I just wanted to throw it out there that even though this forum is all but dead, we still have good people here in the NCDTR18. As of 10/11/2008 my truck has not been right, I have been chasing issues with the transmission due to the broken flexplate at the NCDTR18 drag races. When the plate let go I was in 2nd gear. Well it seems I lost the front band, which controls 2nd gear and how the transmission shifts. We are not sure if it is due to wear or if the lever was bent, but there is no 2nd gear at all....I will post pictures of what we find.

On the 17th CADASH and I will be pulling the transmission (anyone that wants a good laugh can come watch/help at the Camp Lejeune hobby shop) cleaning it and packing it into the Ford for the trip to Garner. On the 18th once we get there we are going too help Phil tear it down and give it the full refresh I should have done a year ago. Including adding a few more billet parts. Then on the 18/19th we put it right back in and I leave for 2 weeks to Montana on the 25th....


I want to thank both of these members for setting aside their time so close to the holidays to help me with this. I appreciate it!!!!

 

If I'm still here on my project I'll come give a hand.

 

Only 2 more hours and she will be in the shop....If you were to look into the back seat there are 3 GAL of Valvoline Premium Blue 15/40, 25 QTS Valvoline VV346, FG Oil Filter and Fuel filter, Rear main seal........"looks like Pep Boys threw up" (Talledega Nights)...

 

It was good to see you guys today. Sorry I couldn't hang around. I just finished moving and setting back up bout half hr ago.....Just in time as the wind has kicked up a good deal and the rain as well.
I get ahold of you guys next year.
I'm sure all went well with the removal. You guys were on auto-pilot.
Take care and have a great Christmas and New Year.
Clif

 

Worse than expected????

 

Yep....

The intermediate (front) band was trashed. All the internals were coated in a black film. We had to break it down all the way to the last ball and the "gizmo" in the valve body.

As well, it was found that the rear drum and the hub it rides on were making contact in a bad way, and it was on its way to catastrophic failure. As well we had to spin the front drum on the lathe and polist out the groove the band wore into it.

The good news is, she is clean....has extra clutches, lots of goodies ( I LOVE the red billet piston...)

Thanks Phil for letting us help/watch...it was not only educational but just great to spend a day talking shop...I will say there is a lot to be said for the process. When Dan and I were driving home we talked about how much there is to these transmissions and how easy Phil made it seem.

More to follow..

 

The trans is in...and STRONG! But I think the starter was too far gone from the rear main being trashed, word to the wise...do not buy autozone RMS....

 

So your up and going ok for the trip to Monana?

 

Well the trans is stronger than ever!!! But I now have a horrible SCREECH when I start the truck. I associate it with a dead starter....The motor turns over....Very slow. Lots of oil in the starter due to the rear main seal being trashed.

I installed it in Oct of 08 and when we pulled it...the thing was destroyed.

 

Just an update....(Cause it's that darn good)...The tranny shifts strong, there is still a little shuttle in 1-2 but the Shift Enhancer will fix that. The trans is definately cooler. 130* cruising and 160* sitting at the lights. I am still breaking her in. But once I get back from Montana I will be setting up a date with Wayne to get a baseline and do some pressure testing.

Phil,

We will set a date to add the last 2 parts and get that band right! Thanks for everything!

Dan,

Well what can I say...You are the MAN!

 

Glad you are happy Man!! Give me a shout when you get home. I have the parts on the way. Have a great Christmas in COLD Montana!! Drive safe, the looneys will be out!!

 

I try!! Its always a good time to wrench on a truck!! Let me know when you wanna hit the rollers!!

 

So has the finger fallen off yet???

 

Not yet but it smells like it should!!!!














Its good!!