Possible major transmission problem - HELP

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Oct 18, 2011 | 11:49 AM

maldbwmjr

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Possible major transmission problem - HELP

Last night, as I drove my 98 Expy out of the driveway and gave it gas, it started shaking - very roughly. I put it in reverse and drove it back (didn't shake) into the driveway so that I could try it again in the morning. Took it out today and the same thing happened. Jacked it up, disconnected the rear axle, put it in Drive, and the problem still occurred when I gave it gas - idle was OK. Could it be the transfer case? Reason I ask is that this is a rebuilt transmission that I purchased from a Ford dealer and installed several years ago. Has it died or is there another reason why this is happening? Thanks in advance for your help.

Oct 18, 2011 | 12:34 PM

chunger

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How's the fluid level? Sounds like it could be low. Does it look red and smell ok? Or burnt?

Oct 18, 2011 | 01:24 PM

maldbwmjr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by chunger

How's the fluid level? Sounds like it could be low. Does it look red and smell ok? Or burnt?

Fluid level and quality is fine - I make sure that it's OK as that's what killed my original tranny - I forgot to check the level and burnt out the original tranny.

Oct 18, 2011 | 01:27 PM

alloro

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It could just be a misfire in the engine. But if you're positive it's not the engine, then assuming no bolts are loose, it's probably a bad torque converter.

Oct 18, 2011 | 02:30 PM

maldbwmjr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by alloro

It could just be a misfire in the engine. But if you're positive it's not the engine, then assuming no bolts are loose, it's probably a bad torque converter.

Thanks for the tip. I'm not getting any codes, so I don't think it's the engine. Can the torque converter be changed? If so, how hard is it to change?

Oct 18, 2011 | 03:03 PM

TerryB99

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Quote:

Originally Posted by maldbwmjr

Can the torque converter be changed? If so, how hard is it to change?

Pull out the tranny, the torque converter will be looking at you,

Seriously, if you can pull out the tranny, you wont have any problems.

Oct 18, 2011 | 03:06 PM

maldbwmjr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryB99

Pull out the tranny, the torque converter will be looking at you,

Seriously, if you can pull out the tranny, you wont have any problems.

Yikes! I changed the tranny by myself 3 years ago - not a pleasant experience. And yes, I remember what the TC looks like: a doughnut. Bummer that I have to go through all of that again.

Thanks for your help!

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Oct 18, 2011 | 08:04 PM

maldbwmjr

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Moto Mel

I put the driveshaft back on and tried what you said - no rumble. I'll take out the transfer case next (oh joy) and see how that goes. As for the torque converter, I don't remember if I received one with the rebuilt tranny or if I wound up using the original. I'll dig up the tranny's papers and see if I can find anything about the TC.

Thanks for your help everyone! Much appreciated.

Oct 18, 2011 | 10:15 PM

#10

TerryB99

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You would remember if you changed the torque convertor. It is bolted to the flywheel, Did you turn it a bit, take out a bolt, turn some more, take out another, etc?