Towing with a possible torque converter going out

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Jun 21, 2019 | 09:35 PM

wildstang

Thread Starter

VT Chapter Ldr

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 96,075

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From: Orange, Vermont

Towing with a possible torque converter going out

The torque converter on my 01 excursion might be going out. I need it for camping next weekend. Will that accelerate it's end quicker?

Jun 21, 2019 | 09:48 PM

ford390gashog

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Brentwood,CA

Sure it will, but let's be honest the damage is done. When the torque converter goes it's time to replace the transmission too. So if you already budgeted for it I say take the chance .

Jun 21, 2019 | 10:57 PM

Lewis50

Mountain Pass

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 163

Likes: 9

A few weeks ago I hauled a load of calves to market and when I got there I heard what turned out to be my converter raising cain. I towed the empty trailer back home , only 30 miles, and started looking into it. I had my transmission rebuilt and upgraded by A1 Transmissions of Georgia who was ~ 70 miles away from my house. I drove it to them and just picked it up today. A couple of hard parts were replaced due to wear but I was lucky that the converter didn't pass much if any crud through the box which could have been a major issue. To sum it up you pays your money and you takes your chances, I don't think I would put any more stress on it than necessary.
Good luck!

Jun 22, 2019 | 06:26 PM

wildstang

Thread Starter

VT Chapter Ldr

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 96,075

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From: Orange, Vermont

I figured that would be the bad news. I unfortunately May have to try it. I do have a 96 f350 4x4 with a e4od. Would the torque converter be interchangeable?

Jun 22, 2019 | 09:29 PM

Brian Hanks

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Apr 2019

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From: South AR

The TC “may” be the only issue depending on what you think is already going on to think tranny is also going out. I had one go bad but it sent all kinds of crap through as was eluded to and fried the tranny (which was pretty new).
On a side note, do you have a cooler or at least a monitor for your transmission? That or the TC going is what I have seen take them out generally.

Jun 22, 2019 | 10:42 PM

wildstang

Thread Starter

VT Chapter Ldr

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 96,075

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From: Orange, Vermont

No temperature monitoring. OD light hasn't gone off yet. I'm not sure it would because it's had a check engine light on for years and I've taken it to get checked a couple times and the diagnostic scanner won't link up.
I'm not totally sure if it is the torque converter. Some of the reading I've done sounds like some of the symptoms.

Jun 23, 2019 | 01:05 PM

z31freakify

Hotshot

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 11,266

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From: Las Cruces New Mexico

If the 96 has a 7.3 and e4od combo the TC interchange.
Buy some cheap Mercon V and do a full tranny fluid change before the trip, as long as theres no metal shavings or black crap in the fluid when doing the tranny fluid change I wouldnt move the vehicle anymore.