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Ford's AOD-E and 4R70W transmissions are undoubtedly the best choice for a street performance small-block transmission. Affording all of the advantages of an old AOD transmission, plus increased strength, greater reliability and (for the first time) complete electronic control of all transmission functions. This transmission completely replaced the old AOD in 1994 (when the 3.8/5.0L case version was introduced) and is now becoming readily available on the used market.
Our Baumannator TCS transmission control system provides complete tunability for these transmissions and allows them to be retrofitted to all earlier vehicles. If you are considering an AOD transmission installation or upgrade for your vehicle, an AODE / 4R70W transmission will likely be a better choice and may be more cost effective than upgrading an old AOD. The AOD-E will fit almost anywhere that an AOD will fit. It is dimensionally equal to the AOD with the exception of about 7/8 inch (22 mm) of added length in the bell housing area, which lengthens the whole transmission by this amount. For more details, please see the Performance Guide in our Tech Section.
When installing one of our valve body systems, you may notice that our approach to shift improvement is radically different from that of our peers. Our "systems approach" to valve body recalibration allows you to tailor each and every shift characteristic to your personal preference and vehicle application in much the same manner as the factory engineers did when they designed your vehicle. You will not find any "mystery parts" in our systems, because the function of every piece is explained as it is installed and no "fluff parts" are included (we would rather spend five dollars on a functional component than ten cents on a perceived value enhancing placebo such as an unnecessary spring or ball). Our instruction manuals are by far the most comprehensive in the industry (designed with the novice in mind) and we have many industry "exclusives", such as our torque compensation feature for AOD-E/4R70W transmissions.
This easy to install kit builds upon
the development experience gained with our AOD and E4OD products. Highly
advanced features of this system include five user-selectable (during installation)
levels of shift firmness for the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts as well as a special
overdrive shift calibration which alleviates the characteristic and detrimental
3-4 synchronous bind found in this transmission.
Our new Torque-Compensation feature is an industry exclusive which allows the transmission hydraulics to be tuned to the engine's torque characteristics, thus providing maximum durability and proper shift feel independent of the shift firmness setting. With our advanced shift firmness selection and exclusive torque compensation it is now possible to properly calibrate the transmission for the increased demands created by supercharging, turbocharging, increased displacement and similar modifications without destroying the transmission's street manners and daily drivability. This design provides the performance tuner with access to most of the variables used by OEM engineers when designing a new powertrain combination.
Information is presented in a simple, concise and complete manner and is geared toward individuals with general mechanical knowledge as well as professional transmission technicians. Transmission removal is not required (as with most valve body kits) and installation takes approximately 3-4 hours. Since this product is fully covered by the Baumann technical support plan, answers are just a phone call away. Complete with detailed and fully illustrated instruction manual as well as all necessary parts. The Baumannator TCS™ electronic transmission control system is an excellent complement to this product, as mentioned below.
The Baumannator TCS electronic transmission control system, in conjunction with our valve body product, allows complete control of electronic transmissions and permits retrofitting to earlier vehicles. Please refer to the Electronics section for further details.
Back to TopThe stock main pressure regulator valve in the AOD-E and 4R70W transmissions is prone to wear and sticking, which can be detrimental to transmission longevity. This Sonnax replacement valve is made of high quality hard anodized aluminum alloy and incorporates annular grooves to equalize the pressure around the circumference of the valve. These grooves allow the valve to float in the bore with a minimum of side loading and scuffing, resulting in longer valve body and transmission service life.
Installation of this valve is recommended for transmissions with greater than 40,000 miles of use. Replacement of this and other valves is simple once the valve body is removed. As a low-cost insurance policy, this component can be installed in conjunction with our ReCal Pro™ Valve Body Recalibration Kit with no additional effort.

This precision replacement valve and orificed sleeve are manufactured by Sonnax utilizing superior construction and materials. These redesigned components help to prevent and eliminate torque converter clutch slip and shudder concerns in AOD-E and 4R70W transmissions. This valve is recommended for any AOD-E or 4R70W transmission that has higher mileage or has experienced torque converter clutch problems.
Baumann Engineering can provide custom-built torque converters for the AOD-E / 4R70W and other Ford transmissions. We can provide the stall speed and configuration that best meets your needs. Options include different stators and anti-ballooning plates.If you have further questions or would like to order a torque converter, please contact us.
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Alto's heavy-duty direct clutch pack kit is a good item to install when overhauling your AOD-E transmission. It will allow you to install up to eight clutch friction plates in your stock direct clutch drum.
Our OEM quality overhaul kit contains the same parts that Ford put in the AOD-E/4R70W originally, and is capable of handling over 400 horsepower. Includes everything that you will need for an overhaul (clutches, overdrive band, gaskets, seals, filter, etc.). For severe-duty applications, inquire about Raybestos Blue Plate Special® racing clutches, available as an extra-cost option.
This kit allows you to update your Ford AOD-E / 4R70W transmission to the new Raybestos Mechanical Diode® (used in 1998 and later AOD-E transmissions). The Mechanical Diode eliminates durability concerns for the intermediate (second gear) one-way clutch. A new reverse clutch drum, mechanical diode one-way clutch and associated hardware are included.
Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC
702 South Mechanic Street
Pendleton, SC 29670
Phone: 864-335-9365
Fax: 864-335-9055
All information, text and graphics contained within this site are the exclusive property of Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC and may not be used or reproduced in any form without the express written consent of Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC.
* Mechanical Diode and Blue Plate Special are registered trademarks of Raybestos Products Company.