Update on my truck (been a while)

[grimm]

It's been a long time since I've posted here. Been busy with life and such. My truck has not had any upgrades for that very same reason. But I've got another plan for my truck to add to the list. My transmission is probably on its way out. Going forward seems to be fine. All forward gears feel fine, no slippage and no problems actually shifting through gears. It's reverse that gives me trouble. If I give it too much gas in reverse, it pops out of gear and makes a god-awful grinding noise akin to mis-shifting a manual 5 speed. So now I have an excuse to go the route of a built 4L60E or 65E.

Anyhow, I still drive it, because I have no choice for the time being, but eventually I will be replacing the transmission, and while the tranny is out, upgrade the rear end (14 bolt SF as planned originally) and replace the driveshaft/u-joints. Once all of that is done, then I will finally work on lifting the truck and stuffing some 35's under there. My engine is still solid, really solid. I'm actually amazed how smooth, strong and reliable the engine has been given the mileage (maintenance is key I suppose). But I may just price around replacement (or performance) engines for the future, just in case. Anyhow, that's my rant/update. How's that for a plan?

 

[SunlitComet]

From drivetrain: Slow, slipping or no reverse--“lo-reverse” clutches are worn out, fluid leak in the reverse apply circuit, or broken sunshell.. May also have worn boost valve. It is possible to remedy a fluid problem by removing the checkball from its cage in the case in the rear of the Transmission may help (must remove valvebody), or adding a high-viscosity additive such as Lucas Transmissionmission additive or other seal restorer product.

Also this: Sudden grinding noise with no prior warning primarily in 2nd gear, behavior in reverse may be abnormal sunshell is fractured. Try not to run or drive the car or further damage could result.

If you have both the it time for a rebuild as you just broke a hard part and hopefully not damaged the tranny case internal.

It does sounds like the sunshell is screwed. Total failure is imminent, when it goes it is going to be fun if you are on the highway and you are going to get stuck somewhere soon I think.

If you want:

http://www.sunlitcomet.com/pdf/auto/4l60e.pdf

 

[grimm]

Yeah, I've already done some investigating as to what may be wrong, and you're right, it seems very likely the problem is a damaged sunshell. After all of my inspecting and research, failure of the transmission does seem imminent, hence my excuse for a built 4L60E or 4L65E , but I've adjusted my driving to compensate and do as little damage as possible to buy me some time (since I still have to go to work and no one can give me a ride other than myself and my 2nd car needs to be addressed before I put the truck away and start driving that) My plan was to either start driving my RX-7 again (the aforementioned 2nd car, which will most likely last only 15-20,000 miles before the engine goes out) or to take a ride up and down the local auto-row and do some vehicle shopping so I can have something reliable to get to work and anywhere else I need to go. By the way, my truck is not going to be sold or junked, ever, period. It has too much sentimental value for various reasons, and as such, I'm willing to pay the money and use some elbow grease to fix whatever is wrong with it. The engine could take a shit and fall to pieces and I would keep it and replace the engine.

Anyhow, in the meantime, I would eventually have the money for a Monster Transmission, which I would then have delivered to my house for an extra fee and continue to perform the swap over a weekend with a buddy. While upgrading the rear-end and addressing anything else that needs to be done while the tranny is out.

 

[SunlitComet]

In your situation I would choose what ever has the fastest turnaround time. If you were not worried about a really beefy tranny have a local shop do it or ask them if thay will sell a walk in so you can save on the r&r labor. Would probably loose 2 to 3 days and they usually use improved parts and shift improvement kits. Just ask, if it turns out to be the sunshell is damaged, for a beefy replacement. It is a common 4l60e problem so somebody has a improved design. Probably Transtar.

 

[Danny_Z56]

I agree,put a killer transmission in there,you'd be amazed on how a well built 'performance oriented' trans can make things much more fun.

After recently riding in my buddy's '95 9C1 LT1 Caprice,it made me want to run to my Tahoe and take it to my tranny guy and have him hook that sh*t up!! It also reminded me of how my ol' '94 9C1 Caprice shifted w/ its TG shift kit and Corvette servo,ahhh that was nice....

Here is my buddy's Caprice just for sh*ts,

 

[grimm]

Thanks for the input guys. Even though the tranny is crapping out on me, I'm kind of excited to put a new transmission in my truck. I'm sure it would breathe new life into the beast.

There's not a whole lot of competent shops in my area that can offer me a complete transmission at a decent price that I can purchase and take home and install over the weekend. A rebuild at a local shop would probably cost me more money than purchasing a built 4L60E or 65E and doing the work myself. In the end though, money is really the biggest factor in having to wait it out. I guess in the meantime, I'll continue my research and call a bunch of places. Maybe a better deal will come along.