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The Winters Ford AODE & 4R70E SideWinder Gated Shifter provides positive, repeatable gear selection for off-road vehicles, race cars, street builds, and custom projects using Ford AODE or 4R70E automatic transmissions. Instead of relying on spring-loaded lockout levers, the SideWinder uses a stepped steel gate and mechanical guard system to guide the shift handle through each transmission position.
The AODE and 4R70E are electronically controlled four-speed overdrive transmissions, but gear selection at the transmission is still mechanically operated. The SideWinder uses a push-pull cable and transmission linkage to move that manual selector, while the vehicle's transmission controller continues to manage the electronic functions of the transmission.
The Reverse position is protected by an offset section of the gate that requires deliberate movement before the handle can enter Reverse, helping reduce the chance of an accidental gear selection during aggressive driving or high-vibration off-road use. Each shifter arrives fully assembled in its own console and includes a 5-foot shifter cable and transmission linkage hardware for installation.
Includes:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Winters Performance Products |
| Product Type | Automatic Transmission Gated Shifter |
| Shifter Series | SideWinder |
| Transmission Compatibility | Ford AODE & 4R70E Automatic Transmissions |
| Transmission Type | 4-Speed Electronic Automatic with Overdrive |
| Shift Mechanism | Mechanical Stepped-Gate Design |
| Reverse Protection | Offset Mechanical Safety Gate |
| Console | Included |
| Cable Length | 5 Feet |
| Transmission Linkage | Included |
| Assembly | Ships Fully Assembled |
Compatible Transmissions:
Common Applications:
Installation Notes:
For custom installations, the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid, pre-drilled mounting foundation for the SideWinder housing.
The AODE and 4R70E are closely related Ford four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmissions. The 4R70E is a later development of the AODE family with changes to gearing and internal components. This Winters SideWinder configuration is designed for the compatible AODE and 4R70E applications listed for this shifter.
No. The SideWinder mechanically moves the transmission's gear selector through a cable and linkage. The transmission's electronic functions still require the appropriate factory electronics or aftermarket transmission controller for your drivetrain.
The stepped steel gate physically guides the shift handle through the transmission positions. Defined paths and stops help the driver make deliberate, repeatable gear selections without relying on a spring-loaded lockout mechanism.
Reverse is positioned behind an offset section of the gate. The driver must intentionally move the shift handle through that offset before entering Reverse, helping prevent a direct accidental shift from a forward range into Reverse.
The shifter gate needs to match the actual shift sequence of the transmission. Verify your AODE or 4R70E configuration before ordering, particularly if the transmission has been modified or is being used in a custom drivetrain application.
The included 5-foot cable works for many front-engine vehicles and custom builds. Stretched chassis, unusual shifter placement, or installations requiring more complex routing may require a longer cable.
Yes. Because the SideWinder operates through a flexible push-pull cable rather than rigid linkage, the shifter can be positioned to work with many custom cockpit and console layouts. The mounting structure should remain rigid so the shifter housing does not move during aggressive gear changes.
Place both the transmission selector and SideWinder shifter in Neutral before making the final cable adjustment. Once adjusted, move the shifter through the complete gear range and verify that each shifter position fully engages the corresponding transmission position without binding or excessive cable tension.
