T-18 Trans Question

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Nov 11, 2009 | 10:46 AM

79'BigBlock

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T-18 Trans Question

Hey everyone im new to the site and just purchased my first Fullsize Ford. It's a 79' F-250 Ranger D-60's f/r, 400m bb, 3in body lift, flat black, stainless dual exhaust.

It has a T-18 Tranny in it and 2nd and third gear are starting to go..there real hard to get into gear and you have to let the motor idle right down to slip it into gear. 4th gear isn't that bad. i was wondering if i could use a T-18 2wd tranny out of a 77' Ford and what i'd have to do for the swap...or should i just try to find another 4wd tranny or rebuild mine...its a daily driver so its getting kinda old grinding gears....

Thanks!

Nov 12, 2009 | 03:03 AM

rhodie

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From: RI

There's a great write up on the T-18 rebuild in the tech Articles section, step-by-step with pictures. I would check it out if you're considering the rebuild option. I consider myself only somewhat mechanically inclined, but I was able to do it with little difficulty.

Nov 12, 2009 | 11:09 PM

85e150

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Do the rebuild. You probably can't use the 4x2 trans. If your TC is married to the trans, you must have a 4x4 model trans/tailshaft housing.

You can either do the rebuild or maybe swap for a reman.

Nov 15, 2009 | 12:41 AM

Bgasrickshaw

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From: Duncan B.C.

Are you sure it's the tranny, and not the clutch? The reason I ask is your reference to having to "let the motor idle right down" to get it into gear, and the "grinding". Is this when you are stopped, or when shifting gears while driving, or both? If it does this (especially the grinding), when you are not moving, it indicates that the clutch is not releasing fully. If the clutch is fully disengaging, the tranny input shaft shouldn't be turning, so there could not be any grinding. Does it grind when going into reverse or first as well? Just something else to consider before you go out and buy a tranny kit. Good luck.

Nov 26, 2009 | 08:13 PM

79'BigBlock

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bgasrickshaw

actually...when i do start my truck up when i push my clutch in the trannys real quiet..but when i let it out in neutral it starts to make noise a little and seems like it wants to creep forward almost....so maybe it is partly my clutch...how can i adjust it? on the linkage?

1st and reverse do make some noise not just a moaning sound but more metallic sounding. and the rest of the gears other than 4th make some serious noise.

oh yea i know this isn't the right spot for a motor question...but anyone know i link to a good write up on changing out a rear main seal for a 400m? maybe with some pictures. thanks again for everyones answers!

Nov 26, 2009 | 09:13 PM

Bgasrickshaw

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From: Duncan B.C.

If you follow the linkage down, you will see a threaded rod between the clutch arm, (which is the piece sticking out of the drivers side of the bellhousing), and the bell crank (or "Z- Bar"). If your clutch seems to engage with the pedal too low (too close to the floor), you need to lengthen the rod, and of course the opposite if it's too high. Keep in mind, though, that this will only correct mis-adjustment, and compensate for normal wear. If the pressure plate is completely shot, this won't help. Good luck!