How to Identify a Ford AODE Transmission
- 1). Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine. The pan is located on the bottom of the transmission and attached by 14 bolts. AOD, AODE and 4R70W transmissions all have the same pan shape, illustrated on Fordification.com's AOD section on the Automatic Transmission Identification page.
- 2). Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the driver's-side rear of the transmission housing. This is where the electronic control cable plugs into the unit and is what differentiates the older AOD transmission from AODE and 4R70W units.
- 3). Identify differences between the AODE and 4R70W. Although essentially the same transmission, the Thunderbird and Cougar Club of America identifies their differences as different gear ratios and the 4R70W having a larger outside diameter slip yoke on the drive shaft, requiring a different extension housing. Another identification tool, found on The Ranger Station, identifies the 4R70W's transmission code as "U," which is located on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on the inside Driver's side door post.