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The 9" diff has 3.70 gears, 235/75R15 tires (about 28.9" if I remember right).
The trans has been less than perfect since I dropped the motor/tranny combo in (had never seperated them to look at it), most notably trouble shifting out of first at high RPM, and occasional hesitation going into gear from park. When I pulled the motor to rebuild it, I see that the converter has ballooned out and the flexplate to flywheel bolts are imprinted in the converter.
Look up on-line how to adjust the TV cable *** it is very important you do it right**** or you will cook the transmission in no time at all... you will need a gauge to measure the line pressure... the cable that goes to the throttle linkage is not a down shift cable it controls the line pressure..
Currently with the shim, at idle after the choke has closed its at 30 PSI, 0 once shim removed. Any movement of the throttle will show pressure. I have experimented briefly with having 5 psi at idle to see if it improved any of the problems I mentioned. I believe this is correct, but always open to suggestions if anyone knows that better. I'm aware that too high line pressure will balloon the TC. The tranny for the most part behaves great, only problems are frigid weather (going into gear) and full throttle (shifting from 1 - 2).
I replaced the tranny in a crown vic for a gal last year. The cable's grommet had fallen out, and the cable fell loose and promptly ruined the tranny.
Thanks for the responses, Hemieater. I can buy that there may be something else wrong with the trans that caused this. Doesn't change the fact that the TC is ballooned and needs replaced. I looked at your link for a while. Some good information, supported my idea that the ballooned TC could cause grinding problems internal to the trans:
"it can actually cram the convertor, which in turn causes the convertor hub to push the pump drive gear into the stator support. The pump gear actually can counterbore the stator, causing excessive metal contamination and way too much internal pump clearance." In this case it was talking about different offsets on the flexplate, but similar in application.
I'm not suggesting that the TC would fix all my problems, but am sure it needs replaced. I'll look into some of those causes when I get into it. Thanks again.
Would still welcome any input on a good TC replacement.
grinding problem you say, what else are you not telling.. it's an aod and if it's grinding it's junk pull it and rebuild it.. I spent a lot of money on those aod's went to a c6 and never looked back.. I still have the FMS wide ratio gear set, and the TCI non-lockup shaft... if your interested..
I think you misunderstood - potential for grinding problems is one of the reasons I want to replace the TC. There's no grinding feel or sound to the trans, last time I dropped the pan there was no metal contamination, the fluid doesn't smell burnt. It normally drives wonderfully in all 5 gears (including Reverse), so long as the pedal isn't on the floor when shifting 1-2.
But the potential for that problem has scared me out of driving it until I get a new TC that actually clears the flexplate. When I pulled the engine, the bold imprint of the flexplate to crank bolts on the TC was what flagged me that it needed replacing.
I'd love to pick up your spare parts, but my budget is shot at the moment. May get in touch with you if/when I rebuild one though.
I dug this one up to share with you all a couple things.
I decided to go through the valve body in addition to replacing the torque converter, and while I was at it installed a Transgo shift kit.
The valve body seemed a little sticky before disassembly. I also found that a portion of the VB gasket was creased, as well as a small tear on one corner. Maybe this was a factor in the 1-2 shift, I dunno.
When it came time to install the converter, I realized that there was a LOT of play in the trans shaft. I don't know why, but it all originated in the pump assembly. I have a spare trans lying around, so swapped the pumps. Converter installation felt a lot smoother afterward.
As for the TC, I went ahead with the Hughes Towmaster converter from Summit. Now that it is all together...I'm amazed! The shift kit is the single best improvement I've made to the truck. All shifting seems as it should (and nice and firm too!). The Converter lockup is not extreme at all and will be right at home on the street or towing a load as I do from time to time. Would highly recommend both of these upgrades.