My swap about to happen, delayed by some stubborn Lincoln Explorer that refuse to let my friend's lift free.
So got plenty time to prep it:
Mine is a 351/fmx, so basically exactly the same.
The cross member will need some rework, and the holes moved +- 2inches further back
I have seen the aftermarket supports and frankly... well lets just say, i'll adapt the original using good stuff.
a few details you may need to think about:
- the speedometer gear should fit right into it. But you could keep the electric sensor, as there are some special adapters for the speedometer.
- you need make sure the shifter linkage is facing upwards may you want to keep the original linkage
While it's easy, make sure you do set the TV valve back into the groove and test it with the return spring before close it back.
Do change the o-rings. You will need also to pull gently the locking pen out and push it back it leveled to the casing flat surface, not deeper! Unless you want the future you be mad at past you, may you'd need reopen the trans again!
- Unless you have reinforced the middle shaft or added a ring to prevent it to bang the direct clutch and ruin that clutch by closing an oil passage ( 87 trans are with soft metal cast drums and not the steel ones of 91 and younger), I suggest you buy a lock converter. May you'd go for a non lock, add an extra cooler if you want your trans to make more than 20k miles.
- Unless you can reuse a 28 splines yoke, for t5 or c4, I bought a Sonax and I must say it was refreshing to see some real quality. Truly a nice piece and affordable too.
- Make sure you have longer bolts ready, because the AOD casing will not allow you to reuse them. Do not use the advertised ARP kit for AOD bell housing, they are 3/4 inch too short. The originals will not even reach the engine block.
- I've bought a set of waterproof connectors for the light switch and will install the other side once I know whats doing what on location. You'll need special pliers may you go that way.
- the TV cable is important for this trans so you will need a Lockar cable kit or similar, but keep in mind (in Lockar case) that you will be able to use only the cable and the return spring. The rest of their kit is total garbage and there is some fab involved if you want your cable tension to be perfectly sync with your throttle.
- you will need to fab an anchor for the tv cable that is aligned to the throttle bracket. My application being with an Holley Sniper, the bracket was already modified to go 3.5 cm sideways to be in line, so made instead a new stronger one piece bracket for both cables vs modifying again the bracket.
There are more details, but its late so I forgot
Hope that helps