First introduced in 1992 for modular 4.6 liter engines in the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car models, these transmissions are excellent choices for street performance with small block engines. By 1994, these units had completely replaced the older AOD. They're readily available on the used market and are great for retrofitting into earlier vehicles.
AODE / 4R70W Transmission. Representative image (s) may not reflect actual part number selected. Application Chart. Close cousin to the AOD, the AODE /4R70W is an electronically. Controlled overdrive, first seen in 1992. The AODE is a strong and sturdy 4 speed automatic transmission started by Ford in 1991 for use in F150 and F250 Super Duty pickup trucks. Years later AODE was used in the Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis. In 1993 and 1994 Ford also added this transmission to.
Important Years
1993
- First year of the wide ratio gear set, available only in the Lincoln MKVIII
1994
- First Windsor-style bolt pattern
Aode Transmission
1998
- Received Intermediate one-way clutch / Mechanical Diode update
- Main connector pin out was changed
- Received improved Stub Shaft
2004
Aode Transmission Identification
- Received hardened gears in certain models, i.e. 5.4L trucks (4R75W only)
We recommend obtaining a 1998 or later transmission for your project because they contain most of the important updates and are best suited for performance applications.
Compared to the AOD, they offer increased strength, greater reliability, and complete electronic control of all transmission functions. Often times, they are a better choice and more cost effective than upgrading an AOD. Only 7/8ths of an inch (22mm) of added length to the bell housing means that these transmissions will fit just about anywhere the older AODs did.
The valve body is thicker, simpler, less likely to warp, and more reliable than that of the AOD. Other improvements include a 2 inch wide overdrive band, larger overdrive servo, stronger input shaft, and lockup converter clutch rather than mechanical, gear-dependent lockup.
The torque converter clutch can be locked or unlocked in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gear. This means you don't have to compromise between streetability and performance. Although unable to in its factory configuration, it is possible to modify the valve body to achieve converter clutch lockup in 1st gear. 4R70W (wide gear ratio) offers all of the above with lower 1st and 2nd gear to aid acceleration.
Synchronous vs. Non-Synchronous Shifts
A synchronous shift is one that requires either a clutch or a band to release before the next element engages to complete a shift. These can take longer to complete and be more difficult to tune. Non-synchronous shifts occur by simply applying the next element and do not require any components to release prior to engaging the next gear. Another advantage to using the AODE / 4R70W platform is the fact that they are non-synchronous during the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts.
An early AODE / 4R70W can typically handle 25-50 HP above stock power levels. Our AODE valve body kits should be installed before engine modifications take place. 1998 and later 4R70Ws can handle up to 500 HP with our valve body kit. 2001 and later can handle 500hp with only our controller or modified engine computer. Higher power levels should consider having the transmission rebuilt with heavy duty components from a reputable transmission shop.