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AODE and 4R70W Transmission     List of Categories

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  1. How much power can a stock AODE/4R70W transmission take?

  2. What are the gear ratios of the AODE?

  3. What are the gear ratios of the 4R70W?

  4. Which transmission is better, the AOD or the AODE?

  5. Should I use a lockup torque converter with my AODE or 4R70W transmission?

  6. Does the AODE or 4R70W have a removable bellhousing?

  7. Which cooler line fitting on the AODE/4R70W transmission is out and which line is in?

  8. What could cause my AODE (or 4R70W) to lose 3rd gear, and Overdrive?

  9. What parts do I need to install an AODE or 4R70W into a fox body (1979-1993) mustang?

  10. What is the difference between the AODE and the 4R70W?






  1. How much power can a stock AODE/4R70W transmission take?

    The AODE/4R70W in stock form can typically handle about 25 to 50 horsepower above stock power levels. Before planning many engine mods to an AODE/4R70W equipped vehicle, you should install our AODE Valve Body Kit. Installation of the Valve Body kit will allow 1997 and earlier AODE/4R70W transmissions to perform reliably in a 350 to 375 horspower application. 1998 and later 4R70Ws can handle up to 500 horsepower with just the addition of the Valve Body kit. If your power goals are higher, you should consider having the transmission rebuilt with heavy duty components from our AODE/4R70W Performance Products Catalog

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  2. What are the gear ratios of the AODE?

    Gear ratios for the AODE are the same as the hydraulically controlled AOD transmission.

    1st = 2.40
    2nd = 1.47
    3rd = 1
    4th = .667

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  3. What are the gear ratios of the 4R70W?

    Gear ratios for the 4R70W are:

    1st = 2.84
    2nd = 1.55
    3rd = 1
    4th = .70

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  4. Which transmission is better, the AOD or the AODE?

    The AOD was a good transmission in it's day, but the newer AODE and 4R70W have many improvements. The AODE has a thicker, simpler, and much more reliable valve body that is much less likely to warp than the thinner more complex AOD valve body. The AODEs also all came with the 2 inch wide overdrive band and an A (largest Diameter) Overdrive servo. The input shaft is also much stronger on the AODE than the AOD. Lastly, the AODE has a lockup converter clutch rather than a mechanical, gear dependent lockup. What this means is that with the AODE you can have 2nd, 3rd, or 4th gear locked or unlocked. No longer do you have to decide between streetability and performance. You can have your lockup for efficiency, and unlock the converter for better acceleration.

    The 4R70W offers all of the above benefits with the addition of a lower first and second gear ratio to help initial acceleration. Beginning in 1998, the 4R70W also has the Mechanical Diode intermediate one way clutch, and an even better direct input shaft. Certain models also have hardened gears, such as the 1998 and later 5.4 trucks.



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  5. Should I use a lockup torque converter with my AODE or 4R70W transmission?

    I always recommend a lockup torque converter for the AODE and 4R70W. The lockup torque converter of these transmissions can actually be turned on and off by the electronics. This allows all of the advantages of lockup for cruising without any saccrifice in acceleration.

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  6. Does the AODE or 4R70W have a removable bellhousing?

    No, the bellhousings for the AODE and 4R70W are integral to the case.

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  7. Which cooler line fitting on the AODE/4R70W transmission is out and which line is in?

    On the AODE/4R70W transmission, fluid leaves the transmission through the lower case fitting, and returns from the cooler through the upper case fitting. Please note, this is NOT true for the AOD.

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  8. What could cause my AODE (or 4R70W) to lose 3rd gear, and Overdrive?

    This could be a small or large problem. We will start with a possible cause that would not require transmission removal. If the car shifts from first to second, and then stays in second, never shifting to third or OD it may have a number 2 shift solenoid that is failing to activate, or failing to seal when activated. This could be caused by a defective solenoid, wiring problem, or bad processor. If you have had any recent electrical problems one of the above problems is more likely. This same condition could also be caused by a stuck 1-2 shift solenoid in the valve body.

    If your transmission shifts from first to second, seems to hold second longer than normal, and then finally neutrals out completely at the point where it would normally shift to OD then the most likely cause is a damaged Direct Clutch Pack. This would require transmission removal and disassembly to repair. The Direct Clutch pack is the last one to come out of the transmission during disassmebly, so plan on a complete overhaul while it is apart. You may also want to upgrade your direct clutch using raybestos blues, or the alto direct clutch pack kit as listed in our AODE Product Section. Another possible cause of the same symptoms is a broken stub shaft. We also offer an upgraded version of this shaft.

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  9. What parts do I need to install an AODE or 4R70W into a fox body (1979-1993) mustang?

    You will need the following items:

    • AODE or 4R70W transmission with the proper bolt pattern for your engine.
    • Baumanator TCS
    • Dipstick tube and dipstick from a '94-'95 AODE equipped Mustang (may not clear all headers)
    • Backset transmission crossmember
    • flexplate from AOD equipped fox body Mustang (imbalance weight must match engine 1968-1980 302 = 28 oz. 1981-2001 = 50 oz.)
    • shifter cable from 1994-95 Mustang
    • transmission inspection plate and transmission to engine block separator plate from an AOD equipped fox body Mustang
    • If the AODE or 4R70W transmission you sourced is from a Mustang it will have the correct shift lever if not, you will need a shift lever from a '94-'04 Mustang application.

    Obviously, if you are converting from an AOD you will have most of these components. The other components are listed here in case you are wisely changing from a manual trans to an automatic.

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  10. What is the difference between the AODE and the 4R70W?

    Mainly the gear ratios and the extension housing bushing and seal diameter.

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Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC
207 Mistr Lane
Pickens, SC 29671
Phone: 864-335-9365
Fax: 864-335-9055

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Last updated on January 5th, 2008