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Topic: 3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same??? (Read 5333 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

I was looking at my 3.8 auto bird and it kinda looks like it shares the same aod as a 5.0. Is right or an optical illusion. Ive never messed with 3.8's before so i need some learning.
1987 T-bird SportCoupe,302,5spd,8.8,3.27s,pbr brakes,spindles,2003 rear,18inch 06 gt rims!!!!:evilgrin:
2006 Gt Mustang,3v,5spd,8.8,3.55s,GT500rims.
1990 T-bird LX,3.8,aod,loaded,stock!!
1999 Trailblazer(wifes rig)

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #1
Externally the same. Internally different. At least they where different in 84.
Here are the specs from the 84 shop manual.

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #2
the bellhousings are the same? never knew that

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #3
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;342453
the bellhousings are the same?

yup
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #4
good to know.. not that i ever use AOD's LOL

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #5
They're good for holding heavy doors open, or closed. Haven't found any other worthwhile reason for having them around though lol
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #6
couldve sworn the only internal differences between fox 5.0 and 3.8 AODs are a few extra clutches.
"Beating the hell out of other peoples cars since 1999"
1983 Ford Thunderbird Heritage
1984 Ford Mustang GT Turbo Convertible

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #7
Quote from: ThunderbirdSport302;342474
They're good for holding heavy doors open, or closed. Haven't found any other worthwhile reason for having them around though lol

The one in my car seems to be fine so far. knock on wood....

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #8
they suck when you throw performance parts at the motor without modifying the trans.. they're nothing compared to a C4/6 in my opinion.. the only upside i see is overdrive for people who care about gas mileage.. which, i am definitely not 1 of lol i prefer power over gas mileage anyday.. if i wanted gas mileage, i'd buy a hybrid and that'll never happen in a million years lmao

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #9
If I ever get another Thunderbird, it'll keep the AOD, but it'll get beefed up some...

Then again, a T5 with issues has kind've gotten on my last  nerve. I plan on putting more power under the hood by spring, and an already weak, "entry level" manual has got me wanting more....will the Sport have an enhanced AOD for next summer....or something with a clutch, and 5 stronger gears? Hmmm.
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6


3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #11
Eric's writeup says you can actually use your 3.8 auto if you were to swap in a 5.0, but obviously it wouldn't live very long.
-'88 Tbird 3.8
-2012 Altima 2.5 BASE. 
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

Future: Budget 5.0 300 HP.

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #12
yes and that works in reverse too.

If you want to pull a 5.0 trans to replace your burnt up 3.8 trans, go for it. its all good.
--Steve
[thread=28690]1988 Cougar V6[/thread]
2012 F-150 3.7L
2011 Mustang 3.7L

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #13
Cool!!! So I have a 302 laying around somewhat stock? If i get some 5.0 bird mounts to install it. I could bolt it up to the aod until it goes poof!!! Most likely why aods go bad is because of that  t/v cable adjustment!!
1987 T-bird SportCoupe,302,5spd,8.8,3.27s,pbr brakes,spindles,2003 rear,18inch 06 gt rims!!!!:evilgrin:
2006 Gt Mustang,3v,5spd,8.8,3.55s,GT500rims.
1990 T-bird LX,3.8,aod,loaded,stock!!
1999 Trailblazer(wifes rig)

3.8 and 5.0 aod's???? are they the same???

Reply #14
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;342484
they suck when you throw performance parts at the motor without modifying the trans.. they're nothing compared to a C4/6 in my opinion.. the only upside i see is overdrive for people who care about gas mileage.. which, i am definitely not 1 of lol i prefer power over gas mileage anyday.. if i wanted gas mileage, i'd buy a hybrid and that'll never happen in a million years lmao

 
Have you driven a car with a built AOD? They are pretty fun ;)
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.