Tranny or Torque Converter?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Webster, TX
Tranny or Torque Converter?
First of all I have a 1988 Econoline Clubwagon with a 5.8L 351W and auto. trans. I'm not sure what tranny I have, but if anybody knows that would help alot. The problem is: It seems like the engine is revved up to high when driving around 45mph, it also seems to be shifting hard through all of the gears. Does this sound like the torque converter or a problem with the tranny? Is there a way to definitely tell if the converter is bad before replacing it? How difficult is it to replace? Do I have to remove the tranny? How long does it take? Do I need any special equipment?
THANKS
THANKS
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
What do you mean reved up too high? What RPM are you running? Does the RPM jump(say 1,000RPM) and then drop when you give it some moderate gas?
Has it always doen this? Does it have a shift kit?
I don't know your model and tranny and am not sure if there are any computer controls on the tranny, I think probably not. On electronic trannies, the hard shifting is usually due to the computer kicking up the pressure to compensate for slippage. On your year, I don't know.
Changing a torque converter does require dropping the tranny or at least moving it back about a foot. If you have never dropped the tranny before and if you are not real handy mechanically, this may not be a job for you to do.
The tranny is heavy and you should rent a tranny jack for safety. You will also need to make sure the pump drive cogs are lined up with the converter notches. If this doesn't sound familiar to you, you should get a friend who knows how, to help.
If you are a decent hobby mechanic, you should be able to remove and replace the converter in less than a day. Maybe even just 2 or 3 hours. In a nut shell... Usually you have to remove the drive shaft. Jack the tranny up a little and remove the bell housing bolts, disconnect any linkages that are too short to move with the tranny. Pull the tranny back about a foot or remove it completely. Unbolt the converter. Slide it off the drive splines. Clean things up a bit, then inspect the tranny pump drive cogs to make sure they are centered, then slide the new converter on the splines and turn it gently until you feel it slip past the drive cogs and seat. Then bolt things back up, add fluid and cross your fingers.
If you are replacing the converter, it is probably worthwhile to also change the fluid and filter too. Why pump trash back into your new converter. When you drop the pan inspect for debris and color. What you find might tell you that you have more than a converter problem.
Couple tips... Make sure you remove any splash shield from the bell housing since they can keep the converter from sliding out. Make sure you can reach all the bellhousing bolts BEFORE you remove anything. Nothing like starting the job and discovering you cannot remove the tranny. had a friend do that and he was unable to bolt things back up once he got too far.
It isn't hard to do, but not a job for someone whose mechanical challenges include oil changes and spark plugs. A knowledgsble friend is worth a six pack or two.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
Has it always doen this? Does it have a shift kit?
I don't know your model and tranny and am not sure if there are any computer controls on the tranny, I think probably not. On electronic trannies, the hard shifting is usually due to the computer kicking up the pressure to compensate for slippage. On your year, I don't know.
Changing a torque converter does require dropping the tranny or at least moving it back about a foot. If you have never dropped the tranny before and if you are not real handy mechanically, this may not be a job for you to do.
The tranny is heavy and you should rent a tranny jack for safety. You will also need to make sure the pump drive cogs are lined up with the converter notches. If this doesn't sound familiar to you, you should get a friend who knows how, to help.
If you are a decent hobby mechanic, you should be able to remove and replace the converter in less than a day. Maybe even just 2 or 3 hours. In a nut shell... Usually you have to remove the drive shaft. Jack the tranny up a little and remove the bell housing bolts, disconnect any linkages that are too short to move with the tranny. Pull the tranny back about a foot or remove it completely. Unbolt the converter. Slide it off the drive splines. Clean things up a bit, then inspect the tranny pump drive cogs to make sure they are centered, then slide the new converter on the splines and turn it gently until you feel it slip past the drive cogs and seat. Then bolt things back up, add fluid and cross your fingers.
If you are replacing the converter, it is probably worthwhile to also change the fluid and filter too. Why pump trash back into your new converter. When you drop the pan inspect for debris and color. What you find might tell you that you have more than a converter problem.
Couple tips... Make sure you remove any splash shield from the bell housing since they can keep the converter from sliding out. Make sure you can reach all the bellhousing bolts BEFORE you remove anything. Nothing like starting the job and discovering you cannot remove the tranny. had a friend do that and he was unable to bolt things back up once he got too far.
It isn't hard to do, but not a job for someone whose mechanical challenges include oil changes and spark plugs. A knowledgsble friend is worth a six pack or two.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
