Transmission Problems

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 8:45 pm

ok, my first line of business on this new old '71 F100 is to fix the transmission. just bought the truck and the guy said that the transmission slipps some when it is in low gear. well, i was able to drive it home but when i pulled into the neighborhood and shifted down (its an automatic) I couldn't get it back in gear. had to push it the rest of the way to the house - not far - just a few blocks. I'm an old wood worker now turning truck mechanic so don't know much bought transmissions. anyone point me in the right direction? It's an automatic with a 302 V-8. When i attempt to shift from Park to R, D, 1, 2 nothing happens - can't get it into gear. anyone have any ideas of what may be wrong? where does an old wood worker begin. HMills

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 9:18 pm

check the fuild while it is running first. if it need fuild add type "f" fuild only. if it won't go and its full its probably needing rebuilt. its not that hard to do as long as you don't need any hard parts.

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Sun Jan 01, 2006 10:30 pm

thanks. fluid is full but needs to be replaced. i think your right - it probably needs to be rebuilt.

Jake11 · Post by **Jake11** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 2:20 am

Sounds like it's just worn out. The clutches and bands only last so long.
If your inclined to try it, get a manual and do it youself. All you can do
is learn, and have some fun. Ford autos are not too bad.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 12:31 pm

Ive replaced only the clutches before.

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 2:54 pm

thanks guys. ordered a Chilton's yesterday from the local parts store. I think I'll study the manual and see what I can do myself before taking it to a pro. always liked a good adventure.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 5:12 pm

its easy i didn't have a book to do it. unless you want all the technical stuff about clearances and the like.

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 11:20 pm

Just to motivate me I called a few transmission specialists today and got a few quotes to rebuild (assuming no hard parts are needed). 1st quote was $1000. 2nd quote - $595. That's quite a range. 2nd quote said if i do the removal and replacement he would knock of $200.

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 11:22 pm

second one sounds like the best one.

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Mon Jan 02, 2006 11:27 pm

yeah thats what i figured too. and i'm a 3rd generation aggie to boot!

rjewkes · Post by **rjewkes** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 4:09 pm

hmm. one thought is the linkage it could be loose? or try a filter and fluid change it runs about 20 bucks to do this. a clogged filter will cuase problems.

qman · Post by **qman** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 5:31 pm

These old trannies only had screens didn't they. I know my 72 did. There's no filter to get clogged and if the screen is clogged then he has broken parts in there.

flyboy2610 · Post by **flyboy2610** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 9:06 pm

rjewkes wrote:hmm. one thought is the linkage it could be loose?

That was my first thought, too. Make sure the linkage is actually moving the shift lever on the side of the tranny. Have someone shift the truck while you watch the shift lever. Do this with the engine OFF!

fordman · Post by **fordman** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:40 pm

yeah check that out before you go all out. i was jumping to conclusions i guess.

hmills · Post by **hmills** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:43 pm

Great idea "flyboy2610". I did just that and the linkage arm is still moving the shift lever. I'm going to do a standard "$20" service (filter and fluid change) on the tranny as soon as i get the time. keep your fingers crossed for no metal shavings. thanks for the posts. HMills

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