ok starting a new post here so i don't get confused.....got my rebuild kit today and im gonna start in rebuilding this tranny.....got oil pump off spare tranny....it's in great shape......questions on what bad shape is check my previous post about what happens when you don't get the torque convertor seated properly.... anyway im gonna go slow on this so hopefully i'll do it right.....so if anyone out there has rebuilt one of these and has any hints or did something wrong and would like to share their mistakes so i don't make the same one please feel free to help me out...... Thanks Jeremy
I need to do the same thing...Are you just putting in the shift kit? It sounds like you are doing a complete overhaul. Keep us informed. Also, do you have any experience in transmissions (other than the most recent blunder with the torque converter)? I have none, and am wondering if it is something I can tackle in the garage.
man scoop if this works i'll be sooooo amazed....have absolutely no experience with overhauling transmissions......don't everyone laugh at once.....im figuring if nothing else im just out the hundred bucks for the rebuild kit.....from what i can see so far though assuming i can get everything back the way it's supposed to be i should have pretty good luck......knock on wood.....i'll keep ya informed on how things go......
Ok, did you get the Haynes book for overhauling ...Ford transmissions? This is a *GREAT* resource. Ok, as to my own experiences rebuilding. DO NOT tear into the valve body unless it's absolutely necessary. And if you must, do it in a plastic container larger than it, in case you lose a checkball or a spring, those things just seem to leap right out. Remember, soak the clutches in type-F fluid for a minimum of 15 minutes before installing them in their respective drums. Waffle-looking clutches go in the reverse-high drum (first drum behind the front pump, ) smooth ones go in the forward clutch drum (the one waaaay in the back by the one-way clutch) For the love of god, watch removing the one way clutch, that bastard gets dropped or jostled, and you got rollers and little accordion springs everywhere. I've dealt with one bad one, and one good one, and I managed to FUBAR them both. They can be such a bitch to reassemble. Then again, I ain't a professional....... 'Course, my C4 works, after much cussing, beer drinking, and thrown tools.
DUDE!!! Don't take it out on the tools! Take it out on the wife and dog, or the neighbor's kids, but not the tools!
Same problem I had, I installed the one-way clutch wrong and it caused me much grief. You already made a similar mistake that I made with the converter, I installed the pump gear backwards and the converter was out about 1/8 inch extra. I didn't start mine up and do any damage though. You'll be amazed after you put it all back together and it works great. It's not that hard, it will work great!
get a good rebuild book on the c-4. there are thrust washers which are going to fall out of position when you disassemble the trans & you need to know where they go when you reassemble the trans or the end play will be way off. most bushings do not need to be replaced unless badly worn or damaged. pump bushing should always be replaced. keep in mind that the bushings in there are properly broken in to the clearances of the trans. sometimes a new or different thrust washer (s) might be needed if you do something to change the dimensions of the internal parts when assembled. use blue trans assembly lube (or grease) to hold washers in position when reassembling the trans. also put stp liberally on parts which will see friction immediately at startup (rollers, bearings, etc). a digital camera or even quick drawings will help you to remember how the parts go back in it. (i always say i'll remember, but then have it apart for more than a day or two and then sometimes arent sure when i reassemble things.) have fun.
thanks for the advice everyone.......luckily ive got a spare transmission.....hopefully some parts will interchange if need be...or i can always start taking it apart slowly if i have a ? on where something goes if i heaven forbid forget.... Talk to you all later Jeremy
thanks for the tip on the one way clutch....i marked each so i could put it back where it goes.....drew a pic as well.....things are going smooth so far....knock on wood.....progressing quite well.....got my clutches soaking as i type this.....i'll let ya know how things go after while....thanks again guys
If you took pictures I would be forever greatful. I could have 3 good C4's if I knew I could rebuild them myself.
shoot i knew i should a grabbed the wife's digital camera.....i tell you guys what.....this is extremely easy so far....everything seems to be fairly simple putting back together.....when i took everything out i placed it in the order it came....stacked everything right back into itself.....now im just reversing it and putting everything back where it went......cleaning and examining each piece..... One question though....im taking a break.....just my first set of clutches in and im wondering.....book says to use a suitable tool to compress the clutches to get the snapring back on....can i just rig something up for the vice or is there a better tool to use?? Any tips on this.....Im gonna wait a while hopefully for some responses or hints from those who've been there before...... Later everyone
The compressor is used for removing/installing spring loaded clutch pistons under the clutch packs. There are two seals on the pistons that need to be replaced, one on the piston's outer surface, and one in the clutch drum that the inner hole in the piston rides on. The inner one is hard to see and even harder to get out. You will need a curved seal pick.
Well your first mistake was to say it is easy...LOL They make a tool to compress the spring, but it is a little expensive. Try the method they use in the book with clamps. Sounds like you are doing an awesome job on this and I bet it runs great when your done.
