[Shotimes] Swapping an auto tranny (semi-OT)
Kevin & Cheryl Airth
clubairth@peoplepc.com
Sat, 7 Jun 2003 11:03:54 -0500
I would call Doug Lewis at FPS for some tips also.
I would be concerned about using the high stall SHO converter with a low
RPM engine like the 3.0 or 3.8 SLO engines. They really don't need a 3000
rpm stall. Maybe use the stock SLO converter? It should fit OK.
Of course be sure and change the rear main seal and on a SHO the rear
carrier gasket also. Check for oil pan leaks too. I had a hard time with the
rear rubber pan gasket as the carrier fits around the crank flange and you
have to compress the rubber pan gasket while pushing in the carrier. Next
time I would consider dropping the pan, installing the rear carrier and then
reinstalling the pan.
I have only swapped trannys and have not rebuilt one. I did get into the
internals after I broke the oil pump input shaft! Doug said he has never
heard or seen this before! But got it fixed without dropping the tranny so
it was not too bad!
.
.
> I'm gonna be attacking a 95 SHO ATX tranny rebuild on my deck to then put
in
> my nearly dead 95 SLO. They both share an AX4S so it should be a simple
> swap. I plan to dig into my helms and redo the whole thing, and add a
> shiftkit. The car is going to my mother and I want no problems for the
next
> 10 years with the tranny.
>
> Any tips or trick that make working/rebuilding one easier, I'd love to
hear
> about them. I'm sure Joseph would want to hear them too.
>
> Bruce
> 94 Opal Frost MTX
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Kevin & Cheryl Airth" <clubairth@peoplepc.com>
> To: "van Oss" <vanOss@centurytel.net>; <shotimes@autox.team.net>
> Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 1:56 PM
> Subject: Re: [Shotimes] Swapping an auto tranny (semi-OT)
>
>
> > Joe:
> > I have done two SHO ATX's now. It is a big job and be aware that it's a
> > great time to replace other parts. Seals for oil leaks, suspension items
> > because your right there. You might also find additional problems that
you
> > were not aware of. So start it with a open mind and try NOT to be under
> the
> > gun time wise. If you are in the rust belt that will add to the pain
> factor
> > getting things apart! You might even consider rebuilding it yourself. At
> > least two different people on the list have. Make sure even on the
> standard
> > Taurus to use the TransGo shift kit. It's a must have item. I only R &
R
> > the units myself. You will need a engine support of some kind. I made
one
> > and can send you a zip file of pictures if you want. It can surely be
> > improved but it works great now. It has supported the SHO engine for
over
> 30
> > days when I did the first FPS tranny install.
> > You will need two people to stab the unit and in general it's much
easier
> > with a hoist. How did you get your boys interested in turning wrenches?
> Mine
> > has no interest until the car breaks down and then not much!
> > .
> > .
> >
> >
> >
> > > This is regarding a Taurus LX with 3.8L and AXOD. Sorry for the
> semi-OT.
> > >
> > > As some of you know, we've bought this LX for our boys to drive. It
has
> a
> > > bad tranny and we are exploring options for how to get it fixed.
> > >
> > > -- Take whole car into local shop and have them do it all
> > > -- Remove tranny at home, have it rebuilt, and we put it back in
(saves
> > R&R
> > > labor)
> > > -- Buy another used or rebuilt tranny (Al Fitz, eBay, whatever) and
swap
> > at
> > > home
> > >
> > > As a mechanic, I know that ATX internals are not for me. But do you
> think
> > I
> > > could handle R&R of an ATX? You guys know what I have done (managed
to
> do
> > > SHO rod bearings without a hospital stay or lawsuit).
> > >
> > > As a father, I would prefer that the boys do some of the work so that
> they
> > > learn. Also I want them to feel invested in the car so that they'll
> treat
> > > it with respect.
> > >
> > > Any advice welcome, either on a technical or parental level.
> > >
> > > Joseph van Oss
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