Installing an AOD in a '52 or '53 Ford

If you have a Ford AOD behind a flathead in a '52 or '53 Ford, I can use your input.

My '53 Victoria has a great 276 flathead in it with a T5 behind it. I'm investigating replacing the T5 with a Ford AOD. My questions are these:

1. Can the AOD be installed WITHOUT pulling the engine? I really don't want to do that.

2. Does the AOD fit under the hump without cutting the hump?

3. Did you use the Speedway AOD package?

4. If so, how's their transmission? Can you shift it manually?

Thanks for the help.

 

I have never done the swap in that particular car, but there a few lessons I have learned that may be of some assistance.

First. You can install the trans without pulling the motor, but it may be more difficult. The AOD is a large trans, and you will quite possibly have to modify the tunnel. This means, you might as well pull that motor. You will also have to make a new cross member for the trans.

2nd - I have used the Speedway AOD adaptor, it worked well. I already had my own trans.

3rd - Get a pre '93 non electronic AOD. Do some research on setting up the throttle valve (TV) cable properly. There are a ton of threads on the subject. It isn't difficult, just time consuming.

Good Luck.

 

I have never done the swap in that particular car, but there a few lessons I have learned that may be of some assistance.

First. You can install the trans without pulling the motor, but it may be more difficult. The AOD is a large trans, and you will quite possibly have to modify the tunnel. This means, you might as well pull that motor. You will also have to make a new cross member for the trans.

2nd - I have used the Speedway AOD adaptor, it worked well. I already had my own trans so I can't speak to the rest of the kit.

3rd - Get a pre '93 non electronic AOD. Do some research on setting up the throttle valve (TV) cable properly. There are a ton of threads on the subject. It isn't difficult, just time consuming.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for all that. First-hand input is the best and is always most welcome.

As for the crossmember, the '53 Victoria has a removable crossmember back in the area of the rear mount.