Let me preface this with I know NOTHING about Auto Transmissions (short of the theory)... I searched for a few hours with no simple "Signs of a bad Torque Converter." What are signs of a torque converter going bad? Is it OK to just replace that of complete rebuild? I have a 1992 D350 with the HD tow package. In the morning when I start up the truck and put it into gear it shifts into gear hard then wont go anywhere for 30-60 Seconds. After it warms up it seems to drive fine, though it does seem the engine is working harder than it should. When slowing down from 70 MPH and try to give it a little gas, it doesn't want to match speeds. ANY help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

--
Justin

 

The initial morning start thing I have heard about lots. Even my 96 Gasser did the same thing. Seems the TC drains back a bit overnight and needs some time to prime up. Try starting the truck and then putting it into neutral for the time you wait for it to warm up. That usually fixes that little hesitation.

As far as knowing if its going bad. Thats usually found when trying to accellerate on long grades when the truck is already in torque converter lockup. That would be typically in 2nd-3rd-OD. You would feel a shudder in the driveline with the application of more fuel. If you engage OD lockout into third the engine and road speed should hold if you let off the throttle.

After some of these simple things, then there are a number of other adjustments and/or repairs to get the transmission up to the best shape you can. That would be band adjustments, TPS adjustments and good fluid flushes.

Failing all that, then its time to look at your options for rebuilding the tranny. By now a 92 tranny has typically seen alot of miles and would be best served with a refresh. Depending on your HP goals, towing, racing or what have you, the cost for the rebuild can be fairly reasonable up to the large 4 digit cost.

 

You might just be low on trans fluid. really.