Pull the tranny or not?
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Pull the tranny or not?
This is just the place I've been looking for!! See my sig.
So I have this money pit. Currently I'm rebuilding my 390ci motor. The only thing not done to it is a stroker. Anyway, I've got the top loader 4spd in it and it has 115,000 miles on it. Very easy miles too. I've never had a problem with it. However, since I have the engine out, would you have it rebuilt or leave it alone? I can't decide as I am worried that once I have the engine back in I'll then have a seal go or something and have to pull it.
Your opinions are appreciated!
So I have this money pit. Currently I'm rebuilding my 390ci motor. The only thing not done to it is a stroker. Anyway, I've got the top loader 4spd in it and it has 115,000 miles on it. Very easy miles too. I've never had a problem with it. However, since I have the engine out, would you have it rebuilt or leave it alone? I can't decide as I am worried that once I have the engine back in I'll then have a seal go or something and have to pull it.
Your opinions are appreciated!
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Pull the tranny or not?
If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Those 4speeds last forever. I have never had a problem with one, and have owned many. I did have one that made a howling noise, but always performed perfect. Besides, the tranny isn't very difficult to pull if you did ever have a problem.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
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From: Eldorado Ca. USA
Pull the tranny or not?
the only thing that might need replacing in that transmission is the plastic fingers on the shift forks. Otherwise, leave it alone. I didnt on mine, now it is harder to get in and out of gear. I replaced all of the bearings, but none of the syncronizers. Change the fluid, and leave it alone.
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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Pull the tranny or not?
I think I may do just that. I hear that these trannys are some of the best ever built and that as long as you keep them oiled, they will last forever. I think I'll just clean it up and leave best alone. I have no problems with it now and shifting is always easy.
Thanks for the input!
Thanks for the input!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
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From: CA
Pull the tranny or not?
Since you have the engine out to rebuild it (you did pull it to rebuild it...right?), I'd go ahead and spend the 5 minutes to pull the tranny. I'd check the splines on each end for twisting, and I'd check the piolet bushing surfaces for wear (and change the piolet bushing in the crank). If it shifts smoothly, then I'd leave the guts alone, but I would change out the front and rear (tailshaft housing) seals. Does the front shaft wiggle around sideways a bit? If so, you'll eventually end up with some clutch chatter, so you might change the bearing.
The toploader is a really tough unit, but it's bearings and seals wear just as much as with any tranny.
The toploader is a really tough unit, but it's bearings and seals wear just as much as with any tranny.
Last edited by Polkat; Apr 10, 2003 at 10:38 PM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
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From: Eldorado Ca. USA
Pull the tranny or not?
Polkat,
That makes sense! I totally forgot about just re-sealing the unit, and checking out the input shaft sleeve for wear. If the input shaft sleeve is galled, you need to either polish the gouge out, or have it turned on a lathe to get it smooth again, Your new throw-out bearing will thank you. (So will your new pilot bushing, and clutch....)
That makes sense! I totally forgot about just re-sealing the unit, and checking out the input shaft sleeve for wear. If the input shaft sleeve is galled, you need to either polish the gouge out, or have it turned on a lathe to get it smooth again, Your new throw-out bearing will thank you. (So will your new pilot bushing, and clutch....)
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: CA
Pull the tranny or not?
Hey Tony!
Good point! I totally forgot about the input sleeve. Whenever it's exposed, always polish it! Or have it turned as Tony says if it's gouged, and if it's gouged badly, replace it (not always easy to find cheap for a toploader-check Ebay).
All of these things are easy to do once the tranny is pulled, and with 150,000 miles on the unit, you'll probably find some of it needs doing!
Good point! I totally forgot about the input sleeve. Whenever it's exposed, always polish it! Or have it turned as Tony says if it's gouged, and if it's gouged badly, replace it (not always easy to find cheap for a toploader-check Ebay).
All of these things are easy to do once the tranny is pulled, and with 150,000 miles on the unit, you'll probably find some of it needs doing!