Transmission Problems

[cutlasscruizerrr]

Well, the cruiser's transmission seems to be worn out after 178,000. I was pushing it kind of hard the other day and it didn't upshift properly from 2nd to 3rd. Now it's acting up with normal driving; it seems to surge, when my foot is steady on the gas pedal, and it shakes when the converter locks up. I'm hoping I can get a rebuild kit for it. I was just wondering if anyone has rebuilt the 4 spds and how difficult it is.

[turbokinetic]

I've rebuilt several of them. It is not hard but takes time, patience, and mechanical aptitude. The kits are not expensive at all. Less than $200 should get a complete kit to freshen up the transmission.

With a minor problem such as you have, it would be possible to in-frame the transmission. You can take out all the clutches, bands, and other "wear" items from the left side of the car. It takes removal of the wheel, driveshaft, and trans side cover; and MAYBE the 2 subframe mount bolts to tilt the frame down with a jack.

The only thing you can't replace is the torque converter.

Before going that far, drop the bottom pan and check the accumulator gaskets. These transmissions are famous for blowing the gasket under the accumulator cover and causing all sorts of crazy things to happen.

While you have the bottom pan off, look for any large pieces of "wreckage" that would indicate it needs to be pulled apart immediately.

Keep us posted. I have a good many transmission manuals and can post pages here and there as needed. Once you decide to tear the whole thing down, you will need to have a manual there with you.

Later,
David

[turbokinetic]

Here's a breakdown on that transmission.

http://68.209.87.173/Temp/440T4_parts1.jpg

http://68.209.87.173/Temp/440T4_parts2.jpg

Look at item 308 in the bottom corner of the second page. That is the accumulator gaskets which cause trouble.

This is a Transtar catalog page, and the item numbers are the part numbers. You can call a Transtar distributor and give them the prefix "84" and the item number and they will be able to get the part. I've been a Transtar customer for years and have always had great service.

David

[cutlasscruizerrr]

Wow, those are great schematics. Unfortunately, I probably won't rebuild because I may have jumped the gun. My dad thinks all the shaking is from missing, not problems with the transmission (not that it doesn't need an overhaul, but.....) So we're just going to change plugs and wires and see what it does.

[turbokinetic]

Hopefully that's the problem!

Ohm out the COIL PACK and the plug wires first!
David

[white89euro]

I've had great success with Lucas brand transmission additive. It saved a rebuild on our 1995 Windstar minivan. My friend who uses his vehicle for rural postal delivery says he's never rebuilt a transmission or even had a problem since using Lucas additive.

George

[cutlasscruizerrr]

Well, my dad's smarter than me, the plug wires worked; it is a bear to get to the ones in the back. The trans still seems worn out but it's definitely drivable and not worth overhauling. Hopefully she'll make it to 200,000 or over. Now I just have to check the rust coming up on the bottom of the doors and the back wheel well :(