The Ford AOD and 4R70W look almost identical. They are not. The 4R70W is the modernized HD evolution. Here is the comparison and the upgrade path.
Shop the parts for this fix
Or grab the individual parts:
- AOD Steel Clutch Plate Kit 1989-Up — $37.99
- AOD Pan Gasket with Seals — $23.99
- AOD Transmission Filter 1980-1993 TF-62 — $20.99
- AOD Servo Piston Kit 1980-Up — $40.99
Production years
AOD (1980-1993):
- Hydraulically controlled (no PCM)
- 4-speed automatic with overdrive
- ~300-350 ft-lb rating
- Used in Mustang, F-Series, Bronco, LTD
AODE (1992-1995):
- Electronic version of AOD
- PCM-controlled shifting
- Same internals as AOD
4R70W (1993-2008):
- Electronic, PCM-controlled
- 4-speed with wider ratios
- ~440 ft-lb rating
- Used in Mustang GT, F-Series, Crown Vic, Town Car
What is HD about the 4R70W
Wider gear ratios:
- AOD: 2.40 1st gear
- 4R70W: 2.84 1st gear
- Better acceleration off the line
HD planetary:
- 4R70W: HD pinion gears
- Wider gear face
- Higher torque rating
HD reverse drum:
- 4R70W: thicker walls
- Less prone to cracking
HD input shaft:
- 4R70W: larger diameter
- Less twist failure
What parts interchange
Same between both:
- Bell housing pattern (small block Ford)
- Output shaft mount
- Some valve body components
- Pan and filter (most years)
Different:
- Input shaft (larger on 4R70W)
- Planetary set
- Clutch packs (more frictions on 4R70W)
- Valve body (electronic vs hydraulic)
- Solenoid pack (4R70W only)
AOD to 4R70W swap considerations
Swap requires:
- PCM and harness with 4R70W support
- 4R70W trans and converter
- Driveshaft modification (different yoke)
- Crossmember mod (sometimes)
Cost:
- Used 4R70W: $400-$800
- PCM + harness: $300-$600
- Labor: $1,000-$2,000
- Total: $1,700-$3,400
When to swap vs rebuild AOD
Swap to 4R70W if:
- Truck makes 300+ ft-lb
- Heavier than 4,000 lb GVW
- Towing regularly
- Wanting parts availability
Rebuild AOD if:
- Stock truck, stock HP
- Cost-sensitive
- Cosmetic match to era
Cost
AOD rebuild:
- Parts: $400-$800
- Labor: $1,000-$1,800
- Total: $1,400-$2,600
4R70W rebuild:
- Parts: $500-$900
- Labor: $1,200-$2,000
- Total: $1,700-$2,900
4R70W swap from AOD:
- Total: $1,700-$3,400 (includes PCM)
HD upgrade options for both
- Sonnax HD valve body
- HD reverse band
- HD direct clutch pack
- Billet input shaft
- HD torque converter
Need AOD, 4R70W, or HD upgrade parts? Shop our Ford AOD/4R70W catalog. HD clutches, billet shafts, complete rebuild kits. Free shipping over $70.
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