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Topic: 3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable? (Read 1096 times) previous topic - next topic

3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable?

Just lost the trans in my 87 5.0. Didn't last long behind the new 300hp motor.

All my local jy has are 3.8 cars, including a 86 with a known good trans. Will that trans work?

Thanks
Chris
87 Thunderbird 5.0
Engine: 97 p-code explorer block, heads, and intake; 88 HO cam, 1.7 RR's, A9P, Kenne Bell 2.1 Flow/Blow 8psi, 42lb injectors, LMAF, 75mm TB, Tuned by Don Lasota
Trans: 02 Stang 4r70w with Baumann TCS
Suspension: Front: 03-04 cobra springs and struts, TC rack. Rear: CHE arms, ChuckW shock mounts, Bullitt springs and shocks
5 bolt with 95 mustang front and mark vii rear.
TC 3.73 L/S rear
03-04 SVT Cobra 17x9's with 275/40r17's.

3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: a77cj7;328147
Just lost the trans in my 87 5.0. Didn't last long behind the new 300hp motor.

All my local jy has are 3.8 cars, including a 86 with a known good trans. Will that trans work?

Thanks
Chris


It'll be no stronger than the AOD you had behind the engine originally.


You could swap in a SC aod, they're stronger. Or have one rebuilt with a kit, and put a cooler on it, etc.

Just a thought, if your TV cable wasn't adjusted correctly, the tranny will die regardless of how careful you drive it. There's a lot of good info here on adjustment if you suspect that could be a cause..
'98 Explorer 5.0
'20 Malibu (I know, Chevy, but, 35MPG. Let's go brandon, eh)

3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable?

Reply #2 –
I'm not worried about it being stronger, as the old trans was already on its way out, not surprising with 180k miles.

I will be installing a cooler with the new trans, and probably a trans temp gauge.

The TV cable was correctly adjusted.
87 Thunderbird 5.0
Engine: 97 p-code explorer block, heads, and intake; 88 HO cam, 1.7 RR's, A9P, Kenne Bell 2.1 Flow/Blow 8psi, 42lb injectors, LMAF, 75mm TB, Tuned by Don Lasota
Trans: 02 Stang 4r70w with Baumann TCS
Suspension: Front: 03-04 cobra springs and struts, TC rack. Rear: CHE arms, ChuckW shock mounts, Bullitt springs and shocks
5 bolt with 95 mustang front and mark vii rear.
TC 3.73 L/S rear
03-04 SVT Cobra 17x9's with 275/40r17's.

3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable?

Reply #3 –
From the 84 shop manual:
Forward Clutch;
3.8 & 5.0..4 steel and 4 friction.
5.8..........5 steel and 5 friction.

Reverse Clutch;
3.8 & 5.0..2 steel and 3 friction.
5.8..........3 steel and 4 friction.

Direct Clutch;
5.0 & 5.8..5 steel and 5 friction.
3.8..........4 steel and 4 friction.

Intermediate Clutch;
5.0 & 5.8..3 steel and 3 friction.
3.8..........2 steel and 2 friction.

Don't know if this carries through to 86 or not.
 

3.8 and 5.0 aod interchangable?

Reply #4 –
If you don't do anything to that AOD you're going to fry the new one as well. I would suggest at least a shift kit, hardened input shaft, a good torque converter (at least 2400 stall but maybe more depending on the mods you have), and a big trans cooler. My combo ate the stock AOD in the car and I had to have it rebuilt stronger. It wasn't cheap but now it's pretty much bullet proof.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.