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

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.

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