Winters Sidewinder Shifter for Ford AODE & 4R70E - Stock Shifter
SKU: 327-1
Winters SideWinder Shifter for AODE & 4R70E Transmissions
Unlike standard shifters that rely on spring-loaded levers, the Art Carr - Winters SideWinder utilizes a mechanical guard bar and a stepped steel gate to govern gear selection. This design eliminates the risk of "jamming" common in spring-actuated systems and ensures positive gear engagement through physical stops.
The gate is engineered with a fail safe physical barrier that prevents the shift rod from entering the reverse gate from any forward gear. To reach reverse, the operator must intentionally navigate the rod through a specific offset in the steel gate, making an accidental shift into reverse mechanically impossible during high-speed forward operation.
Each shifter arrives fully assembled in its own console and includes the hardware you need to get it installed quickly.
Includes:
- Fully assembled Winters SideWinder AODE & 4R70E Standard Shifter
- 5 ft. shifter cable
- Shift linkage hardware
- Integrated steel safety guard
Specifications
- Model: Ford AODE & 4R70E Winters SideWinder Standard Shifter
- Guard Bar: Mechanical, fail-safe design
- Cable Length: 5 ft.
- Construction: Steel safety gate with Winters engineered shift mechanism
- Operation: No springs, no levers, no jam points
- Installation: Includes cable & hardware
Fitment
- The Winters SideWinder Standard Shifter can be installed on:
- Ford AODE & 4R70E
For those mounting the shifter into a custom center console or tube chassis, the Wide Open Design Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid foundation that prevents shifter "flex" during aggressive gear changes. It is pre-drilled for a bolt-on fit with the Sidewinder housing.
Tech Insight
How do I ensure I’m ordering the correct gate plate?
The gate plate is specific to your transmission's valve body type. If you have a standard automatic, you need a Standard Gate. If you have modified your transmission with a Reverse Manual Valve Body (common in rock bouncing), you must select the Reverse Gate to ensure the gear positions on the shifter match the transmission's internals.
What is the standard cable length provided?
Most kits ship with a 5-foot heavy duty cable. For custom buggy chassis or rear-engine builds, you may need a longer reach. We stock various lengths to ensure smooth routing away from exhaust heat and moving suspension parts.
Can I mount the Sidewinder at an angle?
Yes. The Sidewinder features a versatile housing that allows for flush mounting or angled mounting using the optional WOD No Console Style Mount. Because it uses a cable rather than a rigid linkage, the shifter position is not strictly dictated by the transmission location.
How do I adjust the cable tension?
Adjustment is handled at the transmission bracket. You should always adjust the cable with both the shifter and the transmission in Neutral. This ensures that the "throw" is centered, providing full engagement in both Park and 1st Gear.