Just recently bought a 1982 F100 with a 351 V8. The body is in very good shape, but there are problems with the automatic transmission. The column shift lever doesn't really "click" into gear, you sort of have to "find" the correct location to put the indicator. More importantly the transmission slips, particularly when going up hill. Sometimes I can get it to engage again by playing with the shifter, sometimes it doesn't work and I just have to wait til the truck slows down. The fluid level is fine and the fluid looks good (pinkish color).

According to the guy I bought it from it is a "new" transmssion. I suspect that there is something seriously wrong with the tranny, but am hoping that it was installed incorrectly and it just needs
an "adjustment" (and not an adjustment that requires another transmission!) Am I dreaming, or could it be something simple?

As an aside, how difficult would it be to replace the transmission? I am not a complete novice to auto repair, but have not done anything that substantial. Are there any good books on this? I assume simply replacing the tranny would be easier than rebuilding it, but likely more expensive.

I am not sure of the model number of the auto-transmission. How can I tell?

TIA

Bart

 

Bart, start by setting the emergency brake and or chocking the wheels. Then disconnect the selector lever linkage on the side of the transmission. Move the selector on the side of the transmission by hand and see if you can feel the "click". If you can the problem may be in your linkage or steering column. If you can't then drain the fluid and remove the pan. Move the selector by hand again and you will see a "rooster comb" moving with it. Check the spring and ball that fall into the detent on the rooster comb. That's most likely your problem. As far as the slipping is concerned, that's another story. While you're inside the pan check the filter. Also look in the pan for "clutch dust" or metal parts. These are both bad signs. Excessive "clutch dust" is a good sign that the clutches are worn. Requiring a rebuild. A little black "soot" is normal. If you have a 351w then determining the transmission type is a little hard. You could have an AOD if it's a 4-speed or a C4, C5, or C6. If you have a 351m then it's either a C6 or an AOD.