fml tranny problems. slow shifts;no 4th.

[MrPhotographer06]

So, I just rebuilt the top end in my motor. About 5 or 6k before the rebuild, the trans would start whining, and shift hard. If I pulled over and cut the car off, it would stop. Since the intial start up date, a week ago( last Sunday) its had these problems.

Day 1: hanging in 2-3 shift long.. instead of going into third, it slowly shifts unless yo kind of let off and feather the gas. Also did the whining thing once.
day 2-(Mon) same.
3-6 fine.
7( sat) did the whining thing again, twice, _then went away.
8( Sunday/ today) it did the whining thing, but I didn't have a place to pull over. I was 15 Minutes from my fiancé's house, so I just kept going. After about 2 miles and 2 stoplights I realized when I let off the gas, I was dropikg to idle. It wasn't till I left there tonight, that it seems as I've lost 4 th. Any suggestions?

How hard is a Tranny swap?

Thanks, Scott

[MrPhotographer06]

Drove it this morning, And it still wont go into 4th. Its also slow shifting in the 1-2 and 2-3 shift. A couple posts said something about pressure sensor? And filter change. I haven't changed the trans filter because of the scare to burn it up. A lot of cars weaken when you change the fluid and filter, so I was scared to. Reckon its too late now.

Thoughts?

[sseilmnop]

4th gear splined shaft strips at higher mileage on pre 2003 transmissions. Visit http://www.tripleedgeperformance.com/ and there are throuble shooting guides for the transmissions. I bought all my parts to rebuild the tranny from him.

[MrPhotographer06]

What did it cost you?

[BillBoost37]

Scott... no trans dies from a bit of maintenance. Transmission fluid is similar to motor oil in that it's an oil with detergents etc in it and there's a filter.

Whining is caused by the pump not being able to pull enough fluid through the clogged filter. I'd suggest starting off with dropping the pan and changing the filter. Put in a bottle of Lucas stop slip and top it off with fluid. Then drive about 100 miles before making any more determinations on how good/bad it is. Meaning, give the detergents and additives in Lucas to work.

Then if you still lack fourth, it's most likely the hub shaft. That's not too bad to swap if your willing to do some work.

[MrPhotographer06]

I have no problem with the work, I just did the top end rebuild, and after that back manifold and head, I think I can conquer the world. lol. Ill start on the filter and fluid..whats the Hub replacement require?

[BillBoost37]

You didn't ask about a hub replacement. lol.....
34mm socket if axle was replaced, 35mm if it's stock (most guys use a 36mm and call it good)
1/2" socket for the bolts, although a 13mm fits..it's sloppy. If things go bad, you want a 1/2" ..and six point only. Then add in a 15mm for the caliper bracket bolts and 19mm to get the tires off.

Trans service is jack or ramps and 20 bolts. A large Steralite container from (18" x36" x 6") is great for catching the fluid.
On teh trans.. reuse the gasket if it's the metal inlaid stocker, and torque is 120 inch lbs aka 10 ft lbs

[FordMan77]

Maybe he meant the 4th clutch hub?

[BillBoost37]

I dunno.. not really enough info .. I went with wheel hub

[MrPhotographer06]

You said could be the hub shaft , if I was willing to do a little work. Haha that's what Iwanted to know. How hard is it?