Ok Ford gurus.... We are trying to see if the flexplate we have will work or if we need to order a new one to avoid the shakes. We have a 91 AOD, converter that is good to go and a rebuilt 81 302 out of a f150 that had a C6 behind it. The stock flexplate off the 302 fits the converter and clears the bellhousing. I am just concerned about the whole 28oz VS 50oz thing. I have researched it here and on a bunch of other websites and came away more confused than when I started. So will everything we have work with no vibrations or do we need to order a new flexpate and if so what one?
81 model engine should be 28oz unless the crank has been changed. Trans doesn't matter on the weight, only the engine. As long as you have the proper weight flexplate with 164 teeth and the matching spacer plate you are good to go.
Not sure if the crank has been swapped. I know the engine was rebuilt and it was one of the smoothest running/driving engines I have ever had. This plate and ballancer were on it when I drove the truck home. Have to cut me a bit of slack, Im a recoverring mopar guy whos wife bought a 50 shoebox.
use the flexplate that goes with the motor. If I remember correctly the offset on the C6 flexplate is the same a an AOD. Just make sure when you bolt the trans onto the engine that you have some clearance so the convertor is not pushing on the pump.
1982 was the transition year from the early 28oz to the later 50oz. balance. The damper and flex plate have to match the corresponding pre 82 or 82 and later crankshaft. Some sources say that since 1982 was a transition year, there is some overlap In that model year
This has been hashed over already.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/351w-balance-issues.1030853/ Your '81 302 is a 28oz motor, and there are differences between the various flexplates. The one you need is an aftermarket 'conversion' flexplate, part number in this thread.
The 302 and the 5.0 are basically the same motor. The difference being is the balance. Ford started calling it a 5.0 when they went to the 50oz weight. I believe in '82, but might be wrong, but close on the year. All motors know as a 302 were 28oz balance motors. And, yes if you get the wrong flexplate on either engine, it will shake your fillings out! Go with the flexplate for your motor and all will be fine.
Balance issues aside, A C6 flexplate will not work on an AOD, even though it all bolts together just fine. The C6 plate stands off the crank hub a bit further than the AOD plate. Thus, a C6 plate will shove the convertor back into the AOD's pump and cause pump failure in short order. I learned this the hard way, go buy the correct AOD flexplate, they are much cheaper then a new trans pump.
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