AOD Torque Converters

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No lockup = no overdrive so you will basically turn it into a 3 speed and since the TC never locks up its ALWAYS slipping which as GTO said makes the non lockup run hotter. Now on the other hand if your ever planning on really feeding an AOD some power you pretty much have to get rid of the lockup feature or you will twist off intermediate shafts like nobodys business. From the combo setup you have it sounds similar to mine and I've had nothing but fun with it and love the highway manners with overdrive (even with 4.10 gears) the one thing I would suggest is to reinforce your AODs major weakpoint and while you are in there changing the TC buy a hardened input shaft and replace that since it will be right there.
 
You still have overdrive with a non lockup converter. Although with a non lock there will never be a 1:1 ratio, which means you will turn higher RPM's than a lockup converter because its always slipping. If you want the absolute best times at the track and dont care too much about highway driving, get a non lock. If you like to cruise alot and wont see alot of track time, get a lockup.
 
How does an AOD still have overdrive when you take out the input shaft that runs the OD? .. In order to switch to a non lockup coverter you have to pull that shaft out which IS your 4th gear. Not trying to flame just wondered if I missed something, have rebuilt a couple of these (and they both actually worked yay!) like to find out all I can.

** 3rd gear is 1:1 4th gear is .068:1 right?

** And yes on the hardened input shaft it will handle 350 no prob, mine has held up nicely even banging into gears with the shift kit at just over 5k rpm
 
Im not exactly sure how to explain correctly but you can use a 2 piece or a 1 piece input shaft with a non lock. What did you mean when you said "In order to switch to a non lockup coverter you have to pull that shaft out which IS your 4th gear." ?
Did you mean take out the whole shaft, or switch to a 1 piece?

I dont think overdrive has anything to do with the input shafts, but im not positive. I just know you can run a non lock and you will still have overdrive.

Id also like to find out these answers, so anyone who can help us out, please chime in!
 
The intermediate/direct input shaft IS the lockup feature .. it splines directly into the back housing of the TC and is ALWAYS 1:1 with the motor .. this is the weak link because its a 3/4 diameter shaft and is eliminated with non lockup converters because when you bang into 3rd gear at WOT and the direct clutch engages to achieve the 3rd gear 1:1 ratio it then proceeds to torque the end right off the shaft. At least this has been my understanding just from the rebuilds and studying I have done to try and figure this damn trans out :D someone plz correct me if I'm wrong.

**The AOD has a 3 piece input shaft from the factory, the only one I'm talking about removing is the smallest diameter shaft that pulls right out without any trans. disassembly
 
Pretty sure theres only a couple companies that actually make the hardened input shafts just lot of people carry them. I thinkin the 300M alloy shafts you can't go wrong with, haven't had much experience with the 4340 alloy shafts but have "heard" they are the weaker ones.
 
rsw007- What suspension/tire set up do you have to cut those 60 fts? Im having trouble getting my car to hook.

fox8950- that makes sence, but, i just know that you can have a non lock converter with a one piece input shaft, and still have overdrive. I know that because thats what i have in my car.