1952-59 Ford Transmission Questions

Hello all,

Currently, my '55 Customline has a 292/Ford-o-Matic. I have noticed that the car cruises smoothly at 55-60 mph, but once I attempt to accelerate past 65mph, it really seems like it's struggling. Almost like you're driving into a headwind. I don't have a tachometer, but it doesn't sound like the engine is running at a high RPM. I'm really thinking it's time to ditch the Ford-o-Matic; it's heavy, air-cooled, and leaking everywhere. I am currently rebuilding another 292 that I plan to mate to a new transmission and drop in the car. I have done a little bit of research and it seems like the C4 is the most straightforward swap. I found a step by step install in a Tbird. How much different would the install be in a Customline? I am open to other suggestions as well as far as other transmissions go, but I don't want to cut the floor and I want to retain my factory column shift. Any information or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
David

 

How about a AOD. I dont think a C4 will gain you much.

 

I would gain a first gear, instead of starting in 2nd with the Ford-O. I have considered the AOD, but I have read that they are a little bit more particular in their set up for kickdown. I haven't done as much research on the AOD. Is there any cutting necessary to make it fit? In stock form, is it any stronger a unit than the C4? I know the adapter is considerably more expensive. I know Tim McMaster uses C4's for his land speed cars, so I know they are capable of achieving a higher overall speed than I would ever be willing to go in a car without seat belts.

 

I think you may have gotten some bad info,the AOD is actually a better fit as the mount pad distance is the same as your Ford-O-Matic the C4 is about 2" off you can see that here in this picture of an AOD on the factory cross member. The installation kit prices are also the same for AOD or C4 https://transmissioncenter.net/prod...duct_cat=aod&really_curr_tax=8033-product_cat You can instant Chat with the Rep here to answer any questions you might have.

 

Best donor years for the AOD is 1989-93 these have the improved valve body and lubrication upgrades and are still non-computer both the C4 and the AOD will require changing the drive line yoke as they are splined different from the Ford-O-Matic with either transmission you can retain your stock column shift. Your y-block will love that .67 Overdrive the AOD has. The AOD will need the TV cable kit you can see a video of how it works here: Watch Part 1 & 2 There is "no cutting" involved in your '55.

 

Is there any difference between the transmissions found in the cars and the transmissions found in trucks during those years?

 

I would also consider your rear gear ratio. IMO each transmission requires a matching rear gear ratio. Are you willing to change that too?

 

Diyguy,
I have not checked my rear differential to see what ratio it is. I will try to figure that out this evening. It was a factory 272 car.

 

The AOD from 2 WD trucks or Crown Vics or Mustangs is preferred. Some Lincolns are slightly longer, the AOD in Crown Vic police & taxi's is rumored to be slightly beefier.

 

With a Ford-O-Matic your rear should be either 3:31's or 3:54's both will work well with the Overdrive. I would advise installing this too: https://transmissioncenter.net/shop/ford-aod-all-models-w-valve/

 

first up i am no expert and have not don e this...yet....
i have been informed by a******* expert that the fmx is is an easy swap for a fordamatic...reuiring only an extra hole
drilled into the bell housing...this gives you 3 speeds (take off in first) and does away with the funny accelerator
linkage...i plan on doing this to my car when i have rebuilt motor and upgrade brakes....
i think the fmx was the factory upgrade for the fordamatics from all that i have read.
again....i have not done this ..yet..but i trust my advisor imensly

 

I'm running an AOD in my 55, yes it does have to be set up properly, but once done, and done right you pretty much never have to touch it again. I have the stock rear and i never noticed any issues. Then again i really dont drive faster than 70 MPH because well, it's an old car. I'm a cruiser, not a racer.

 

Going to check out an AOD out of a '91 Grand Marquis this weekend. Anything I need to look out for?

 

Only the obvious. Check fluid for color and burned smell.

 

Back home safe.

 

I was kinda upset with the size difference of an AOD compared to C4 but once it’s under your car where you can’t see it you’ll like having 4 gears

 

1991 is one of best donor years,1990-93 have the stamped steel forward drum. I would invest in this since it's out of the car it will be easy to guide you through the inspection http://www.badshoeproductions.com/aod.html

 

Does anyone know which transmission mount I'll need?

 

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/media/albums/289-302-351w-swap-mounts.41498/

 

I really appreciate everyone's help with everything. I have one more question (for now). Does anyone know of where I can find the correct cable for my speedometer?

 

O'Reilly's or Pep Boys may use the same part number https://www.ebay.com/itm/Speedomete...425819&hash=item2ef4abd6e1:g:QXYAAOSw6jJcpDKs

 

Lately I've been thinking about replacing the C4 in my '55 with an AOD to accomodate an 8.8 rear swap. I don't recall seeing this page linked to here before, but there's some good info that might be applicable -

https://www.diyford.com/ford-aod-transmission-installation-and-swapping-guide/

 

Lots of great info here.THANKS!!

 

Thanks,I have posted this link to the "Sticky FAQ" on Page 5 for future reference, one difference I found is they refer to AOD to Mustang swaps about the transmission cross member mount location. In a 1952-59 Ford car the AOD mounting is in a better position as opposed to the C4 which requires a spacer plate the AOD does not. Below are two pictures the first is the AOD/302 in my '54 the second is ab AOD/302 swap using a Butch's mounting kit.

 

I found this article to be more helpful than most when it comes to setting up the linkage to carb and the adjustment on AOD conversionshttps://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/...rburetors-and-making-it-work-with-an-aod.html

 

My crude adaptation to stock Granada engine/carb. Knowing that 1 to 1 ratio was the key. The gauge still hooked up.

 

The link you posted was DOA

 

Hmmm. It works for me.

 

Weird, it seems to have come back to life this evening.

 

Much hoopla about setting the kickdown cable correctly as to not wipe out the friction plates.
Looks like I wouldnt have any prob just driving in Low Gear only back into the Garage after the install, right?