Getting ready to replace the torque converter - rattling noise, goes away in neutral with TC locked.
Drive 5000 miles a year 80% city and do not tow. No mods, stock tranny 160k.
No garage to fit the truck so outsourcing to a tranny shop got $600-$700
quotes with rebuilt cheapo single disc converter (total cost)

Is it really worth to upgrade to 3-disc? Stock one 1 disc lasted 160k...
No $1200 billet nonsense please

 

The stock replacement should last quite a bit longer than the original converter. The '99s had a design problem with the converter that caused the issue your converter has. The replacement converters have that issue solved.

 

I see the expert is here
Is this design issue repaired during rebuild?

What is the life expectancy of a cheap reman converter? Mind you for me 50,000 miles is 10 years so as long as these things can maintain integrity and not blow up that works for me.

 

I personally feel the stock stall speed is a bit too high for these engines. I prefer a modified TC with a lower stall speed. Cost is reasonable.

Ford Torque Converters Phoenix by Roadrunner Converters Arizona 602-437-2301

The Tow Master is just under $350. Add $90 to that if you want multiple clutch disks. Just giving you options in case you are interested.

 

I put a Transtar FM64R in when I had the engine out (the first time) and I've been pleased with it. I had one of the rattle-can converters too. It still worked fine at 217k miles; I was just tired of the noise.

 

These are all Heavy Duty, going to eat my transmission for breakfast.
What do you think about these guys? They're 10 miles from my house AND pickup price is $198.


{edit - just noticed Pikachu beat me to it haha}

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-4R100-TRANSMISSION-REBUILT-TORQUE-CONVERTER-GROB-COVER-DIESEL-FM64R-/350165366710?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51877b77b6&vxp=mtr

 

Those converters won't damage your transmission.

I agree that the stock stall speed is too high.

The expected life of a cheap rebuild is somewhere between 10 miles an 250,000 miles.

 

Those TC units should work fine in your trans. If not, then you have other pre-existing conditions going on in that unit.

I've never heard of those guys but since they are local to you then you might want to pop on by and see what they are about. If their workmanship appears to be high quality and they have confidence in their product then I'd give them a try. Generally speaking, I prefer to spend my money at local shops provided the quality and value meets my needs. Plus, you might get good customer service in the event you do have an unforeseen issue.

The link that I posted earlier is for a shop that is only 2 or 3 minutes from my work so that is the main reason I use them.....plus they came with recommendations from others that I know so that played a major part in my decision making as well.

 

Thanks for recommendations gentlemen. I think I will pull the trigger on that exact one that Pikachu has.

Thank you for your input!

 

If the shop is local I would stop on over and possibly ask if they can improve the stall speed ? If a small shop sometime them folks can be very friendly!


Smokie

 

Is there anything else they should be doing while they have the tranny out?

Pump bushing/seal
Flex plate inspection