T-0156-A Ford C4/C6/AOD & Chrysler Transmission Holding Fixture

Tearing down an AOD out of a Fox-body Mustang, a C6 from an older F-250, or a 904 TorqueFlite from a Mopar A-body? The first thing a rebuild needs is a way to hold the case still. This T-0156-A fixture is the Ford and Chrysler equivalent of the factory 307-003 holding fixture (earlier number T57L-500-B) and the OTC 7020. It comes with its own base, mounts to a standard engine stand, and lets you roll the case to any angle and lock it there while you work.

What the holding fixture does on a Ford or Chrysler rebuild

A rear-drive automatic comes apart in more than one direction. On an AOD you drop the pan and valve body with the case upside down, then stand it on its tail to pull the pump, the overdrive band, the intermediate and direct clutch packs and the forward clutch out the front. Reassembly runs in reverse, and every step after the geartrain is stacked depends on the case staying square so you can check end play with a dial indicator and seat the pump without cocking it. The fixture arms bolt to the case, the swivel head turns a full circle, and the lock holds it at whatever angle the step calls for. The OTC 7020 that this tool cross-references is rated for 250 lb and has positive stops every 90 degrees, which covers a bare automatic case with room to spare.

Applications listed for this fixture are the Ford C4, C5, C6, AOD, AOD-E, AOD-EW (4R70W), AXOD and AXOD-E (AX4S/AX4N), and the Chrysler 904 (30RH), 998 (31RR) and 999 (32RH). If you are rebuilding a GM TH350, TH400, 700R4 or 4L80E, use the GM-pattern J-8763-B holding fixture instead.

Problems a holding fixture prevents

• Gouged pan rail and valve body surfaces from sliding the case across a bench
• A pump seated crooked, which can chew the pump bushing and the converter hub seal
• Dropped drums or a planet set when the case tips during removal
• Bad end-play readings because the case was not level when the dial indicator was set
• A second person needed every time the case has to be flipped

How to confirm the transmission really needs to come apart

Many AOD complaints get blamed on hard parts when the real cause is adjustment. A misadjusted TV rod or cable will burn the overdrive band and the direct clutch, and late, harsh or no-upshift complaints often start in the valve body. Work through our AOD common problems guide first, then check TV pressure and line pressure before you pull the unit. If the fluid is burnt, there is clutch material in the pan, or the truck has lost a gear, it is time for a teardown, and our AOD rebuild cost breakdown shows what parts and labor to plan for.

Fitment

This is a tool, not a vehicle-specific part, so fitment is by transmission family. It is built for the Ford and Chrysler cases listed above, including units that came out of the AOD, AODE and 4R70W trucks and cars, and the Chrysler 904 family that shares its basic layout with the 727 TorqueFlite line. The base mounts to an engine stand you already own; the stand itself is not included. Before you order, check that the stand's mounting plate and bolt pattern will accept the base, and that your stand is rated for the weight of the case you are holding.

Install and use notes

• Drain the transmission and remove the converter before mounting it. A full converter adds weight and dumps fluid when the case is rotated.
• Bolt the fixture to the case with the correct bolts at full thread engagement, and snug them evenly so the case sits square.
• Set the swivel lock before you put any force on a snap ring, a clutch spring compressor or a pump puller.
• Keep the case level when checking end play and when torquing the pump bolts to the service manual spec in a cross pattern.
• Refill with the fluid your unit calls for: Mercon on the AOD, the Mercon-family fluid Ford specifies for your AODE or 4R70W year, and the factory-specified fluid on C4, C6 and Chrysler units.

Rebuilding an AOD on this fixture? Pair it with the Ford AOD master rebuild kit, which brings the clutches, band, seals and gaskets, and consider a corrected valve body such as the TransGo AOD valve body if the old one shows bore wear.

Which transmissions does the T-0156-A fixture hold?

It is listed for the Ford C4, C5, C6, AOD, AOD-E, AOD-EW (4R70W), AXOD and AXOD-E (AX4S/AX4N), and the Chrysler 904 (30RH), 998 (31RR) and 999 (32RH). GM units such as the TH350, TH400, 700R4 and 4L80E need the J-8763-B style fixture.

Is this the same as the Ford 307-003 or OTC 7020?

It is the equivalent tool. It cross-references to Ford Motorcraft 307-003 (earlier number T57L-500-B) and OTC 7020, so a service procedure that calls for 307-003 can be done with it.

Does it come with an engine stand?

No. It includes the fixture and its base, and the base bolts to a standard engine stand you supply. Check the stand's plate pattern and weight rating before you start.

Can I rotate the transmission while it is mounted?

Yes. The head swivels a full 360 degrees and locks, so you can work the valve body side with the case upside down and then stand it up to pull the pump and clutch packs.

Should I remove the torque converter before mounting the case?

Yes. Drain the fluid and pull the converter first. It adds weight, it is not held by the fixture, and it will spill fluid when the case is rotated.

• AOD Common Problems and Fixes: What Fails and Why
• AOD Valve Body Symptoms and Testing: Wear Points, Checks and Bench Tests
• AOD Delayed Engagement: Causes and Fix, Straight From Ford's Diagnosis Chart
• AOD Gear Ratios and Specs: The Full Ford Spec Sheet for the 1980-93 AOD