AOD behind 302

[FENIX RANGER]

Hi dudes!
An AOD transmission works well behind a 302 engine?
My project is a 1985 Ranger, single cab and short bed whit manual transmission 4 speeds + over drive, 2.3L. I want a 302 engine, an AOD transmission, 8.8 differential limited slip with disc brakes for my swap. which car / truck can i choose like a donor with these pieces? automatic transmission that has the 95 explorer? all my desires are compatible with my ranger?
I appreciate your comments.
Thanks.

 

[JoshT]

If you're looking for all of that in one donor vehicle, it'd have to be a custom built set-up. You could get a 302 donor vehicle with an AOD, or you could get a 302 donor vehicle with disk brake 8.8 and ls. You could possibly even get a donor with 302, AOD and 8.8 LS but it won't have disks. If you found the latter it's doubtful that the axle would fit your Ranger, either too wide or too narrow. This really belongs in the V8 swap forum and you're more likely to get better answers there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't know if they made a 2wd V8 Explorer, I kinda doubt it.

It would be the 4R70W trans, which is a later incarnation of the AOD. All computer controlled, very good transmission.

 

[ZMan]

You can find an engine/trans from a donor, but you'll need to get the axle out of a Ford Explorer.

 

[Teddyzee]

Any Ranger 8.8 will bolt in.
If you really want disc brakes, I would suggest '94-'04 Mustang rear brakes, on the Ranger axle. An Explorer rearend will be very wide on a gen1 Ranger.

AOD was available in V8 Fords from the mid eighties (?) to 1993.

There was a 2wd Explorer 5.0, but as stated, it had the 4r70w automatic.

 

[FENIX RANGER]

Talking above diferential ratio

My old differential 7.5 (ratio 3.03) will be strong enough to withstand the extra horsepower of the new V8? I'm using wheels 14 "x 7" and 235/60 R14 tires, and calculate the circumference of the tire is 25.1" Which relates the differential need after putting the AOD transmission? the goal will be to get a truck for daily use with a moderate fuel consumption and have the best acceleration from 0-60 mph. I guess there must be a balance.
What do you think?

 

[originalnitro]

Since no one donor will give you what you want I suggest a 5.0 from a 97+ Exploder, AOD from a 89-93 V8 truck or car (truck is stronger),and a 8.8 from a mid 90s+ ranger that had the 4.0 in it. A 7.5 axle is strong enough for a mild 5.0 but those 3.03 gears will suck with an AOD. If you want a decent 0-60 use something around 3.73-4.30 gears.

 

[FENIX RANGER]

Mercury Grand Marquis

Since no one donor will give you what you want I suggest a 5.0 from a 97+ Exploder, AOD from a 89-93 V8 truck or car (truck is stronger),and a 8.8 from a mid 90s+ ranger that had the 4.0 in it. A 7.5 axle is strong enough for a mild 5.0 but those 3.03 gears will suck with an AOD. If you want a decent 0-60 use something around 3.73-4.30 gears.

I appreciate your attention, I was reading on wikipedia about 302 engines and AOD transmissions, 1983-1989 Grand Marquis had that engine and transmission will be correct to use that model of car? because it is cheaper and I can fix it little by little.

 

[FENIX RANGER]

What above torque converter?

and the torque converter? which will be the rpm to choose? I can use the stock torque converter or buy another?
if I buy one which you recommend? 2k, 2.4k?
any suggestions?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Any Ranger 8.8 will bolt in.
If you really want disc brakes, I would suggest '94-'04 Mustang rear brakes, on the Ranger axle. An Explorer rearend will be very wide on a gen1 Ranger.

Actually in a first generation Ranger an Explorer rear axle is closer to matching the width of the front than the factory Ranger axle. The original rear axle is a couple inches narrower than the front, which after that has been pointed out... looks kind of stupid.

 

[bearsrngr]

Iv'e got a mid 90s mustang axle I was going to use in my 86, but being nearly 4 inches wider I'm concerned about tires clearing the fender. Even with the wheels offset in 1.5 inches I think it will still rubb.Think I will just use the ranger 8.8 and swap the mustang internals and disk brakes.

 

[Twisted_Steel]

As far as your engine/tranny combo, the 302/AOD combo came in many ford cars and trucks from the early 80's-93.
I'm running a 1985 HO 302 w/ a 600 cfm Holley and a 1991 Mustang AOD transmission. I just checked my mileage and am getting 17.2 mpg. I might get better if I had the timing set by a machine (I set it by ear)
I recently replaced a Tremec 5 speed with the AOD unit and never got over 16 mpg while running it

 

[Teddyzee]

Actually in a first generation Ranger an Explorer rear axle is closer to matching the width of the front than the factory Ranger axle. The original rear axle is a couple inches narrower than the front, which after that has been pointed out... looks kind of stupid.

I don't think the Explorer axle ever changed width. But he was looking for disc brakes, which weren't available on the GenI Ex.

My width concerns are only valid if he lowers the truck. If it's stock or lifted, anything can go under there.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think the Explorer axle ever changed width. But he was looking for disc brakes, which weren't available on the GenI Ex.

My width concerns are only valid if he lowers the truck. If it's stock or lifted, anything can go under there.

First generation was in referance to the Ranger, not the Explorer.

 

[Teddyzee]

I'll learn to read one of these days