The AOD is a true hydromechanical 4-speed automatic transmission controlled by a manual shifter and throttle valve (TV) cable. They also have a throttle-controlled kickdown linkage, which works with the vacuum modulator to control shift-points mostly for wide-open throttle (WOT) downshift.Click to see full answer. Also to know is, is the Ford AOD transmission any good?The Ford AOD transmission was evident in cars like the Mustangs, Fairmont, and LTDs around 1980 and 1993, and it was quite unique even though not in a really good way. For starters, it uprooted the Second gear in the shift pattern which left the latter dwindling in the gory land without remarkable performance.Subsequently, question is, are all AOD transmissions the same? All our AOD transmissions share the same gear ratios: 2.40:1 on the first gear, 1.47:1 on the second, 1:1 on third and 0.67:1 on fourth. Hereof, what years did Ford use the AOD transmission? The AOD (automatic overdrive) is a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Introduced in 1980, it was Ford’s first four-speed automatic overdrive transmission. The gearset design is based on the Ford “X” automatic transmissions used during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.How do I identify a Ford AOD transmission? How to Identify a Ford AODE Transmission Slide under the vehicle to view the transmission pan. The transmission is under the center of the vehicle, immediately behind the engine. Look for the electronic cable and electrical plug. AODE and 4R70W transmissions have a plug on the driver’s-side rear of the transmission housing.