Did Ford use the 4R70W in all 96-up GT's?

[1987stangman]

First off, sorry for what might seem like a dumb question. I have searched the web and this site an can't find a easy way to ID the trans in my 96' GT.

I am doing a full P.I engine swap. (some of you might have seen some other questions I have posted) I was just curious to know if it was a AODE or a 4R70W trans. I want to buy a better TQ converter so I need to know for sure. What I have found on the net indicated that all 96-up GT's got the 4R70W but I swa some post that said they had a AODE. I even googled the tag on the side of the tranny and came up with no hits.

Is there a better way to ID these?

 

[Deleted member 38176]

96-97 got the AODE.

98-04 got the 4R70W.

 

[1987stangman]

96-97 got the AODE.

98-04 got the 4R70W.

I have heard this too and thats why I am reaching out on the forums to see what the deal is. I wish someone could tell me a way to positively ID it. If you read this article from tccoa.com it says that all the 94-95 Mustangs came with an AODE and 96-up Mustangs got the 4R70W trans. I've searched the hell out of the web but there is no info on how to tell what you have based on ID tags.

TCCoA Transmission Article - Page 1

As always, it's hard to beleive everything you read on the net.

Thanks for taking the time to help me.

EDIT: Didn't the AOD's come with a 2 bolt starter setup vrs the 4R70W's 3 bolt? Mine has 3 bolts and the new 04' PI motor I bought came with the engine to trans spacer plate that is exactly the same as mine with 3 bolt holes for the starter?

 

[Deleted member 38176]

Upon further research, I've run into a few sources that state that the AODE was NOT used after 1995 in any Ford vehicle. Interesting.

As far as differentiating between the two, this was all I could find:

Even if you take them apart, they will look almost identical to the untrained eye. The main thing is that the extension housing bushing is larger on a 4R70W. The AOD and AODE have the same size extension housing bushing. The 4R70W extension housing says W on it.

4R will likely have a yellow extension housing/tailshaft seal (If its stock) and the AODE will have a red seal.

there were no more AODE production vehicles after 1995

1993 was a crossover year, and AOD, AODE, and 4R70w was available on different vehicles.

If the transmission pan has a dimple in the bottom, it is most likely a 4R70W

1998 was the major revision year for the 4R70 so if you can find a trans out of a 98 and newer vehicle, that would be the core to get.

When you take the pan off, if there are actual wires going to the shift solenoids, you have either a AODE or early 4R70w(93-97)

98+ 4R70ws have what is called a lead frame connector which is a black circuit board connecting all the solenoids to the external transmission connector.

How to identify between a 4r70w and an aode - Ford Mustang Forums

 

[1987stangman]

Good info, thanks! I will look at the extension housing for the "W" but it does have the dimple on the bottom of the pan. I ordered a new tq converter yesterday so well see when it gets here if it fits.