odd question about 400
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
odd question about 400
>A basic rebuild kit costs $60 on ebay, $100 at a parts
>store, and if you need any other hard parts they can be had.
>Check at a good parts store for a reman torque converter
>(don't re-use your old one), or get a modified unit if you
>have a engine application that requires it.
But - do the videos and books take the place of experience? Using the books and videos, would the amateur know if they run across a part that is worn enough to need replacement - I'm talking about parts not in the rebuild kit. Say you pull out a gear and is worn on the leading edge of the teeth. How much wear is too much?
I did - ahem - participate in an amateur rebuild once (my tranny). A friend attending a mechanics school - who had SEEN it done - talked me into it. We really would not have had to rebuild it - as we found the problem immediately upon removal. I had sheared off the input shaft while enjoying the nice firm shifts of the shift kit we had put in earlier. We went ahead and rebuilt the transmission while we had it out and much beer was involved.
While putting it back in with five buddies and no jack, I was supporting the bottom with one arm under the pan, and started to say "OK, put the first bolt in" - but they heard OK and let go! My arm hurt for days! I also dropped the driveshaft on my eye while reaching for a tool! In the end - it worked fine for years - but I always worried that we missed something.
>store, and if you need any other hard parts they can be had.
>Check at a good parts store for a reman torque converter
>(don't re-use your old one), or get a modified unit if you
>have a engine application that requires it.
But - do the videos and books take the place of experience? Using the books and videos, would the amateur know if they run across a part that is worn enough to need replacement - I'm talking about parts not in the rebuild kit. Say you pull out a gear and is worn on the leading edge of the teeth. How much wear is too much?
I did - ahem - participate in an amateur rebuild once (my tranny). A friend attending a mechanics school - who had SEEN it done - talked me into it. We really would not have had to rebuild it - as we found the problem immediately upon removal. I had sheared off the input shaft while enjoying the nice firm shifts of the shift kit we had put in earlier. We went ahead and rebuilt the transmission while we had it out and much beer was involved.
While putting it back in with five buddies and no jack, I was supporting the bottom with one arm under the pan, and started to say "OK, put the first bolt in" - but they heard OK and let go! My arm hurt for days! I also dropped the driveshaft on my eye while reaching for a tool! In the end - it worked fine for years - but I always worried that we missed something.
Thread Starter
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
odd question about 400
That is what is called the learning curve:-)
I have an advantage on a rebuild. I have a tranny shop a few blocks away that I can go to and ask questions about a part. I also have very experienced mechanics that live about 4 houses away in two directions that are both friends. Only one is a Ford man tho, -has a sweet Mustang! I also have the engine hoists and jacks available to do the job and no beer is involved since none of my friends drink. We all experienced the learning curve about alcohol long ago.
One other little thing... When you save money on a do-it-yourself job, take some of the money saved and invest it in tools and equipment to make the job easier, and have next time for you or your buddies.
I have an advantage on a rebuild. I have a tranny shop a few blocks away that I can go to and ask questions about a part. I also have very experienced mechanics that live about 4 houses away in two directions that are both friends. Only one is a Ford man tho, -has a sweet Mustang! I also have the engine hoists and jacks available to do the job and no beer is involved since none of my friends drink. We all experienced the learning curve about alcohol long ago.
One other little thing... When you save money on a do-it-yourself job, take some of the money saved and invest it in tools and equipment to make the job easier, and have next time for you or your buddies.
