How to Identify a Ford AODE Transmission
by Floyd Drake III
The Ford AOD automatic overdrive four-speed transmission, introduced in 1980, was used with most Ford engines of the day. Ford later introduced the AODE, a computer-controlled version of the AOD. The AODE was used from 1992 to 1995, when it was improved with wider gear ratios to become the 4R70W. The AODE and 4R70W differ from the older AOD by an attached cable, allowing computer control. The AOD transmission is identified visually, first to identify the AOD, then to differentiate between the AODE and 4R70W transmission.
Step 1
Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine. The pan is located on the bottom of the transmission and attached by 14 bolts. AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions all have the same pan shape, illustrated on Fordification.com's AOD section on the Automatic Transmission Identification page.
Step 2
Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the driver's-side rear of the transmission housing. This is where the electronic control cable plugs into the unit and is what differentiates the older AOD transmission from AODE and 4R70W units.
Step 3
Identify differences between the AODE and 4R70W. Although essentially the same transmission, the Thunderbird and Cougar Club of America identifies their differences as different gear ratios and the 4R70W having a larger outside diameter slip yoke on the drive shaft, requiring a different extension housing. Another identification tool, found on The Ranger Station, identifies the 4R70W's transmission code as "U," which is located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside Driver's side door post.
References
- Fordification: Automatic Transmission Identification Guide
- Classic Broncos: Bronco Transmission Guide, AOD/AODE
- The Ranger Station: Ford Ranger Automatic Transmission Identification
- Baumann Electronic Controls, LLC: AODE and 4R70W Transmission
- Thunderbird & Cougar Club of America: Ford Automatic Overdrive Transmission Introcuction
Tips
- Baumann Electronic Controls identifies the gear ratios as follows: For the 4R70W: 1st = 2.84 2nd = 1.55 3rd = 1 4th = 0.70. For the AODE: 1st = 2.40, 2nd = 1.47, 3rd = 1, 4th = 0.667. The AOD and the AODE have the same ratios.
- The AODE, produced between 1992 and 1995, was only used in 1992-1994 Lincoln Town Cars, Ford Crown Victorias, Mercury Grand Marquis and 1994 to 1995 Mustangs, while the 4R70W was introduced in 1993.
Writer Bio
A native of New Haven, Conn., Floyd Drake III began writing in 1984. His work has appeared in the "New Haven Register," Medford's "Mail-Tribune" and the "Ashland Daily Tidings." Drake studied journalism at Southern Connecticut State University. After working as a reporter in Oregon, he is now based back home in New Haven.
