Hi all, i was about to adjust the bands in my transmission today until i figured out that i didn't have the right tool. What tool is needed for the shaft adjustment? A wrench will fit on it, but how would you check the torque?
Are you suppose to use a crow's foot on there? If so, how would that affect the torque rating?
Or is there just another tool that i don't have that's needed?

Thanks
Brent

 

You need an inch-pound torque wrench. Small little thing with a 1/4" drive. You can pick up a cheap on at Harbor Freight. Around $20. No crows foot needed. You will need a square (4 or 8 sided) socket of some sort. I can't remember the size right off. Adjusting the bands will make the shifts firmer. That's what I found.

 

Is it really that hard to adjust the bands, because I have never done it before. How do they become loose?
Thanks,
Wheelo

 

It's not hard at all to adjust the bands! Simple procedure. You just loosen the locknut, torque the center nut (can't remember what that is right now), back off a specified amount (like 2 full turns), then tighten the locknut. They become loose over time not from a "loosening" effect but because the material on the band (sort of like a brake lining) wears thinner over time and with use. And with reduced thickness in this material, it creates a larger gap between the band and the drum or sun gear (? I'm going waaaay out on a limb here with my terms, someone will correct me.) A looser band has less holding force, making the shifts "spongier".

 

I was wondering what kind of socket you use on there? I have a torque wrench, but i couldn't find a proper socket to fit the adjuster. Is this something special, or did i just not have the right sized socket?
Thanks
Brent

 

There are special square drive sockets available. I didn't have one the right size, so I used a 5/16" open end wrench and my specially calibrated right arm to torque the stud.

The front band (outside of the case, above the throttle lever) is torqued to 72 in. lbs., then backed off 2-1/2 turns. This one is a real pain to get to....

The rear band, which is adjused from inside the transmission, is also torqued to 72 in. lbs., but backed off 2 turns.

 

Any ideas on where to get one of these square drive sockets? I don't trust my calibrated arm that much .

 

I know Sears carries them, along with any of the main tool vendors (Snap-On, MACS, etc). They seem to be more of an automotive-type tool, so I doubt if Home Depot or Lowe's would have them...but if that is all you have in your area it might be worth checking.

I heard K-Mart is now selling Craftsman tools, too, but I'm not sure how big of a selection they have.

 

This is what you're looking for (not sure if 5/16" is the right size, though...) - it's called an "eight point socket."

 

Cool, i'll go look for one. Anyone think it's a bad idea to adjust the front band and not the back ( don't want to take the pan back off)? I know one's for the kick down, so would that only affect the one that i adjusted and not the other?
Thanks
Brent

 

The rear band is the low-reverse band. As it's name suggests, it is applied only in Low (not 1st) and Reverse. If reverse feels pretty good, no worries there. It won't hurt anything to adjust only the front/kickdown/2nd gear band.