89 GT w/AOD slop in Overdrive?

Hey guys I am considering a 89 Mustang GT with AOD...

112k miles, he says The tranny was rebuilt 2 years back and maybe 10k miles back.

It drove fine and shifted well except for a little slop when going into overdrive...

Should I be very concerned?
Thanks for any imput.

Try doing a search on AOD's. Seems like a while back there was a thread about AOD's slipping and it was due to some cheap rubber/plastic part. Cant remember details though. Worth looking into. If I remember correctly this part could make or break the tranny. I think GTStang a moderator here was posting some good info in that thread also. So you may want to search for posts on the AOD by his user name if that makes since.

This is the post I was reffering to. Although now that I have read over it I dont think this is your problem. You may just be feeling the "slop" as you called it that alot of O/D transmissions have. The AOD has been known as a slush box tranny, in its stock form it really doesnt shift "crisp". It could be acting perfectly normal and your just not used to it.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=440840&highlight=GTStang

Thanks for the imput.

Sorry, I should be better at saying/explaining what my "slop" is.

I just drove it in OD from a start and it shifted fine in all other gears but when it went into overdrive, I could almost hear the shift. Like it was "looser" for lack of a better word?

I then went from 1st gear & manually went through the gears and the same thing happened when I got into overdrive, that final shift just seemed different for some reason? Like a clunk, that I could feel vs hearing.

No such feeling shifting into reverse...

(It had new exhaust)

I hope its nothing too serious, I put a deposit down on her!

Do you mean it just feels kind of lazy when shifting into O/D? I have never driven or ridden in a car with a "crisp" shift into overdrive. Between the stock 2.73 gears in that car and the overdrive (less that 1:1 gear ratio) O/D will feel very lazy compared to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts.

You should be fine unless the trans is slipping. Check the fluid for correct level, color, and odor. Trans fluid for your application (Ford AOD) should be checked if I remember correctly when idleing in Park. You will want to check the fluid a half dozen times or so cleaning the dipstick off each time. With the motor running the trans is pumping fluid. So you may check it once and it could look low, the you check again and it look overfull. Just continue to check the fluid until you are satisfied that it is filled to the correct level. Make sure that the fluid has a distinct red tint to it. You dont want the fluid clear (worn out) or dark (burnt). If it has a really bad odor then I would walk away. If the trans has not been serviced at regular intervals then I would walk away. These O/D trannies can be picky. I have seen first hand what can happen to trannies that where not properly serviced. If it had 112k on it and the trans has not been flushed or fluid and filter changed atleast twice (50k &100k) then do not change it if you get it. A high mileage trans like that can be destroyed by new fluid. Where the old fluid has "gunked up" the new fluid will slide by and leak or cause slippage.

I'm in no way trying to scare you away from this car. I think the trans is probably fine in it. Just letting you know what to look for. You could buy that car tomarrow, never touch the trans, and get another 100k out of it. Ya never know with these things.

Most definitely CHECK THE GROMMET that was referred to in the link. My went unchecked and by the time I found it the OD was slipping. The OD is the weakest link in the trans and once the belt goes, it is time for a rebuild or a new one. However, it was the best thing that ever happend to me. I put in a monster motorsports transmission and 3:73 gears. I haven't slowed down since!! I still have my factory transmission with about 86K original miles if anyone is looking for one to rebuild. It is a prime candidate and I'll sell it cheap.

Later

Hey thanks again guys!
351wStang: Yes, I guess you could say lazy...
I had a 91 LX 5.0 many years back, but I always drove 5spds before.
I did check the fluid the other day, it looked fine & smelled ok. I just checked it once though.
Scotty:
I do want to checkout the cable you were talking about.
It sounds like a fairly easy replacement & cheap insurance.

I am going to pick her up tommaro if the weather holds.
Thanks again guys, Ill keep ya posted.

Well, all seems good. I checked the "cable" connections and they appear fine.
Thanks again for the imput guys.