[shaxs]

I didn't see wher eyou asked for any engine advice so I'll stick with transmission info.
The AOD is a little nit-picky to build. There are a couple of tools you'd need that the average guy won't have. THe kicker is that you need a "seal protector" kit which runs around $125. It's a set of sleeves you HAVE to have to reassemble the pistons. Some folks have gotten around the sleeve purchase by borrowing some or getting a transmission shop to do that part. The valve body tends to be pretty touchy too.
If it were a C4 I'd say go for it. Being an AOD and I'm guessing you haven't been into an automatic before, no. If it were me I'd put it in. Keeping in mind it might need a repair or a rebuild later. Go ahead and build the car but have a plan for if/when the AOD gives you trouble.
If you make one little mistake inside a transmission it means you get to pull the entire thing back out again. And there is a LOT of poptential for small mistakes in there.

Okay. Let me call around and see what a rebuild would cost locally.

I know for sure that I need seals replaced- especially around where the differential slides in. If I dont rebuild the whole thing, is it easy enough to replace the gaskets/seals in this?

 

[shaxs]

900-1200 to rebuild locally. Hum.

What if I got this kit Ford AOD Transmission Seal Kit | eBay and just replaced the seals and orings? I should be able to do that right??

 

[shaxs]

Children....children......I love you all equally. Not that we have that settled...

The engine is being rebuilt by a guy who has a few PHDs including one from MIT and has been rebuilding engine for a long time for performance. I trust he will do what is necesarry to the engine when rebuilding

 

[shaxs]

:shocked:

Actually sounds a bit TOO smart to mme, lol. Besides why would a brainiac with phd's want to get dirty at what might be just a moderate income job?

Anyway my engine info was as an aside if you wanted it.

Sounds like you got a good guy doing it. :thumbsup:

Hah, well he does this on the side. By day he is an engineer with a major firm. He does this because he enjoys it and it is side cash he doesnt have ot share with his wife! :beer:

 

[shaxs]

I rebuilt my 1990 AOD, that is in the '66 stang, with a video from badshoe productions. He's a Ford tech that takes you through the AOD rebuild and how to make it stronger. It is an excellent video about $35. IIRC. Also check out
Click Click Racing Forums excellent transmission forums and lots of stickies (at the top of the different forums) that tell you some good stuff about AOD's and other Ford transmissions. If I can do it (a novice) than you can! That guy walks you through disassemble and then reassemble and the only specialty tool you need is a set of seal protectors (About $80. online).

Thanks! I just bought the download version for $29. I will give it a watch and see what I think!

 

[shaxs]

So, can someone point me directly to a full rebuild kit they would recommend?

 

[shaxs]

Shaxs, we should talk sometime. If you do take on the AOD rebuild, I have a set of the lip "seal protector" kit and you are welcome to borrow it. I may also have the slide hammer and bolts to remove the front pump.

I used a Baumann AOD shift kit when I overhauled my AOD. IF you don't know Baumann, go here:

Baumann Electronic Controls

John

Wow cool! Yeah lets meet sometime. Are you a MOCA member?

 

[shaxs]

I just watched the first part of the video and wow, there are a lot of specialized tools that he recommends. Might be too costly once you buy all the tools!

 

[shaxs]

Without reading through all the responses I wanted to add that I rebuilt an aod with video.

Ill never do it again...and I rebuild t5s on the side...The job isnt too bad, but it takes forever, and there are so many components and special tools needed. Really the part that caught me up was the valve body rebuild...there r so many small parts, for a beginner its neay impossible to dyi correct the first time....mine wouldnt shift out of first. If you must rebuild your own Aod, i highly suggest buying an already rebuilt or new upgraded ready to run valve body.

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So other than the valve body, would the rest be okay for a beginner?

The transmission runs. Maybe I should just replace all the seals as it was leaking.

Confused!

 

[shaxs]

I apologize, I forget the name of the tool, but there are these plastic discs that are used to compress a part that slides into the drums...its impossible to do the job without them..and I think they cost 150-200 for the kit...the video talks about them...

Its not a bad learning experience if you plan on building more...then heck, do it. However, if you are trying to just save cash, imo this is not the best route to go. I did it only because I build manual transmissions already, and wanted the experience of building an auto too. If shes not slipping, and otherwise runs fine...drop it, replace all the seals, drop in a better valve body, or at least a shift kit, perhaps an upgraded torque converter, change the filter, and add both an external cooler and external filter...it should last a long time and still be a drastic improvement

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I think you are referring to this tool: Transmission Tools Lip Seal Installer Protect Kit AOD | eBay

Well, if someone who has build transmission in the past finds this hard maybe I should not undertake it.

I like the idea of a new valve body. Maybe a Silverfox constant pressure one. And replacing the seals and o-rings, new filter, and a trans cooler.

That I think I can do for sure. Rebuilding the whole thing makes me nervous.