I used an 1992 Thunderbird AOD at first, then went T5Z. Here's what I know from the install on my 87 2.0 5spd single cab shortbed.
-You will have to flatten the pinch seam in the trans tunnel.
-The AOD dipstick might be able to be modded to work but after attempting to fill with sand and heat/bend, it was going to require too much bending to clear the firewall and headers for my tastes. I ended up buying a Lokar AOD dipstick that worked perfectly. It's for sale by the way..
-Everything will depend on what engine mounts and plates you use, and the overall forward/rearward placement of the engine. But you can place the engine where needed to make your stock crossmember work.
-My stock crossmember worked but I had to alter the bolt holes/slots in the crossmember due to the tranny mount I used.
-You'll have to research dimensions of various rubber or poly trans mounts if you want to buy a new one for the AOD that'll bolt in. Look on manufacturers websites for that info.
-The Hedman 88400 headers will hit the AOD but it's easily clearanced with an angle grinder and flap disc. No problems whatesoever.
-My stock 2.0 5spd standard cab driveshaft bolted right in with the proper front yoke installed.
- I still used the original trans crossmember with the T5Z but I had to modify the bolt spacing again on the center trans mount section. Super easy.
-Rick's Rangers offers a nice crossmember on Ebay that allows for lowered trucks to go even lower, but I think it's needs additional gussets installed for ultimate stiffness.
Here are some pictures of the Hedman 88400's mounted up to an E7 head 302 from a 92 Thunderbird with the AOD. The transmission's internal pressures are controlled via the TV cable that attaches to the throttle cable bracket on the efi 302. All of those parts are easily re-used because they all came on the engine/trans to begin with. You can and will burn up your transmission if you don't set your TV pressure correctly before EVER trying to move it under it's own power. TRUST ME ON THIS. Why do you think I went to a T5Z lol
Passenger side
Passenger side showing slight interference with the AOD. That little tab on the bell can be smoothed off until it no longer interferes with the header, but installing and bolting down the exhaust will be tight regardless. Luckily, the Hedman 88400's 3 bolt flange can be rotated to the position that works well for the easiest access to the bolts/nuts.
Drivers side. I had to heat and bend the Thunderbird oil dipstick to fit inside the header. It was pretty easy. I taped off the ends with Gorilla duct tape and filled with dry sand. Heated the tube and bent it over various objects to get the diameter of bend I needed. Cleaned out using several cans of brake clean, soap and water, and compressed air to assure no grains of sand were left. Worked flawlessly.
The exhaust is my most hated part to service on this truck due to the clearances being so tight on the 3 bolt flanges at the header. I built a custom 2.5" stainless steel exhaust system with mandrel bends to an internal x-pipe Magnaflow muffler. These clamps are worth their weight in gold:
https://www.ebay.com/p/Ttoem250ss-2-5-2-1-2-Torca-TORCTITE-Stainless-Steel-Lap-Joint-Band-Clamp/16005218236?iid=161445619666&chn=ps
Hopefully some of that will help you in the future.
GB