AODs.

[2TonCat]

Anyone know a lot about AODs? I'm morely concerned with reliability. How long is an AOD expected to last? I know my dad's 4r and my 4r were both pieces of crap stock.

[TSC89]

You probably have already checked this out but just in case, I found a lot of data about the automatic's problems, fixes and so forth over on the TCCOA site in the tech section. I also found another site that talked about issues with them. I'll see if I can find it again.

[2TonCat]

Yep... What worrys me about AODs is that hey are a previous generation in the 4r70's lineage... We all saw the epic failure of Jasons when he was cruising on the highway at the speed limit. I can't have that happen to me on a daily driver, nor would I spend the money to build up another auto for that purpose.

[007_SuperCoupe]

The key to the longevity of an AOD as I see it, is to keep the clutches slipping to a minimum. A couple small upgrades will keep it running well. The issue is, of course, that you don't know how it was treated before you got it. But by installing a transmission cooler (I completely bypassed the stock one) and a shift kit, you will greatly increase the life of the tranny on a stock or near stock SC. The shift kit can be a Trans-Go (cheaper). It will firm up the shifts significantly and ultimately provide less wear on the tranny clutches. If you've got just a little more to spend, get a Lentech valve body. That is the best way to go for an AOD...it's a little pricey at $400~ but well worth it in the long run...and you can install it on future AODs if you ever need to swap it out.

And finally, you want to make sure that your TV cable is adjusted properly. Too loose and the tranny will burn up. There's not really an issue with having the TV cable tighter as it further firms up the shifts. Some people debate this, but I've personally seen tranny's run well with the TV cables as tight as they could go.

Fluid level is also an issue. The stock tranny cooler lines have a tendancy to leak over time, lowering the fluid level. This is most noticable on cold mornings and on an incline...the transmission will seem as though it is not engaging in a gear, most often from a stop. Properly checking the fluid level and maintaining the right level of fluid is very important.

I'm not a tranny "expert" but have had issues with my own and have seen what benefit there is to a couple small mods that don't cost a great deal. My tranny was saved because of them.

[2TonCat]

Great advice, thanks man. I agree on bypassing the stock cooler. Your engine will heat up your trans to a certain point, and the trans temp just takes off from there. Solid lines are good too.

[MN12Racing]

How long is an AOD expected to last?

In my experience, about 45 minutes. :)

I agree with the above comments, if you're getting an AOD, don't leave it alone.