1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts

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Keep Your 1981 Ford Thunderbird in Top Shape with Quality Automatic Transmission Parts

Whether you’re repairing or upgrading your Automatic Transmission Part, using high-quality parts is key to keeping your 1981 Ford Thunderbird looking sharp and performing at its best. At Advance Auto Parts we carry a wide selection of dependable options, including Transmission Bands, Automatic Transmission Shifter Cable Brackets, and Remanufactured Automatic Transmissions. Whether you’re replacing a damaged part or enhancing your truck’s style and protection, you’ll find exactly what you need to get the job done right.

Competitive Prices and Extensive Inventory

The average price for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Part at Advance Auto Parts is around $76.28, with a range that starts at $7.15 and goes up to $727.99. With 10 options in stock from 3 trusted brands, finding the right fit is easy. Popular picks like ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-300, ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-262, and ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-252 start at just $7.15 and offer a great balance of form and function.

Explore Related Parts

While you’re upgrading or replacing your Automatic Transmission Part, don’t forget to check out other key components like Torque Converter and Related Products and Transmission Cooler and Parts. At Advance Auto Parts, we’re here to help you keep your 1981 Ford Thunderbird in peak condition, inside and out.

Essential 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts

Pro-King – Pro-King Automatic Transmission Vacuum Modulator, MD-18 (Part No.MD-18)

Pro-King Automatic Transmission Vacuum Modulator, MD-18

from

$33.99
Fully adjustable vacuum modulator to maintain accurate shift points.
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ATP – ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-102 (Part No.FX-102)

ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-102

from

$44.99
ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-102. DRIVELINE – TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES from ATP
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1024 (Part No.VMC1024)

Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1024

from

$30.99
The transmission modulator valve is a vacuum operated mechanical device located on the transmission case. This valve will have a actuator rod extended into the transmission valve body inside the transmission which will control the flow of transmission fluid within the transmission to place the transmission in the most optimal forward gear selection.
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ATP – ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-80 (Part No.FX-80)

ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-80

from

$46.99
ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-80. DRIVELINE – TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES from ATP
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Pro-King – Pro-King Automatic Transmission Vacuum Modulator, MD-36 (Part No.MD-36)

Pro-King Automatic Transmission Vacuum Modulator, MD-36

from

$38.99
Fully adjustable vacuum modulator to maintain accurate shift points.
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B & M – B & M Cable Bracket, 40495 (Part No.40495)

B & M Cable Bracket, 40495

from

$37.09
B&M Cable Bracket for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury AOD automatic transmissions.
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-300 (Part No.FO-300)

ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-300

from

$9.59
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-405 (Part No.FO-405)

ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-405

from

$8.49
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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B & M – B & M Torque Converter, Holeshot 2500, 50451 (Part No.50451)

B & M Torque Converter, Holeshot 2500, 50451

from

$727.99
This Holeshot 2500 fits 1970-82 Ford C4 automatic transmissions with 26 spline input, 1.375 crank pilot and a 10.5-inch bolt circle. Holeshot torque converters are for serious-minded performance enthusiasts and offer additional strength and durability features not found in our Traveler or Tork Master series of converters. The Holeshot 2500 converter is good for vehicles with some performance engine modifications, particularly big cams that tend to reduce low-end power and torque. The higher stall speed of this converter will launch the car in a higher rpm range where more torque is readily available, resulting in quicker acceleration. Holeshot converters feature furnace brazed impeller fins and turbine, new precision alloy impeller hub and new heavy duty needle bearings. Other features include fully balanced and pressure tested by expert technicians. If your vehicle is equipped with a plate type nitrous system or supercharger, please refer to the Nitrous Holeshot line of converters. Notes: Stall speed listings are based on engines producing 230lb. ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. More torque at 2,500 rpm will give you more stall speed, less torque at 2,500 rpm will give you less stall speed than the stall speed ratings indicated. Higher stall converters can generate more heat, so we highly recommend adding a transmission cooler. This converter is Not recommended for supercharged, plate-type nitrous oxide or trans-brake applications. The product images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-252 (Part No.FX-252)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-252

from

$102.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Oem Type, Intermediate), FX-124 (Part No.FX-124)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Oem Type, Intermediate), FX-124

from

$29.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-174 (Part No.FX-174)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-174

from

$101.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
See More

ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Overdrive), LX-2 (Part No.LX-2)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Overdrive), LX-2

from

$27.49
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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Most Popular Transmission Bands for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds

Enhance your 1981 Ford Thunderbird with one of the 4 Transmission Bands we have in stock, starting at just $27.49.

ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-252 (Part No.FX-252)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-252

from

$102.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
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ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-174 (Part No.FX-174)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Reverse), FX-174

from

$101.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
See More

ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Oem Type, Intermediate), FX-124 (Part No.FX-124)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Oem Type, Intermediate), FX-124

from

$29.99
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
See More

ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Overdrive), LX-2 (Part No.LX-2)

ATP Automatic Transmission Band (Overdrive), LX-2

from

$27.49
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
See More

Best-Selling 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Shifter Cable Bracket

Upgrade your Thunderbird with our best-selling Automatic Transmission Shifter Cable Bracket.

B & M – B & M Cable Bracket, 40495 (Part No.40495)

B & M Cable Bracket, 40495

from

$37.09
B&M Cable Bracket for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury AOD automatic transmissions.
See More

Top-Quality Remanufactured Automatic Transmissions for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds

Choose a high-quality OEM or aftermarket Remanufactured Automatic Transmission for Ford Thunderbirds and enjoy top-notch performance from $727.99.

B & M – B & M Torque Converter, Holeshot 2500, 50451 (Part No.50451)

B & M Torque Converter, Holeshot 2500, 50451

from

$727.99
This Holeshot 2500 fits 1970-82 Ford C4 automatic transmissions with 26 spline input, 1.375 crank pilot and a 10.5-inch bolt circle. Holeshot torque converters are for serious-minded performance enthusiasts and offer additional strength and durability features not found in our Traveler or Tork Master series of converters. The Holeshot 2500 converter is good for vehicles with some performance engine modifications, particularly big cams that tend to reduce low-end power and torque. The higher stall speed of this converter will launch the car in a higher rpm range where more torque is readily available, resulting in quicker acceleration. Holeshot converters feature furnace brazed impeller fins and turbine, new precision alloy impeller hub and new heavy duty needle bearings. Other features include fully balanced and pressure tested by expert technicians. If your vehicle is equipped with a plate type nitrous system or supercharger, please refer to the Nitrous Holeshot line of converters. Notes: Stall speed listings are based on engines producing 230lb. ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm. More torque at 2,500 rpm will give you more stall speed, less torque at 2,500 rpm will give you less stall speed than the stall speed ratings indicated. Higher stall converters can generate more heat, so we highly recommend adding a transmission cooler. This converter is Not recommended for supercharged, plate-type nitrous oxide or trans-brake applications. The product images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.
See More

Top Picks for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Transmission Modulator Valves

Invest in one of our 3 durable Transmission Modulator Valves for your 1981 Ford, knowing you’re getting trusted brands and expert craftsmanship.

ATP – ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-262 (Part No.FX-262)

ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-262

from

$52.99
ATP AT MODULATOR VALVE, FX-262. DRIVELINE – TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION PARTS>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES>TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULES from ATP
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Carquest Premium – Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1025 (Part No.VMC1025)

Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1025

from

$32.49
The transmission modulator valve is a vacuum operated mechanical device located on the transmission case. This valve will have a actuator rod extended into the transmission valve body inside the transmission which will control the flow of transmission fluid within the transmission to place the transmission in the most optimal forward gear selection.
See More

Carquest Premium – Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1024 (Part No.VMC1024)

Carquest Automatic Transmission Modulator Valve, VMC1024

from

$30.99
The transmission modulator valve is a vacuum operated mechanical device located on the transmission case. This valve will have a actuator rod extended into the transmission valve body inside the transmission which will control the flow of transmission fluid within the transmission to place the transmission in the most optimal forward gear selection.
See More

Our Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushings for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds

Make a smart move for your 1981 Ford Thunderbird with our Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing for $9.59.

ATP – ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-300 (Part No.FO-300)

ATP Automatic Transmission Shift Linkage Bushing, FO-300

from

$9.59
ATP Transmission Components are exact fit, no compromise replacement parts
See More

FAQs for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts

What are the best-selling Automatic Transmission Parts for 1981 Ford Thunderbirds?

Out of 10 Automatic Transmission Parts that fit 1981 Ford Thunderbirds, the following parts are the top sellers:

What’s the price range for 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts?

The prices of Automatic Transmission Parts for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird range from $7.15 up to $727.99 for the most premium parts.

What is the average price of an Automatic Transmission Part for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird?

The average price for Automatic Transmission Parts for the 1981 Ford Thunderbird is $76.28. Keep in mind the variety of part types within our Automatic Transmission Part category, where you are likely to find a wide range of prices across a variety of parts and components.

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Automatic Transmission Parts for other Ford Thunderbird model years?

Yes, we carry Automatic Transmission Parts for 45 model years of Ford Thunderbirds between 1955 and 2005. The following model years are the most popular for Automatic Transmission Part purchases: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, and 1993.

What are the cheapest Automatic Transmission Parts for my 1981 Ford Thunderbird?

The cheapest 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts we carry are:

Does Advance Auto Parts sell Automatic Transmission Parts for any other 1981 Ford models?

What types of Automatic Transmission Parts do you sell for my 1981 Ford Thunderbird?

As of 8/2/26, these are some of the most in-demand types of Automatic Transmission Parts for a 1981 Ford Thunderbird:

Can I get help with 1981 Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Part orders?

Contact our customer support team by chat or phone, through the help desk page, where you can find instant answers about Ford Automatic Transmission Parts and more.

What is your return policy for Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts?

Advance Auto Parts keeps returns simple. For new Ford Thunderbird Automatic Transmission Parts and accessories, your online orders can be returned, in their original condition, within 45 days. For requirements, see the returns page.