Make it last

[jcd9730]

My TH350 has started slipping, mainly over 50mph, but it seems to be getting worse. What can I do to make it last a few more months? I plan on putting a 2004r in, but I cant do that until October when I move to a new place. Can't really do a tranny swap in an apartment complex carport and not get in trouble..

So how can I make it last a few more months, besides the obvious drive like grandma? I already drained the fluid (not burnt, no metal) and added some lucas in with the new tranny fluid

[truckster]

I'll tell you what NOT to do- don't change the fluid. It seems that when they're going out, that's the worst thing you can do.

[jcd9730]

Oops... Too late...

[71sixgun]

Say a prayer before you leave the driveway! take it real easy and avoid a lot of strain if possible. I've made some last for a while before that have been junk for a while!

[Kurt L]

try a bottle of lucas trans protectent. pretty good stuff.

[jcd9730]

Already tried it. Could a loose trans shift linkage cause slippage?

[SS Tim]

If it is slipping at 50mph in 3rd then its toast. The clutches in the direct clutch are going for any number of reasons and draining gritty old fluid out just made it worse. If it is slippping going through the gears it is probably the forward clutch either way its coming out and apart. Waiting longer just means more hard parts will need replacement. It will leave you stranded, maybe as early as today. A slipping clutch can easily chunk then its over. Make sure your AAA towing is up to a recovery.

[jcd9730]

Yeah, I guess I knew that, just dont like it..

Just got my AAA card yesterday actually. Maybe I will see about paying a shop to install it for me. I just hate paying for something I can do myself.

Thanks Tim

[SS Tim]

Do you have the 200R4 in hand? Maybe a pleading request on the SoCal boards could shake some local help loose. Nothing is worse than an unplanned breakdown like this. Might try picking up a local known good used 350 with torque converter and doing an afternoon swap.

[jcd9730]

No I dont. I was planning this for October. I was actually going to put up my mustang for sale tomorrow, so I guess the timing could have been worse. I think I will just pull the trigger on the 2004r and try and find a place in the meantime.

[SS Tim]

Try Bowtie Overdrives for a turn key installation. Going to need to get it to Hesperia though, without driving it. Cajon Summit will kill it (don't ask)...

Their site has a 50% off labor special for April that is still up ask and leverage to make it work for you.

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml

[jcd9730]

I was gonna go with them or Trans Depot for the tranny itself, and BT for everything else.

I didnt know about the special though, good to know! Thanks again!

I wouldnt even consider driving up that with a failing tranny, I was getting nervous just driving on the 91 haha

[JointTech]

if you can get it done in a weekend you can do it in my office parking lot. I just did mine. I have all the tools youll need (except a freaking tranny jack).
lake forest is all downhill from you

of course your presence will be requested at my sanding party when I get around to body work

[jcd9730]

Hmm this is an interesting proposition... Lake forest is not far either. I think a long day would be enough, Ive never taken 350 out, but it looks simple enough. I can replace the clutch in my mustang in 2hours flat (dont ask, stupidest 3 weeks ever). I do have limited body work experience too. I worked at a body shop when I was 16, but that was 8 years ago. Paint prep is not hard though, just takes time

[JointTech]

i can help you pull the 350 no problem. but I'd be concerned about getting the TV cable properly setup before you drive off on an overdrive replacement. it can hose one of those trannys fast if its not right.

and the jack is actually an issue. I had to pull my highhump off and have a guy in the cab man handle the tranny while I got the bellhousing bolts started because my brand new chinese pile of crap jack sucked so bad it wouldnt stay up.

let me know. its just an office complex but nobody is there on the weekends so the property managers wont complain.

i put some cardboard and blankets down and got most of the tranny fluid on me anyway. threw dirt on the rest and called it good

[jcd9730]

Well, I can take care of the jack, harbor freight is not too bad. Or is that where you got yours? And the TV cable I will be getting the BT kit just to be safe. I can prob kit a spill kit too, Ive never been able to pull a tranny pan without it dumping on me...

When are you doing prep work, or any other jobs you need assistance? My girlfriend and I just broke up, so I got nothing but time, haha and what better way to ease the mind than put it under a greasy old truck?

[JointTech]

lol that sucks dude. I could never handle breakups. Ive been married for 6 years now so thats over..
Nah I got mine from pepboys. the most expensive one they had. damn thing blew the fill plug out on the first jack. fixed that but it would never stay lifted if it was over half way up.

Im in no rush on prep. I still cant decide if im going to just sand it down well and hose it with something cheap or try to pull a panel per weekend and do it well.
I just took my high hump to bare metal since i had it off and god that was a nightmare. I think I have a plan now though. practice makes perfect.

well anyway let me know if you want to go for it. I don't have anything planned on my weekends. I may do my new wilwoods this weekend if I can make it to CPP for the rotors I need.

[HeloCrewChief]

Funny about the Lucas Trans Fix. I'm having a slippage issue in my 96 Cherokee Sport winter beater out here in Alaska. I plan on junking it when I leave in three months so, I threw in 1 bottle of the stuff and I swear it has stopped slipping. I know this is a temporary fix but, I cannot believe it actually helped that much. With some luck maybe you will make it a few months too.

[jcd9730]

Well, It wont be anytime soon, due to school and work, and actually ordering it, but hopefully June or July. Before the end of August for sure, I hate not driving my truck.

Hmm, I think it depends on how long you will keep it flat or satin black like you said in your thread. Panel by panel is always better, but a LOT more work

Well, Ill definitly take you up on the offer! Im gonna start doing my homework to make it go as smooth as possible. And find a good jack... In the meantime, if you need help, I work strange hours, but Im very restless now.. haha

[jcd9730]

It may have helped, had I not drained the fluid completely like SS Tim said. Too late now