AOD Trans Acting Up - 1987 5.0

I can only tell you that when my OD gear died abruptly on my 87 they wanted a fortune like $2000 at the dealer to fix it. Even tho' the other 3 main gears plus reverse worked fine.

Since it was a nice clean car I had a friend install a used guaranteed tranny with low miles from the boneyard and it was perfect until I sold it a year later when we moved for about $500 total.

As far as changing the fluid you can either go to a place that sucks it all out the cooling line and replaces it all at the same time (but that won't change the filter) OR:

Yes you drop the pan to change about 1/2 the fluid and get at the filter and yes you just pour it in the dipstick hole when done. There is normally a magnet somewhere in there to catch all the normal metal filings you'll want to wipe off.

NOW for an interesting argument? I know people who swear by never changing the fluid and have gone some crazy mileage on original fluid saying: "You need that grit in the original fluid to keep it from slipping."

Personally I change the fluid once every 50k or so and the filter but I still had a couple trannies go south anyhow. So far the never changers have a better record than Mr. Maintenance Me.

If you're looking for a magic cure I don't think there is one? I don't think your additive will hurt anything tho'- especially since it's having issues all ready. Maybe someone else can give you tips on if the bands are adjustable on the 87? I really don't know. As long as your fluid doesn't smell burned you're probably justified in getting it fixed properly. If it smells burned your clutches are going and it's time for either a rebuild or another used one. Depends how nice your car is and how long you plan on keeping it?

The guys over at the click click racing forum have alot of info about flushing/treating transmissions. I just finished putting my AoD back together about 3 months ago and have been enjoying abusing it http://www.clickclickracing.com/

On the AOD you cannot adjust the bans only on the c series and yes you add the tranny fluid from under the hood its on the passenger side of the car back by the firewall as far as tranny quick fix ive used lucus tranny fluid only one bottle ive put in there with mercon/dextron 3 its very thick and it helped mine with the leaks its about 10 bucks at auotzone or whatever auto parts you have around there but if you have anymore probs with your AOD let me know ill help you as much as i can i have the book on it