5.0stanger

Alright, I just picked up a Thunderbird SC that from what I understand, the same AOD a 5.0 has. The overdrive is out and with my research, it seems like that is a common thing for the OD band to go bad. I have never gone into an AOD, or any auto for that matter, but I want to fix this one myself.

What the car does is it will drive fine till it hits OD, then it acts like it slips into neutral. IF I just run in it in drive, it is fine, shifts thru the gears great. Does this sound like a bad band? IF it is, what do I need to get to fix this?

Also, if I am in there, what else should I do to wake it up a bit?

One last question, it seems like it shifts early, at like 4500. I think it is supposed to shift at 5200. Is there a way I can control that?

Thanks in advance!!

mjr46

rebuild the entire unit and shift timing is controled by tv cable, might need adjusting

5.0stanger

Alright, so I can't just fix what is wrong with it?

Also, the TV cable, that controls shift points? I thought it only controled down shifts.

If I make the cable tighter, whoud that move the shift point up or down?

luckythirteen13

could also be the OD servo. there is on O ring on the servo, if it has cracked or blown out completely it would do the same thing you are describing. i would check that as well. if your planning on fixing the aod up a little at the very least i would run a wider OD band, get a A++ OD servo (largest that will fit), and new clutches (alto reds with koleen steels). those parts will set you back about $200 and will make a world of difference. if you s till have some cash to spend i would then get a shift kit (~$100) and a tranny cooler (~$50). those mods should ensure that your tranny will last a very long time

does it shift at 4500 at wot? if so, the tv is too loose. there is a great video on youtube that shows how to properly adjust a tv cable

5.0stanger

SO all the parts you describe, the OD band and clutches, will that just fix the OD if that is the problem? Or is that doing the whole tranny? I really should just find an exploded view so I can understand it a little better.

As far as the TV cable, yes, it shift at 4500 at WOT. The adjuster at the TB is kinda messed up, and just testing it a little, I put a zip tie on the cable past the adjuster to shorten it up, and it seems like it shifts at about 4600 now....shouel I do more? I guess I should just find that video. This car is supposed to make 12lbs of boost at 5200 rpms, and all I see is 10-11 at 4500. I would just like to see it shift where it should.

Thanks for the help so far!

88BlueGT

Just to let you know I believe there are some differences between the AOD in the Thunderbirds and the AOD in the Stang. Only reason I'm saying this is because about 5-6 years ago I had a trans rebuild that was in my 88GT. When I took the car over to the guy he called back to let me know that I had a trans from a Thunderbird and that the actual shifter on the trans was different and had to be modified with the new LT exhuast setup that I was going with. Could of been BS, not sure, but thought I would just let you know.

88BlueGT

And another thing, not that you wont find great information here but theres a GREAT website you should check out if you plan on rebuilding any transmissions. clickclickracing.com

luckythirteen13

the parts i described is for a tranny overhaul. if OD is all your worried about, just get the servo and OD band.

how far did you pull the cable out? you can pull it out some more and see if the shift point changes but if you have to pull it out an inch or more you probably have other problems

92hatchLX

IIRC the AOD from the t-bird SC already has an A OD servo. If you haven't been into an AOD before I would take it to the pro's. I believe there are special tools that you are going to need to get inside of this transmission. Don't tighten your TV cable, it should be adjusted to where there is no tension yet no slack with the throttle plate closed. It may raise your shiftpoints if you tighten it but it will destroy your transmission in no time.