Fox Change Of Transmission

[Stuper01]

I have just purchased an 87 LX 5.0 with a 5 speed.... now don't shoot me for thinking this... but what is involved with changing this trans out to an auto???

as a daily driver, and something that will periodically go down the 1/4 mile.... I would like an Auto.

 

[RaggedGT]

It's not a terrible swap.
I'm sure I'll over look some parts etc.but others will chime in. But off the top of my head-
•Aod transmission and torque converter
•Flywheel
•Flex plate
•Trans. Mount/Cross member
•Driveshaft
•Shifter and linkage
•Pedal assembly
•Kick down cable
•Correct computer
•02 sensor harness
•Aod wiring harness
•Trans cooler

Like I said,in sure I left some stuff out,but hopefully this is a good starting point lol

 

[5.0specialist]

^What he said. lol Honestly, of how much involved that job would be (even harder than an aod to t5 swap) physically and cost-wise, you would be better off selling your 5 speed and buying an original aod mustang, unless the car has sentimental value to you. If you really want to do the auto swap, look for a 89 and up AOD. The older versions had the valvebodies with the 3/4 accumulator which were prone to leak. The 87' and older AOD's also don't have a lubrication pathway on the output shaft, which is not good if you want to go higher than 3.55 gears. If you want the best of the best, look for a 92'-93' mustang aod. In addition of having stamped steel direct drums (instead of cast iron) beginning in 1990, these also have a 6, instead of 5 direct clutches (or is it 6 vs 7, not 100 percent sure, but I do know they have one more clutch). Over the years since the beginning of its existence, AOD's were improved durability-wise.

 

[RaggedGT]

If you don't mind an upgrade idea,since you are already willing to do a trans swap - maybe look into a 4R70W transmission and a bauman (spelling?) controller

 

[5.0specialist]

If you don't mind an upgrade idea,since you are already willing to do a trans swap - maybe look into a 4R70W transmission and a bauman (spelling?) controller

Or he could install a full manual valvebody. But, it will basically be like driving a five speed without a clutch. The best 4R70w's to use for the foxbody are the 3.8 v6 ones from the new edge 99-04 mustangs and also from the 4.2L v6 trucks. They have the Windsor bolt pattern, unlike the 4.6 v8 version.

 

[Mstng93SSP]

I just swapped my previously 5 speed swapped foxbody back to AOD. Easy..... An AOD parts car would help as you would have everything.

 

[Chuckman]

Honestly the swap back and forth isn't all that bad (pedal assembly is a bitch though). Cross member and drive shaft are the same between t5 and aod (you'll have to cut the welds on the support tubes of the cross member and move it back, same as the factory did), really just need the trans, converter, flexplate, block plate, shifter, and if you get a constant pressure valve body (or manual 4r/aode) you won't even need a TV cable.

The aforementioned 98-01 v6 4r70w is the stronger of the stock transmissions, but really all the internals can be swapped around to make and aod just as good (see clickclickracing.com for everything you ever wanted to know about the aod family).

C4 is also a common swap, but no od and honestly an aod/4r can be built just as strong.

 

[1987GT]

Are you looking for an AOD? I have a 33K mile 87 that I am changing to T5!

 

[Stuper01]

All great input... thanks everyone... I agree, even though it's not that bad... may be just better to find an auto car... this one is so damn clean though...

 

[90sickfox]

The good thing is 5 speeds usually sell for more than automatics. You would probably come out on the top end of a deal. Might even find someone willing to trade. If I had an auto I'd think about it.

 

[mymach1wins]

The list RaggedGT put up is a good one except, You need not worry about a computer or wire harness with AOD. The only wires are the 4 wire connector to the round MLPS aka PRNDL switch. That's whats so much easier about the AOD over the 4R70-E&W. Here's a link to my video on AOD Linkages that might help.
View: https://youtu.be/9G21KVhx4eU

 

[tsiemens]

if you give me your 5 speed stuff you can have my flawless auto trans