kimrpaige

Hello again,
Well now that I got my oil leak, half shafts U joints and heater core repaired, my Tranny started acting up. First a slow shift into 3rd and 4th, where I had to actually let up on the gas for it to shift. Now when shifting into 3rd the rpms goes way up and no shift. Fluid level is fine. I can buy a used tranny out of a 85 with 60K on it cheap. Do you think I need to R&R the tranny or could it be something simple. The way my luck has been I probably buy the tranny. Anyway what are your thoughts. This car will be just like new before long. Thanks in advance, Kim

H P Bushrod

When the trans in my '85 started doing the same thing you described, It wound up in the shop for a rebuild. Wish I had better news. Keep us posted on what you find.

engle1147

From what I understand, the 700R4 in your '91 is way better than the ones installed '85 so I vote "rebuild" the '91. Add a "shift kit" and a slightly higher rated "stall converter" while it is all out.

Vic'89

Sounds like the 3/4 Clutch pack is burned up.

You will require a Tranny rebuild.

Vic

twin540

Rebuild what u have and get a higher stall converter with a shift kit.

Davejs

What the others have said as well, dropping in a used trans is a crap shoot. I know guys who have done it and came away with no problems and others who wound up with junk. Save the money in the long run and do it right once.

kimrpaige

I understand, but still leaning towards the used 85. My question is will the 85 transmission work with my torque converter, as the 85 had a bad converter. Also, if I do rebuild mine, where do I get the kit? Or should I just have a shop rebuild it? I was going to purchase a kit with converter online then take it to my mechanic. Can get a master kit with a Transgo JR kit and converter for around $400. What is the thought?

twin540

What went wrong with the converter on the 85.My last converter failure plugged up my tranny with clutch material, something else u have to consider.Is you're Motor stock or planning on leaving it stock.Good time to beef it up..I got my rebuild .kit from monster transmission and had it rebuild here locally

Davejs

Bad convertor is a big red flag in my book. If you are doing all the work yourself on the R&R then it is only time and materials that it costs you. If this is being done by a shop at $65+ hr the book will list hrs to R&R the trans plus parts again. Safe bet is a good rebuild on the trans with updates.
Look on Craigslist for local trans shops and call around if your going to be cheap. At least that way you may find a shop to rebuild yours for $550 or so. Just a quick look CL in FL I found a few trans repair shops. If your going to be cheap then plan on getting dirty and doing an install yourself.

kimrpaige

Thanks for the quick reply. The 85 torque converter, would not unlock. The PO replaced the solenoid, and filter, still would not unlock, would kill engine when slowing/stopping. He jacked the car up and trans shifted in all four gears. He then found a deal on a tranny that was modified so he is selling the one out of the 85 for $125. I figure I could swap it out reletively cheap and if it doesn't work out then have mine rebuilt, and still have a spare either way. My engine is stock and will remain stock, 75,000 miles, my hot rodding days are over, LOL. Will check out monster transmission. The kits on Ebay are from Salem Oregon, anyone dealt with them? Thanks, Kim

Davejs

Bring the $125 trans in and have them check it and replace the seals front and back first. Seals are not that expensive so replace them before the trans goes in. Have the shop put in a shift kit and check it over with the pan off. Certain years have updates that are needed and get those taken care of before install when it is cheap. If you develop a working relationship with the folks at the trans shop then look to them for future help.

kimrpaige

Hello All,
I took your advise and had my transmission rebuilt. The 3/4 clutch pack was worn out. I had the shop put in a shift kit while he was in there. All better now, Total was $950 including towing about 20 miles, I got the car back in two days, he used all top quality parts (Borg Warner). Runs and drives like new now, a bit firm upsift now but you know when it shifts. Thanks to all. Kim

Davejs

Glad to hear it.

sailorsteve

That was the right move. It should last for many miles.

pricesgarage

have your 91 built the 87 up had a better valve body and pump do some reasearch on local shops have them use a torque converter from a 96 up 4.3 s10 it will give u a 220-2400 stall speed and has a better tcc clutch material than the oe as far as shift kits go i use the trans go kit on all 700 r rebuilds if u are going the with a reman unit get on from performance automatic or send yours to me and id build it for u pm me if your interested and illl give u a list on what i do on my rebuilds

arbee

If you build transmissions like your sentence structure, I would probably stay clear. Please don't tell me the reason for the above group of jumbled letters is because you typed this out on your phone. I use BBM every day and have no trouble finding the shift key or the space bar.

pricesgarage

Wel i didnt know were in a english class, and no i wasnt using a phone its called workn till midnight and being up at 1 30 am typing there may be some grammer issues .

arbee

I don't think anyone here has ever claimed this is an English class, but if you want people to read and absorb what you have written, I think it is only fair that you type in a manner that allows people to do just that - READ IT. Pick any post and read it. You will see that the vast majority are not made up of text-talk.

l98tpi

Rebuild yours and beef it up. I had mine done by rpm transmissions with full manual body. Tach it Up did the r&r. You may not want a full manual valve body, but definately beef up the trans for future upgrades.

Vic'89

That's a very good price , did they removed and install the Tranny also ?

Vic