33s & AOD transmission-Any Lift advice

[wyattu15gl]

I have a 1970 Bronco and want to run 33s. I'm planning on putting in an AOD transmission and have heard rumbelings about clearance problems requireing a 1" body lift.
Has anyone come across this?
Is a 2 1/2" suspension + 1" body lift the way to go or does that make the center of gravity to high to corner on the streets or do 70 on the freeway?

 

[Timmy390]

Each Bronco is different as they all age differently. That said....

I run 33's and an M5ODR2 5 speed. I have 2 1/2 SL and 1 inch BL. Cut rear fenders. No issues at all doing 70 (351W and gears make that easy to do) and zip around town with no feeling of high center of gravity. I tend to drive it like I stole it.

The AOD is long and requires adaptors like the M5. Driveshafts will need to be shortened (rear) and lengthened (front). I found the 1 inch BL helped get the T-case up higher and the angles closer to stock configuration.

Tim

 

[Broncobowsher]

It can be done without a body lift. But will need tunnel modifications. You can cheat a little extra room with a lower crossmember, but only a little bit as it raises the fan in the shroud as the engine tilts. And the heads can run into the firewall as well. A one inch body lift should be all that is needed. Snug, but doable.

The next question, what axle gearing are you planning on running? Stock won't cut it.

I would suggest better options than the AOD. There are inherent flaws that cannot be fixed no matter how many upgrade parts you put inside of it.

 

[wyattu15gl]

Each Bronco is different as they all age differently. That said....

I run 33's and an M5ODR2 5 speed. I have 2 1/2 SL and 1 inch BL. Cut rear fenders. No issues at all doing 70 (351W and gears make that easy to do) and zip around town with no feeling of high center of gravity. I tend to drive it like I stole it.

The AOD is long and requires adaptors like the M5. Driveshafts will need to be shortened (rear) and lengthened (front). I found the 1 inch BL helped get the T-case up higher and the angles closer to stock configuration.

Tim

Thanks Tim
That was very helpful!
Im putting a blueprint 347 stroker in so probably not going to match you 351Windsor but should get me in the ball park

 

[wyattu15gl]

It can be done without a body lift. But will need tunnel modifications. You can cheat a little extra room with a lower crossmember, but only a little bit as it raises the fan in the shroud as the engine tilts. And the heads can run into the firewall as well. A one inch body lift should be all that is needed. Snug, but doable.

The next question, what axle gearing are you planning on running? Stock won't cut it.

I would suggest better options than the AOD. There are inherent flaws that cannot be fixed no matter how many upgrade parts you put inside of it.

Havent nailed gearing down yet. I'm looking for input on that also.
As I don't plan on doing extreme off roading , just trail driving & camping but mainly an in town runabout 4.10 seems to be a good starting point maybe up to 4.30

I have had good luck in the past with the AOD and want an automatic so the youngsters won't burn out my clutch and don't want anything computer controlled. What alternative would you suggest with those guidelines?

 

[bronco italiano]

Havent nailed gearing down yet. I'm looking for input on that also.
As I don't plan on doing extreme off roading , just trail driving & camping but mainly an in town runabout 4.10 seems to be a good starting point maybe up to 4.30

I have had good luck in the past with the AOD and want an automatic so the youngsters won't burn out my clutch and don't want anything computer controlled. What alternative would you suggest with those guidelines?

I am very pleased with my AOD, it was built/modified by a professional tranny shop, I use an actual pressure gauge to make sure I am right on with TV pressure. I went 4:11 gears on 31" tires and places my peak torque at about 2900 rpm. Highway could use 4:30 probably.

 

[Timmy390]

No expert on the AOD but from my understanding, you will need 4.88 minimum with the 33's. The AOD has a deep OD......lugging it will kill it......

Hoping others will chime in.

Tim