Swapping out my AOD

[Hazegray]

Here's my problem: When my AOD took a dump 2 years ago, I went ahead and had it professionally rebuilt with red clutches, etc. thinking it was going to be more of a daily driver. With gas prices the way they are, it's been more of a weekend desert cruiser and I have been leaning towards swapping out for a np435 setup. Don't get me wrong, I love the auto on the road, but with no engine braking downhill, it's not suiting my off-roading these days. Would it be worth the swap or stick with what I have?

 

[mattt]

Will the AOD not hold 1st gear if manually selected? Or is the problem that 1st gear is just too high? I'm hoping to swap to an AOD in the very near future.....if you do decide, I'd be interested.

 

[bax]

Your going to have to change out driveshafts too. The aod is longer than the 435.

 

[Hazegray]

The AOD will not hold 1st gear unless you have some valve body work done. I have a "shift kit" installed, but just firmed up the shifts is all.

Yeah, I know 'bout the driveline changes. If I do pull the trigger on the swap, just hoping someone with a np435 will swap everything straight across.

 

[DonsBolt]

I wonder if you put a different torque converter in it, and did some valve body work would you be able to get the engine braking your looking for??

 

[regshawn]

I would think if you where going from an AOD to a stick you would at least stay with the up-grade theme and install a ZF or a 3550? If you install the 435 (which will get it done) it's basically a 3-speed with a another low gear. With the ZF and similar at least you get a true 5 speed with the 5th being an overdrive. Just a thought though, and like I said the 435 will get the job done and has a super low gear. I would think you could play with the AOD and find a happy middle ground, or am I out of my mind. Just throwing my .02 in, have a good one.

 

[Pa PITT]

Hey let me ask Running Buddy he has a NP435 and all the stuff ...He already has the aod in his but He might like to have a spare ...

 

[Madgyver]

Wouldn't a manual valvebody swap be easier?

I hear that Lentech Automatics has one set up for what you want..

I believe I have it in boxes here. I haven't gotten into the Taz's AOD yet...

 

[Mr. Dawg]

PM sent.

PM Sent.
Thanks.

 

[Hazegray]

I like the idea of the manual 5-speeds, but I don't run down the highway like I planned. I WANT a granny first gear for crawling around in the dirt and just can't justify spending more money on a new valve body, etc. If I could get a straight-over swap (i.e., crossmember/drivelines/adapter for T-shift T-case, clutch set w/flywheel/clutch brackets, starter etc.) for a 3 1/2 lift, then this idea seems more plausible to me. My end would include everything needed for the swap, i.e. the flexplate/starter, heavy duty torque converter/transmission,B&M shifter, TV cable, correct conversion cross-member (not hacked), drivelines...everything needed for the implant.

FYI: It was built as a special high performance tranny with Alto High Speed material friction clutches and kevlar front band, etc back in Dec 04. It's a good transmission with less than 8 thousand miles on it. That's how little I drive it.

 

[regshawn]

Sounds like already made your mind up. The 435 has the low gear as you desire, but so does the ZF and you get 5 full gears. I actually may even know some one that would entertain swapping everything straight across (everything).
Wow after reading this myself it almost sounds like I'm trying to talk you in to something, but I'm not I actually like have an auto myself as I'm not looking to break my stuff on rocks I can drive around.
Good luck to you in with eve you decide, as it will be the best choice for you.

Shawn

 

[trophybass]

If you go manual, i would be interested in the aod/t-case adapter for my swap.

 

[bax]

heck just put in a stak 3 speed transfer case and you will have it all. Highway, crawl and bling. Those new mini monster boxes look nice.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The AOD will have engine braking if you pull the shifter down into "1", unless something isn't working right.

At low speeds, engine braking is not that good. Why? You don't have enough gear. Acceleration is fine, you are using the torque convertor to get moving. But the torque convertor only multiplies torque when acclerating, it doesn't multiply during engine braking.

My 4R70W (basicly the same as the AOD but with a touch lower gear and all eletronic) is worthless at low speed engine braking, unless I have it in low range. In low range the engine braking is very good. My trick, 3.15:1 tera lows. I can idle down long loose grades as if it were a stick. I would really like to try a Stak, but that is still a few years away fund wise (too many other projects on the slate)

 

[Hazegray]

The tranny does go into 1st, but it's just not enough to keep my foot off the brakes going downhill. I have driven many 4x4's over the years and learned to appreciate the slow, controlled downhill crawl a granny gear gives. All in all, it might be wishful thinking on my part to find someone local who is willing to do the swap anyway.

 

[Milkbone222]

where did you purchase the crossmember for the AOD conversion?

 

[Hazegray]

The PO had it installed prior to purchase.

 

[mattt]

where did you purchase the crossmember for the AOD conversion?

Tom's sells them ready to go, already modified for AOD use.