17: Up above in the passenger cabin is the AOD
shifter. Its removal is where this job gets a little
involved. Using a 10mm socket, Julio removes the
four corner bolts on the black plastic housing. But
the shifter is not free yet.
18: The shifter cable end, which runs underneath the shift handle and housing, is disconnected from the shifter quadrant.
19: Disconnect the automatic shifter light.
20: The console is also attached to the glove
compartment and dashboard. Disconnecting
the hatch release switch will free up the console. It is removed along with the shifter.
17
18
19
20
21
22
21: This is the ’79-’93 Mustang brake and
clutch-pedal assembly, retrieved from a donor
car. Now is the time to rebuild with new bushings and hardware to ensure durability and
trouble-free performance. Conversion from
automatic to manual pedals is covered in depth
in the companion story (see page 70).
22: Back underneath, now to the flexplate and
separator plate behind it. Remove the six bolts
holding the flexplate on, and remove it. Then
remove the separator plate. Now is the time to
replace the engine’s rear main seal and pan gasket
if there are leakage issues, and there probably are.
While you’re in there, examine the camshaft block
plug and oil galley plugs for leakage.
INSTALLATION
23: The manual-transmission separator plate, a
one-piece unit, goes on first.
24: Julio stresses upgrading to a pilot bearing
versus a bushing. Bushings are not as forgiving
in terms of durability, making the pilot bearing
an excellent investment.
25, 25A: Flywheel bolts get a thread locker and
are torqued to 75-85 ft/lb in crisscross fashion
for even tightening. Torque bolts in one-third
values — 28 + 28 + 29 ft/lb for example, if
you’re going for a total of 85. Double-check
torque spec with your service manual. Flywheel
surfaces are cleaned with a high-evaporative
solvent like brake cleaner. Keep your fingers off
contact surfaces. Skin oil is just as detrimental to
friction surfaces as gear lube or motor oil.
25A
23
24
25
Issue 2 FOX Mustang Magazine 67