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Technical Air Cooled Ford-o-matic

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by AldeanFan, Aug 22, 2017.

  1. AldeanFan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2014
    Posts: 892

    AldeanFan

    Are there any improvements that can be made to an air cooled Ford-o-matic besides replacing it with something else?

    I'm replacing the 239 Yblock in my wagon with a 292 and it came with what's supposed to be a good Fordomatic. Based on the great condition of the engine I have no reason to suspect the tranny is anything but good.

    Before I put it in is there any thing I can/ should do besides change the fluid and gasket?
    Not going to rebuild it, if it's bad I'll put the stock trans back in or upgrade.
    I have a rebuilt AOD on the shelf but the adapter would be well over a grand Canadian by the time I got one shipped here.


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    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  2. dan c
    Joined: Jan 30, 2012
    Posts: 2,520

    dan c
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    if it comes to that, i have an old clipping from R&C detailing replacing it with a cast-iron cruise-o-matic.
     
    loudbang likes this.
  3. FrozenMerc
    Joined: Sep 4, 2009
    Posts: 3,093

    FrozenMerc
    Member

    My $0.02: (Assuming this is a street / cruiser car)

    If the Ford-O works good, leave it alone and run it.

    If you want to throw money at something, the AOD is a much better performing trans (if set up correctly) and will make it a nicer car to drive in the long run.
     
    Last edited: Aug 23, 2017
  4. brjnelson
    Joined: Oct 13, 2002
    Posts: 605

    brjnelson
    Member

    I have been running a air cooled Cruise o Matic for years, I did add cooler lines to a cooler equipt radiator.
    No problem
     

  5. AldeanFan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2014
    Posts: 892

    AldeanFan

    Interesting,
    How did you add cooler lines?


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  6. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,802

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    They are heavy and leak....but pretty much bullet proof. I'd love to replace mine but it gives me no cause. It has 3.22 gears and if it had any higher ratio I'd be looking to change it. The 292 has a lot of torque right from idle and handles the 2nd gear start easily. A bigger cam would screw that up a little. Late in 56 they all were water cooled so I can't answer about the guy above and his Cruiso. It has been said a Crusio valve body will work in a Fordo to have all 3 gears....
     
  7. The early Ford automatic has one advantage over it's newer brothers; you can push-start the car. Get the car up to about 35 mph, drop it into gear and away you go.
     
    jimmy six likes this.
  8. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,802

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  9. brjnelson
    Joined: Oct 13, 2002
    Posts: 605

    brjnelson
    Member

    On my A/C trans there are fittings on the right side. [​IMG]
    It is in my 59 P350. and has this TC
    IN IT[​IMG]


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  10. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,802

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Looks like added cooling lines. The front is a pressure test spot and the rear is not stock at least on mine added for a drain back to the pan. I would be leery of taking off a pressure spot because it would lower it because thru the radiator cooler has little to no back pressure but if it works, good.
    Above the line is the 1st-reverse adjuster. Looks ez to check with your installation. 2-3 is in the pan. I may have that backwards been a long time since I checked mine..
     

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