AXOD Automatic Transaxle

The AXOD transaxle is a completely automatic 4speed overdrive transmission with a lock-up torque-converter, commonly found in the Ford Taurus, and Mercury Sable from 1986 until 1992. It has been a relatively trouble-free transmission, but on units with high mileage, We have seen many with major problems that extend well beyond a minor overhaul. Insufficient planetary lubrication has repeatedly been the major cause of failure for this transmission. The "Lube Tubes" that furnish lube oil to the final drive and the planets, on the AXODE ('93 and later), has been updated by Ford Motor Company.

AXODE Crossover Rear Lube Tube...........................F2DZ-7G084-A
AXODE Differential/Speedo Lube Tube....................F2DZ-7F086-A

A picture of an AXOD with pan removed A picture of the AXODe's lube tubes
Pictured on left is actually an AXOD, but it looks very similar to an AXODe. This is a view with the pan removed, with the transmission out of the car, but, to install the tubes, you can do the work in the car, simply by removing the pan and filter.
On right, the "updated" lube tubes from Ford. As you may be able to see, one the tubes crosses over the other swapping the original paths of lube oil.

In Addition, All the replaceable bushings should be replaced to restore all clearances to a minimum. Also, install two bushings in the Sun Gear (In the end opposite the Shell), taking care not to cover the lube hole in the sungear. There is also an updated one-piece bushing for the rear ringgear support, and a lube dam made by Shift Technology Products(Transtar part # K86945) that should be used; All in the interest of retaining a maximum amount of lube pressure for the planets and the final drive. Included with the dam, is a set of detailed instructions, that involve drilling two holes in the separater plate, and cross-drilling the channel casting in the valve body.

There is also a bulletin that calls for shortening the lube checkvalve spring (by cutting with side-cutters), until the check valve is only about 1/16" above the valve body to channel plate surface.

Here, again, this is a fairly high-tech transaxle and care must be taken to insure that the unit is clean upon assembly, and that all factory torque and clearance specifications are adhered to; The final drive end clearance must be kept to a minimum (.004-.012"). Make sure that the lockup torque converter is working properly, and the radiator cooler is flushed to remove all the debris during overhaul. Make sure that the throttle pressure cable is adjusted properly (consult your manual if you don't know how this is done).