I guess I have a strange AOD, as I havent read to much about my problem. This is an AOD from a 1981 Crown Vic, and I am trying to figure out what to do with the TV linkage. The linkage rod(TV arm) goes to the front of the tranny and originally had a rod that connected it to the carb. This rod would be moved toward the rear when throttle is applied and thus would push the TV arm down. Now all the lit I have been reading, people are using a LOKAR cable for this application, but I dont think that will work in my application. I guess I need another TV rod for the transmission? Or maybe rework the rod so that I can get a cable to work. Anyone have this unique problem to deal with? Ideas? Dave
I have installed a locar cable on an AOD like that before and its been working great for a while now . There are three 1/8" pipe plugs on the passenger side of the tranny you will need to remove the middle one and hook up an oil presser gauge so you can set you`r line presser or you`r new aod will digest its self .
There are two (important) pressure checks to make after installing the AOD. The idle or "at rest" throttle pressure should be 5 PSI MINIMUM! The other check is less a pressure check and more a full travel check. The lever at the transmission should begin to move as soon as you move the throttle with no free-play at all and it must be at full travel when the throttle is at wide open throttle. You can reverse the lever to use a cable on it. The 81 AOD is a poor choice for a transplant but you can make it better by removing the spring in the OD accumulator. You can also replace the OD servo with the "A" servo to help it hold better. You should use Mercon V fluid in the AOD as the previously recommended DexronIII/mercon is not up tp the task and Ford has changed to using the newer fluid. Adding a large cooler is a good idea too. There are some known problems with AODs before 1991 but unless they are put behind HiPerf engines they are usable.
I always wondered why you couldn't just tie the TV linkage halfway open and leave it. I guess too much pressure at idle and not enough at full throttle?
Yes, the throttle pressure is regulated to throttle opening to make sure there is enough pressure for the transmission to handle the torque it is under. If you want there are constant pressure valve bodies available in the after market - these usually shift very hard and are not meant for street use.
