C4 to AOD Columbus shifter issue

[blue 74]

I recently swiped out my C4 for a more modern AOD trans. It was definitely worth it. I live in southern California and the normal freeway speeds are 75-80mph. With the AOD I am now able to drive at 72-75mph while doing 2300rpm. The issue I am having is that I kept my original 74 steering column and the original automatic column shifter. With the AOD P and R and about the same on the column shift indicator, but Neutral is now between Reverse and Neutral and Drive is where Neutral is. Is there a way to adjust the indicator so all my shift points are where they should be. Or is there an AOD shift indicator that I can switch mine to?.

 

[DirtDonk]

Not sure. The overdrive indicators we sell have the same issue sometimes. They look cool, and have that extra position, but I've heard they still don't align perfectly in every shift position.

That said, I don't think there is such a thing as an adjustment that would make it work. More like a modification you'd have to do yourself to change the ratio of the shifter. Whether that be up at the pointer/indicator (very difficult to do cleanly I would think) or at the linkage (changing the ratio between the lever on the column to the lever on the side of the trans.

It would be nice if it was as easy as changing the location of the hole on the shift lever on the side of the trans! But I'm not sure it is.
Several people here thinking on the subject lately. Maybe they've come up with something brilliantly clever and are just waiting to let us know.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[englewoodcowboy]

The only company I have found with an AOD specific indicator is Ididit for their column. The issue is the spacing is the same as the standard 3 speed shifter. All of your issue is in your linkage adjustment. I had the same issue on mine using a flaming river by not having the indicator line up. It takes time and loads of patience to get it right, I had to add a bend to the down rod so it got the arc closer to the throw of the AOD then made the rest of the adjustment with the linkage. I also used the Lokar AOD shift linkage kit and had to order their longer rod for that kit as the AOD is longer than the C4 and the shift linkage is slightly further back in orientation.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Lokar makes a universal arm for the transmission. The fun part is getting the geometery correct to line everything up. No one stop shop bolt it on and go. You have to figure the throw of the arm, the travel of the linkage. Even little things like altering the point where the linkage and the arm are perpendicular to each other at will alter the alignment of the gates.

Tinker and fiddle is what it will take.

 

[chriskent85]

Think you might be able to replace the glass on the indicator. If so you could go to any vinyl decal shop and place the letters on yourself. That way it lines up exactly

 

[Broncobowsher]

Think you might be able to replace the glass on the indicator. If so you could go to any vinyl decal shop and place the letters on yourself. That way it lines up exactly

You would also have to get into the column and weld/file the shift gates as well. The shifter isn't just the window, there are gates that should line up as well.

 

[spap]

I have the same problem with my 4r70. Was looking at Broncos that came with AODs for the shift indicator. I will check out the WH ones

I guess the good thing if someone tries to steal the truck they won't be able to put the truck in the right gear, HA

 

[Broncobowsher]

I don't think you will find the clear window with an AOD shift pattern. By the time the AOD was out the shift pattern was in the background and the pointer is in front of it and the window is clear.

The C4 and AOD use the same number of gates.

 

[spap]

Got it thanks your right , I was also I thinking I have the overdrive switch and light so maybe not as hard as with the AOD
To bad you can't tie into the bauamann controller to tell the gear, it s nice and clear but in the glove box