Guys:
Looking for input on which auto trans to put into my '56 Fairlane. The car is close to stock, came with a 312, I upgraded the intake, carb and distributor and a few other safety/ comfort items.  The car has a Fordamatic transmission and the differential has a 3.89 gear set.  I like the power that the gear ratio provides but not the RPMs on the highway or the gas mileage.  I was thinking about replacing the Fordamatic with  a later transmission that has a lock-up torque converter.  People have recommended C-4s and C-6s and a couple claim the older AOD is the way to go.  I would prefer one that would be easy to install and would use the original shift linkage.  I do like a firm shifting transmission but don't plan on doing any drag racing. Any suggestions?

Larry Fuller

With the 3:89 gears and highway driving the AOD will be the answer. The other auto trans are still 1 to 1 when in 3rd gear.


-Gary Burnette-

I've not done an AOD, but I've done a couple off topic autos, gearing from 3.55 to 3.79. No substitute for the O/D 4th gear. Most will also allow for a lock up without computer controls on the TC. There's several members here who have on either the Croan (?) or Bentensen (?) conversion. Not sure about my spelling. Hopefully they'll chime in.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

c4's are easy and cheap to rebuild with low parasitic as well easy to convert.

I've got a '56 Crown Vic 312+30 Paxton supercharged  4.11 posi, and  the best thing I've ever done to the car is going to the AOD. I've got the Croan conversion and it's been working great for 3+ yrs.
It was expensive but as far as drivability it was worth every penny. I highly recommend the switch if it fits in your budget.... did I say it was expensive?



Woodland Hills,Ca

Gary Croan is in Costa Mesa CA @ 949-722-1122 or garycroan@gmail.com  May also go by the name Bristol Services. Don't have details about Benetsen (spelling?) transmission, but someone on site should be able to help 


Paul

I have a C4 which seemed like a good choice at the time, three years ago, and hasn't given any problems, but if I were to do it over, it would probably be an AOD.  When I put the C4 in I thought I wouldn't put on that many highway miles which turned out wrong, once a year or so we do long weekends of 500-700 miles and the extra gear would be nice.  On Thunderbirds, you have to grind a little off the frame for the AOD which worried me, but it is very minor grinding.  I can't speak to the trans mount or the shift linkage on a Fairlane, but they were both easy on the 'Bird, drill one hole in the crossmember and elongate another and a 68 Mustang mount bolts right up, a slight straightening of the shift rod was all that was needed to connect the original shifter.

Don

I went with the AOD and haven't looked back. As mentioned the overdrive is worth it. If you like a steeper gear like a 4:11 for quick take off you can still cruise at highway speeds without over taxing the engine. 3:80's would probably be a good all around gear. Chuck

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

I met a guy the other day who just put an AOD in a 54 Ranch Wagon. He showed me a cell phone picture of the adapter plate that he bought, but couldn't remember who the supplier was. I gave him my e-mail addres and asked him to let me know who he got the kit from. Does anyone know of any other vendors for an AOD other than those mentioned? Also, any specifics on which AOD to use?
Rono 

  Ron Lane,  Meridian, ID

Ron, MK VII  or mustang GT.............



Frank/Rebop

Bristol, In ( by Elkhart)