[Danny Cabral]

I've been using a Lentech Strip Terminator AOD transmission in my '78 Bronco, successfully for years. No electronics, just a throttle valve cable! (The AODE can't be built as strong.) I LOVE IT! Truly a world class piece of workmanship. I will never use any other transmission. Mine is the Stage 1 Strip Terminator AOD capable of 1000 horsepower. They make a Stage 2 AOD capable of 1500 horsepower. I first had an Art Carr AOD built for this application, but I blew it up in less than a year. Then I got serious and had Dynamic Racing Transmissions http://www.dynamicracingtrans.com/ (North Branford,CT) build the Lentech Strip Terminator AOD. (Not affiliated with Lentech Automatics in Canada, but they often work together.) No comparison...I've beat the heck out of this transmission and never had a problem.

This transmission was behind my mild (high torque truck) 466" for years and it's now behind a fresh, potent 508" engine. The low first gear of the wide ratio planetary gearset (2.84:1) and the pushbutton overdrive (.70:1) really give you the best of both worlds (if it's a street vehicle). (I don't like the E4OD...too heavy, too long, too much drag, requires expensive conversion electronics and can't be built as strong.)

Here's some quick specs:
Lentech Strip Terminator AOD (fully automatic/gearshift selectable 1st, 2nd and 3rd with pushbutton overdrive), JW Ultra-Bell SFI bell housing, Dynamic Racing Trans/TCT 10” 2500 rpm stall (non-lock up) torque converter, 300M 31 spline one-piece input shaft, FRPP wide ratio planetary gearset (2.84 1st 1.55 2nd 1:1 3rd .70 overdrive), Lokar stainless steel braided throttle valve cable kit, Lokar stainless steel braided flexible dipstick, finned aluminum deep (2 quart extra capacity) oil pan, very large (48 pass) Tru-Cool transmission fluid cooler with Aeroquip -6 AN fittings & stainless steel flex hose, Auto Meter 2259 temperature sensor, CSR Torque Master flexplate

Here are two links:
http://www.lentechautomatics.com/aodproducts.html
http://www.lentechautomatics.com/striptrans.html

I highly recommend using the JW Ultra-Bell (adapter bellhousing). If you decide against their adapter bell housing, then the Lentech adapter plate is the next best method of adaptation. It is 5/8" thick and won't flex. I feel it is the best AOD to 460 adapter plate on the market; besides the JW Ultra-Bell. (Don't ask me how I know...I first made the mistake of buying the Art Carr 3/8" thick adapter plate.)

If you want the installation details, you can read my Complete Overdrive Conversion Article here:
http://www.fordtrucks.com/article/idx/9/063/article/Complete_Overdrive_Conversion_for_7879_Ford_Bronco.html

 

[Danny Cabral]

AOD + 460 Adaptation

The JW Ultra-Bell (adapter bellhousing) #92454-AOD is the best way to bolt the AOD to a 400/460 engine (it's installed by cutting the small block bellhousing off the transmission case and bolting the adapter bellhousing to the front pump). Using the JW Ultra-Bell will also require the use of a custom 10" torque converter. If this is too expensive, then the Lentech 5/8" thick adapter plate (as opposed to Art Carr's & others 3/8" thick adapter plate) is the next best method.

I further strengthened my Art Carr adapter plate by fabricating a threaded stud (7/16" fine threads on transmission side - 7/16" course threads on engine side) and elongating the driver side lowest bellhousing bolt hole outward. This enables the engine block, adapter plate and the transmission to be bolted (stud & nut) together. This is necessary when using the AOD-to-460 adapter plate to prevent cracking the flexplate due to the transmission flexing/hinging away from the engine (on the adapter plate bolts) due to the lack of rigidity on the driver side lower mounting. Without my modification, there isn't any mounting support on the driver lower side of the bellhousing; because this area of the adapter plate doesn't bolt to the transmission. If this confuses you, please feel free to email me for further details.

The upgrade/purchase of a Lentech Strip Terminator is absolutely necessary. Please don't make the same mistake I made originally. The Lentech secret is in their 'reverse-third technology' valvebody (it's the solution to even the 'performance AOD's' weak link). I also always use synthetic transmission fluid in my transmissions.

 

[Tomas428]

Nice to se someone else using an AOD i have one that was rebuild localy here and then i put a lentech valve body in it, so i was wondering how did you do it with the cable setup i cant get mine to shift at the right times?
Does yours shift perfect at the right times?

Mine is in an 85 F150 4X4 with a 351W with some mild mods but im looking into building a big block.

Thanks

 

[Danny Cabral]

...so i was wondering how did you do it with the cable setup i cant get mine to shift at the right times? Does yours shift perfect at the right times?

Yes, I used the Lokar stainless steel braided throttle valve cable kit #KD-2AODHT.

 

[Tomas428]

So does that cable just go on the bottom hole on a holley carburator throttle likage? I might give it a try, Right now i am using a stock cable from a fuel injected vehicle.

 

[Danny Cabral]

So does that cable just go on the bottom hole on a Holley carburetor throttle linkage?

Yes, but the hole is just a tad short of pulling the throttle valve cable out all the way at full throttle (proper function). So you'll have to run a tad more throttle valve pressure/position at idle to compensate for full throttle pressure/position...which is actually safer anyway (a tad more TV pressure is much better than not enough). The bottom throttle linkage hole (arm length) on a Holley carburetor is closer to 'proper linkage geometry' (for AOD TV cable) than any other carburetor I've seen (because the hole swings the longest arc).

 

[Tomas428]

Thanks for the information i am not going to drive the truck during the winter so in spring im going to see how that works.

 

[pencilneck]

Danny, how would this transmission do in a tow vehicle? My 74 F250 Supercab has to pull my twin engine 4500 pound boat, but not every day. The C6 is good, geared to run 2000 RPM at 50 mph (yes) with oversized tires. My thought is that long term I could save money by reducing RPM (wear and tear) at highway speeds using an overdrive gear (better gas mileage?). Thanks, Roy

 

[Danny Cabral]

Danny, how would this transmission do in a tow vehicle? My 74 F250 Supercab has to pull my twin engine 4500 pound boat, but not every day. The C6 is good, geared to run 2000 RPM at 50 mph (yes) with oversized tires. My thought is that long term I could save money by reducing RPM (wear and tear) at highway speeds using an overdrive gear (better gas mileage?). Thanks, Roy

The AOD is an excellent towing transmission if you get the wide ratio planetary gearset because of it's low, 2.84:1 first gear. As always, you should never tow in overdrive (unless you're lightweight towing on a long flat grade and just maintaining cruise speed). I also always use synthetic transmission fluid.

Here are more great threads with some Lentech Strip Terminator AOD info:
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=115030
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114982
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118396
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97853
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99459
http://www.460ford.com/forum/showthread.php?t=141948&page=2