trans Works***************** 4L60E Pump: How Does it Work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXuYdJeGf9R9r8k 4L60E PR Valve: Part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e33Le5-Qp86Xf7s Part 2: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnvPhpiZbpaenbs Part 3: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoqUpaWQmrGkiq8 4L60E AFL Valve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqKlnJebnLWdhM0 4L60E Shift Solenoid: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJKmmYqjmNh0nas 4L60E Shift Valve: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIHLnmpsh6mtbLs Planetary Gear Set: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5u3YXaLfJxmj68 4L60E Power Flow: Auto shifting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5eyopWKprComKc Manual Shifting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJzJcqiOf6uMfKc

[@johnc7431]

Aod tear down. I did not find the build back video. Would it be coming up soon. Android video very informative

[@aodissue2104]

I have an AOD problem that I haven't been able to find a solution to and hoping you can help. I think the trans may be out of a 1993 truck. The problem is that I lost the 2-3 accumulator and nothing I find seems to fit. I purchased an accumulator for a 4R70W/4R75W. This appears to be way to large for the bore in my trans. The diameter of the bore in my case appears to be about 7/8", but all the accumulators seem to be 1.22". I have asked various transmission shops, called suppliers, called Ford, etc. I don't know if someone sleeved it or what is going on. AOD pistons also seem to be 1.22" diameter. I tried Sonnax since they seem to have sleeved Pistons, but they are also 1.22". Do you all have any idea what may be going on? Thank you in advance.

[@douglasmoore2672]

Aod transmission cruising at 75 when it acts like it went into neutral before had no issues no slipping 1st 2nd and 3rd work fine no overdrive and no reverse. Any guess to what's wrong? If you put it in neutral and go into reverse, it clunks into reverse, but doesn't move also makes a whistling sound 1981 lincoln town car

[@JomsF]

Nice one bro! All the best!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Dude, thanks for stopping by!

[@MikeLeonardi-u7n]

The direct drum is a very weak spot. I have problems as I seen with your trans the small input rod to direct drum had the splines worn down about a 1/4 of an inch. Has anyone tried to weld the input rod to the direct drum. A TIG would make a nice clean weld. The rod can be worked around for assy of the trans.

[@marcosbarraza4738]

Now how about the rebuild of the AOD

[@JayGeeJay]

Building an AODE in a 94 Mustang GT 5.0 with a Procharger. Says dyno was 450-500. What upgrades are needed to make this last?

[@JayGeeJay]

What do you recommend to fix on a rebuild of an AODE. Higher horsepower Mustang?

[@rickchowsr2532]

Is there an assembly video? No one ever shows the reassembly process

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Not yet. We're currently working our way through a build series on the TH400. kzbin.info/aero/PLMK9OC5NGhbgVgAwDO_rCGFF38T1LjkS7

[@rickchowsr2532]

@@SouthpawAutoworks got ya, I’ll go watch that one lol. Thanks for replying

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Right on. You bet.

[@jakedennis1002]

I have a 96 Ford Thunderbird with an aod transmission the tail shaft housing that meets the transmission is leaking I can't get it apart because the driveshaft bolts are stuck is there any way to stop the leak without removing the case seal

[@victorrascon6052]

What torque converter? is the original one? I got an AOD transmission that I’m putting on an F100-1977 with the 302

[@Shalash87]

What always amazes me is how similar the 700/4L60(70,E) and the AOD (E)/4R70 (75,W) are in terms of the components and what their function is, let alone the fact that they came out at the same time and were the pioneers of overdrive transmissions. However, what I can never get my head round is why did GM went with a clean sheet design of having a more or less sound 350 transmission giving way to the 700 instead of simply giving it an additional overdrive unit, like they did for the 200 and the 400, and just like Ford did for the C3 and C6 and Chrysler for the A727 and A904... The irony is that the rear of the 350 and the 700 are conceptually identical in design, yet all GM had to do was to keep the second gear's holding clutch arrangement (what Ford introduced in the AOD) and none of the timing issues that make the 2-3 and 3-2 shifts so arduous for the 3-4 clutch would exist. Likewise, if Ford, on the AOD, drove the input shaft via a sprag, it too would not have the issue of the direct clutch nor the overdrive band burning up on 3-4 and 4-3 downshifts.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

All great points!!

[@martindetorie2312]

Great content

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks of dropping us a line!

[@leonardleonardlove20]

I have seen a few tear downs and now I would like to see some reassembly and what to do and not to do,Because I just built a 1989 Ford AOD without a 3/4 accumulator design and cannot get 4th gear and servo is applying overdrive band and 3/4 shift valve in valve body is not sticking and 1-3 gears are perfect and reverse is perfect.Need help on this and that is why I paid to join and don't regret it whatsoever.Thank you guys.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

First and foremost, thank you for your support! Being a member/patron gives you access to some BTS (Behind the Scenes) footage. Speaking of which, a new video just went live yesterday. Plus there are a number of past videos, too. More BTS to come! I'm not sure when we will get to doing an AOD rebuild video series. Currently working on a TH400 rebuild series, 4L60E videos, etc. Hopefully we can get a complete AOD rebuild series going soon! No 4th Gear: 1). Do you have a scanner? If so, is the PCM commanding 4th gear? 2). Do you have any trouble codes (transmission, engine, etc)? 3). Have you cleaned the MAF? Note: Might even try unplugging it, and doing a short road test, to see if you get 4th gear back.

[@leonardleonardlove20]

@@SouthpawAutoworks Thanks and I have enjoyed being part of the team,But the AOD I am trying to figure out does not have a PCM it's a 1989 Mustang and I have built many of them,But this one is eating my lunch trying to figure out why it has no 4th gear.I tore it down and it did not have a 3/4 accumulator,But looks as if one may belong there,Because it's not a solid hole,But has a place for snap ring and 2 holes in the open space.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

AOD, not AODE. Obviously I can't read when I'm in a hurry... ha. *sigh* Reminds me of a saying. "Hurry up, and get further behind." I am now on the same page. Unfortunately, I'm pressed for time right now. However, I'm gonna try to get back to you, later this evening.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Many units...right on! Sorry to hear about your problem child. That sux... I am thinking that Ford did away with the 3-4 Accumulator in '89 (however, I need to verify). If so, they would've used a different separator plate (and probably a different VB casting). Both of which would've prevented oil flow to those two holes located in the accumulator bore. On units that utilize a 3-4 Accumulator, Line Pressure is directed to the feed hole (in the bore) that's located closest to the VB. If your AOD was dumping Line Pressure (internal leak), I think you'd have multiple issues going on....as opposed to just no 4th gear. I'm thinking you're good to go regarding the 3-4 Accumulator....again, I need to verify. Questions: 1). When the trans should up-shift to 4th gear, does the trans show any signs of trying to up-shift.....or does it feel stuck in 3rd gear? 2). Does the trans up-shift to 4th, but 4th gear is slipping? 3). Is the Mustang equipped with a TV cable (versus a TV rod)? 4). Are the TV cable, and linkages at the throttle body/carb, stock/OEM...or some aftermarket setup? 5). Is the trans still in the vehicle, or back on the bench?

[@leonardleonardlove20]

@@SouthpawAutoworks I set the TV Cable with oil pressure gauge 0-5 at idol and 38 PSI at 250 thousands out and test drove car and did run it hard one time and the shift points felt perfect and shifted at 5500 RPM and never felt it even tried to change to 4th gear I have pulled the transmission back out and pray I find the problem and this will be the second time.God Bless and thanks for the information.

[@mackdiesal2323]

Hey you said you e seen a lot of guys make the mistake of not putting the little square gasket on the filter , what are the consequences of forgetting to put that gasket on the filter?

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

It will, under certain conditions, allow the pump to suck in air, which can result in the trans slipping. The pump supplies oil to a number of things in the trans. One of those things is the clutch packs (pistons). They behave like the pistons inside of brake calipers. The clutch pack pistons need adequate oil pressure applied to them in order to keep the clutch pack from slipping. When the pump sucks in air, the oil pressure (used to apply the cluck packs) immediately starts dropping...resulting in the trans slipping.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

It might slip when cold, but then work great with the trans hot (the fluid grows with temp...so fluid level goes up). It might slip when the vehicle makes a hard turn or accelerates hard. Etc.

[@YourName-vh1nu]

I can't figure out how to change the thrust bearing out in the planetarium

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Many of the gear sets, on a number of automatic transmissions, have thrust bearings that can't be easily replaced. The only way to gain access to the is to remove a pinion gear.....which can be done, but isn't a common practice.

[@xbgtjg66]

do u need to slam everything down like that

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Unfortunately, we're working on what we jokingly call a "trampoline" bench. In addition to the bench flexing a bit, under heavy loads, it's also extra noisy. When time permits, I will see about beefing up the underside of it (angle iron, etc), to help mitigate the bench noise...for a better viewing experience. Your input is appreciated. Thanks for dropping us a line!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

We've gotten better about not slamming parts on the bench. Thank you for the constructive-criticism. It's helping us create a better viewing experience.

[@PeterGannie]

I like his teachingpeter

[@stu302coyote]

And now rebuild?

[@fernandohood5542]

Pheww my head is spinning!!!!

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Was the footage that shaky?? That's strike 2 for the camera operator... I know what you mean. ha. Glad you enjoyed it. Stick around...it'll get easier. Thanks for dropping us a line!!

[@FloydLawrence-i5g]

So how will I know how to assemble

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

An assembly video would help. Unfortunately we have not created any assembly videos, at this point in time. However, that's always a possibility.

[@mrmeowcomeshome1300]

GREAT GREAT GREAT

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Thank you.

[@williamford6142]

Very informative, definitely not a DIY project. Not for me anyway.

[@SouthpawAutoworks]

Glad you liked it. Appreciate your comment.