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c6 rebuild, how hard?

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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 07:43 AM
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c6 rebuild, how hard?

any of you guys ever rebuild a c6? cheapest place I can find local wants $900 , so I think i'm going to buy a kit and try to rebuild mine myself. any special tools needed? any helpful hints? any good books out there?


truck sat for 20 years, trans has fluid in it. with the engine running it won't go into any gear. checked linkage and it's working right.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 08:00 AM
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It's not hard. You'll need a good manual. https://www.atsg.us/atsg/ford-manuals-1.html
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 08:00 AM
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May be check on YouTube for someone doing one. Possibly a valve body gunned up in the pump, or that was the reason it sat all that time. Have you looked in the pan for any filing?
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 08:58 AM
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haven't pulled the pan yet, but I will check for shavings when I do. thanks guys.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 11:44 AM
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I have disassembled and reassembled hundreds of very complex helicopter gear boxes and other components on all kinds of aircraft but for some reason I am scared to death to dig into a automotive transmission.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 12:09 PM
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If you've done that you will have no problem with a C6.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 01:06 PM
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Best I remember is that you better have a good assortment of snap ring pliers. The thing is loaded with various snap rings... I remember even breaking out flat heads and asking for extra hands when I did mine. But they pop right back in no problem.

As of anything I rebuild, just set out a designated table and cover it with paper sheets. The paper you get to cover new flooring you get in rolls. Then have a couple good pall point pens handy and make good notes on the paper. And of course I started doing this method before digital cameras. So take pics as you go as well and you can do this no problem.

If you're like me though, after my first C6 rebuild, I scored tranny rebuilds up there with rear end re-gearings and source them out since it takes more of my time than it's worth since I don't do them regular enough to do them in a timely manner.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2016 | 10:51 PM
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The C6 is a cakewalk. The only tricky bit is setting overall end play which will require a special washer from Ford.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 12:04 AM
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Honestly it is very straight forward. TAKE PICTURES FROM INPUT TO TAILSHAFT DURING DISASSEMBLY! It will help when you reassemble, the only special tool is to compress the low reverse hub. You can make one with flat stock and some all thread. I highly suggest using shuft improver kits to correct the flaws. Also make sure to use good quality parts in the rebuild. I like to use these two kits together for my C6 rebuilds




Critical you get the new steel boost valve!


Also critical for assembly assistance
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 02:27 PM
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I remember way back in the day when I worked the back counter at Earnhardt Ford, we had a tranny tech that used Vaseline petroleum jelly when putting them back together. I think in various places including O-rings some where. You Tube is your friend.


Hey Mark, two questions.
1. Is the C6 the tranny that should be stood up during disassembly and/or assembly?
2. The Mercon thing. I remember when Mercon V came out it was announced by Ford DO NOT MIX the Mercon V with Dexron III with Mercon. AKA...Mercon. Then Ford came out with a Mercon V that replaced both. How can this be?
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 03:11 PM
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Supplimental aftermarket transmission manuals are good to have but nothing beats the actual Ford service manuals.

Here's one on ebay for the C-6.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Ford-C6-Automatic-Transmission-Shop-Service-Repair-Rebuild-Workshop-Manual-C-6-/182190921267?hash=item2a6b6cd633%3Ag%3AmC8AAOSwosFUU83o&_trkparms=pageci%253A8e7e1e52-c952-11e6-93d9-74dbd18045b8%257Cparentrq%253A2d7a57841590a62297126158ffd4c53d%257Ciid%253A4
I have a couple of ATSG manuals for the Ford 4R70W 4-spd automatic overdrive transmission I'm going to rebuild and put in my truck but, the pair of actual Ford service department manuals I have for this transmission are better.

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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JEFFFAFA
I remember way back in the day when I worked the back counter at Earnhardt Ford, we had a tranny tech that used Vaseline petroleum jelly when putting them back together.
That is what was used in the Ford transmission prototype shop.

Originally Posted by JEFFFAFA
1. Is the C6 the tranny that should be stood up during disassembly and/or assembly?
Yes for assembly, no for disassembly.
Originally Posted by JEFFFAFA
2. The Mercon thing. I remember when Mercon V came out it was announced by Ford DO NOT MIX the Mercon V with Dexron III with Mercon. AKA...Mercon. Then Ford came out with a Mercon V that replaced both. How can this be?
MERCON V was changed when the recommendation changed. The MERCON V that wouldn't mix with MERCON was discontinued in 2006.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 04:35 PM
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great info guys, thanks. I think I should be able to do this. trans is the only thing I haven't built so i'd like to have it under my belt.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by emeraldcoupe
great info guys, thanks. I think I should be able to do this. trans is the only thing I haven't built so i'd like to have it under my belt.
Go for it! Note the last line in my sig.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2016 | 05:51 PM
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I had made a holding fixture for my 4R70W to mount it to an engine stand to make it easier to disassemble/reassemble the transmission. The horizontal bolts on the holding fixture engages into the divots on either side of the case casting.

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There are also some divots in the case on the C-6 transmission where you could use a similar holding fixture to do the same thing.

Divot on this C-6 shown towards the top of the case, straight up from the modulator valve.

 
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