mhoward
Hey look ~ they ~ bounce!
Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017
Posts: 2732
Name: Michael ... Occupation: Technology Manager ... Interests: Trucks / Guitars & Music / Things that go BANG ...
Reputation Points: 2732
|
With the 200K miles milestone, I decided I should service the transmission. It was the only thing left to "rework", since I've replaced the entire suspension, brakes, and have been through the engine. Bought a "reseal kit" from Global Transmission which includes servo O-Rings, valve body gaskets, filter and pan gasket. I also bought 2) 5 qt. jugs of Motorcraft Mercon V fluid, band adjuster nuts (they have a built-in seal) and a new tail shaft seal. I began by putting a clear hose on the oil cooler line and put that in a clean, 5-gallon bucket. Started the engine and let it idle, pumping the fluid out of the trans and torque converter, shutting it off as soon as it started spitting air. I know... a lot of people will say that you shouldn't do that, but I wanted as much of the old fluid out of there that I could get. I put it up on stands and removed the pan (MUCH less mess when it is pretty much empty). Dropped the valve body, cleaned everything up. I didn't find any problems with the valve body gaskets but removed the old and installed the new. I wanted to adjust the bands while I was at it and the is when things went South. In order to adjust the rear band, you have to remove the shift lever and the trans position/range sensor. It was super tight, so I got the longest 7/8" wrench we had. SNAP!!! A piece fell into the drain pan, so I fished it out.
See that pin on the side by the detents? Yeah, that is super hardened and the part it's attached to is almost unobtainium (called a manual valve detent lever). I managed to find one in Nashville, TN and was able to purchase it and get it shipped to me. Yep, that set me behind a couple of days but I have the trans back together, bands adjusted and full of clean fluid. It shifts way better than it used to... smoother and more positive shifts.
I might mention that this trans had never been serviced. It had the original gasket that has the little metal disks on two sides of each bolt hole to prevent over-torquing. Based on what I've read, that gasket is only used when the trans is built at the factory and it cannot be purchased as a replacement, indicating that the pan has never been off. Considering the 200K miles, the trans was pretty clean inside. Magnet had some of the metal dust on it as expected, but no chunks anywhere. The old fluid was dark, but didn't smell burnt. Anyway, I am happy to have that done!
____________________
-- Michael
2003 Ranger Edge / Extended Cab / Flareside / 3.0L FLEX / 5r44e Auto / 2WD / 8.8 LS 4:10 / Sonic Blue Pearl
So many mods... so little time...
|
... 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 
MG power
