OK guys I know this is not about a Buick but I use the truck to go get parts for my Buicks. :laugh: I have a 85 Ford F150 that I dearly love and I have been thinking of changing the c6 over to an automatic overdrive trans. What all is involved? o No: Has any one out there done one of these before? Will I have to change the crossmember or the driveshaft or both? o No: What about any electronics involved? ect.ect.ect. o No:
All Ford overdrives are computer controlled only. Try GearVendors. I had a few older Ford trucks and would have loved an overdrive option.
Ford OD conversion My truck does have a puter, I figure I would have to change brain boxes or wire it to where I had manual controll. The engine is a new 302 that I just rebuilt, for that matter the c6 that is in it now has just been rebuilt with all B&M stuff. But gas prices are staying so high that I think it would justify changing to an OD trans.
The earlier non-electronic AOD (no button on the column shifter) is not computer controlled, it uses a cable to control the shifts. Although they shift funky, I have never had a problem with one (had 230k on my '92 F150) but I always kept mine in drive when in town and never towed in overdrive.
I had an 86 Bronco with a 302 and an AOD, so I know the 86's had them. I think 86 was also the first year for fuel injection, so I'm not sure how much work it would be to use an 86 setup as you'd have to do the FI as well. I got about 16-17 on a cruise with mine. Isn't the 85's still carburated? If you could find an complete 86 setup, I'd be a job to swap it all over, but it should work.
overdrive If you use an AOD stay away from early models.(1980-83).If you put a good shift kit and the large overdrive band apply piston in them,you can even tow in OD. Trannys from 351 cop cars and v8 trucks would be the ones to look for,just make sure you get the right TV cable and lever. Mike B.
conversion My truck is the FI version. I think if I can work out the details I can come up with a nice pkg.. I do very little towing, but do haul some heavy loads in it pretty often. 2500 or so lb. of crushed rock. up a steep hill in my driveway but that doesnt last very long. The engine can handel it with out a doubt. The truck has firestone air bag overload springs with the stock springs. [5000 lb.]
Aod I had a 85 f150 but it had the electronic feedback carberator on it. it was controled by a computer. It had an AOD in it that was controled by a detent linkage like a kickdown rod. The trucks with fuel injection with the dual throttle bodys would use a cable for detent. this would be easy to convert. all Mustangs from 93 down had non computer controled AOD's. Just install a Transgo shift kit in the trans and a Kevlar band when it is rebuilt to overcome the shortcomings of the trans. Hope this helps, Alan
