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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD1987THUNDERBIRD BASE, 3.8 3REPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)TRANSMISSIONAUTOMATIC TRANSREMOVAL & INSTALLATION - A/TREMOVAL & INSTALLATION
1987 Ford Thunderbird Base, 3.8 3

AOT & A4LD: Removal

1987 Ford Thunderbird Base, 3.8 3SECTION Removal & Installation
  1. Raise and support vehicle. Drain transmission fluid. Remove converter access cover and adapter plate bolts from lower left side of converter housing. Remove 4 flexplate nuts. Turn engine clockwise (as viewed from front) to gain access to nuts.
    CAUTION: On belt driven overhead cam engines, NEVER turn engine counterclockwise (as viewed from front).
  2. Mark position of yokes and remove drive shaft. Install Seal Replacer (T74P-77052-A) in extension housing to prevent leakage. Disconnect and remove speedometer sensor from extension housing.
  3. On Mustang models equipped with A4LD transmission, disconnect shift rod at transmission manual lever. On Thunderbird models equipped with A4LD transmission, disconnect shift cable from manual lever and retainer bracket on extension housing.
  4. On Continental, Thunderbird and Cougar models equipped with AOT transmission, disconnect cable from bellcrank lever stud and remove self-tapping bolt from bell housing bracket.
  5. On all models, disconnect downshift cable at transmission downshift lever. On models equipped with AOT transmission, remove 2 bolts securing bellcrank bracket-to-converter housing.
  6. On models equipped with A4LD transmission, remove starter bolts and place starter out of way. On models equipped with AOT transmission, remove starter. On all models, disconnect neutral safety switch wires. On models equipped with A4LD transmission, disconnect converter clutch solenoid. On Thunderbird models, also disconnect the 3-4 shift solenoid. Remove vacuum line from modulator.
  7. On all models, position jack under transmission and raise it slightly. Remove engine support-to-crossmember bolts. Remove crossmember-to-frame bolts. Remove crossmember, insulator support and damper. On models equipped with A4LD transmission, disconnect muffler inlet pipe at exhaust manifold. On models equipped with AOT transmission, disconnect and remove any interfering exhaust system hardware. Lower jack under transmission and allow to hang.
  8. On models equipped with A4LD transmission, position a jack under front of engine. Raise engine to gain access to 2 upper converter housing-to-engine bolts. On all models, disconnect oil cooler lines from transmission using Remover (T82L-9500-AH for A4LD, or T86P-7726-AH for AOT). Plug openings.
  9. Remove lower converter-to-housing bolts. Remove transmission filler tube. Secure transmission to jack with a safety chain. On models equipped with A4LD transmission, remove the 2 upper converter housing-to-engine bolts. On all models, slide transmission to the rear and lower from vehicle.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.