What is an AODE?
The AODE transmsision came out in 1992. It was produced from the 1992 model year through the 1995 model year. The AODE only came in the following vehicles; 1992-1994 Town Car, Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis and the 1994-1995 Mustang (both the 3.8L V6 and the 5.0L V8). These are the only years and vehicles the AODE was ever produced. The AODE is an electronically controlled transmission. The shift schedule, pressure schedule and torque converter clutch control are controlled electronically through the EEC. The gear ratios of the AODE are identical to those of the AOD, 2.40, 1.47, 1, 0.67. It's electrical connector at the passenger rear of the case easily identifies this transmission.
What is a 4R70W?
The 4R70W transmission came out in 1993 and is still produced today. All Mark 8's came with a 4R70W, all 1994 - 1997 T-Birds came with a 4R70W, all 1996 to present Mustangs came with a 4R70W, all Town Cars, Crown Vic's and Grand Marquis from 1995-present came with a 4R70W and a lot of trucks from 1994-present also came with the 4R70W. There are only three differences between the AODE and 4R70W. The first is that it has a different gear set, a Wide ratio gear set, hence this is where the W came from. The gear ratios in the 4R70W are 2.84 for 1st gear, 1.55 for 2nd gear, 1:1 for 3rd gear and 0.7 for 4th gear. The only other differences between the AODE and 4R70W is that the 4R70W uses a larger outside diameter slip yoke on the driveshaft which requires a different extension housing for this larger diameter and the 4R70W uses a better output shaft material. This is because of the higher torque multiplication of the lower 1st gear ratio.