tranny is in the shop; why so soon?

[LaGrasta]

After 15,000 miles and three years since the rebuild, my Ford-O-Matic 2 speed is hanging up in first when it's cold. Typical of these when they start to grow old from what I hear.

I took it back to the place that did the rebuild yesterday. He'll look at it today, but just from talking he belives the bands are dried up.

I asked why so soon and he said inferior aftermarket bands are all that's available. Any insight?

If faced with a rebuild, should I just switch to the C4? I'm satisfied with the 2 speed for daily driving, but I sure don't want to rebuild it once a year; that's crazy.

 

[MustangSix]

Auto trans shift performance depends on some very closely held tolerances on several parts. Wear could cause problems that would lead to poor shifting no matter how good the materials are. It may just be that the thing is worn out.

There are so many good (cheap) sources for late versions of the C4 that I can't imagine trying to chase down a Ford-o-matic 2 speed unless originality was essential. You'll have to change a few things to make it fit, but they're minor and have been documented many times.

 

[Anonymous]

+1 on changing out to C4. Cases are plentiful, as well as parts. Plus they are relatively simple to rebuild on a weekend.

 

[LaGrasta]

+1 on changing out to C4. Cases are plentiful, as well as parts. Plus they are relatively simple to rebuild on a weekend.

I understand the case and rebuild parts are cheap and easy, but what about all the stuff I need to convert from my 2 speed? What are they and where?

 

[kukm66]

Anthony:

The tranny itself is a straight bolt on. You will need to purchase($75) or make your own mount setup. Driveline will have to be modified. The yoke and spline count is different. Either change out the front yoke on your driveline or get a driveline from a Maverick or similar and change out your rear yoke. What kind or rear end are you using? I have a setup I am using from a Maverick. This was retrofitted into a 62 Falcon Futura that I scrapped.

You can use your column linkage but it will not line up on the indicator. This can be remedied later. Cooling lines for the tranny can be obtained from any Mustang supplier.

 

[Mercury Mike]

Anthony, make your own cooler lines. Cheap, fun, and a good learning experience if you've never done it before. Run steel lines right up to the radiator, and they won't leak, guaranteed. I have a C4 that I'm selling, well my buddy is selling, but I can probably convince him to get you a cheap price. It'd be a little drive up to El Monte to pick it up, unless I get to use the truck, then I'll bring it down to ya. I also have a 200 that I'm selling, so if you wanna buy that to build it up, you could go from 170-2 spd to 200-3 spd in a couple of days. =) Let me know, you have my number.

 

[LaGrasta]

Anthony:

The tranny itself is a straight bolt on. You will need to purchase($75) or make your own mount setup. Driveline will have to be modified. The yoke and spline count is different. Either change out the front yoke on your driveline or get a driveline from a Maverick or similar and change out your rear yoke. What kind or rear end are you using? I have a setup I am using from a Maverick. This was retrofitted into a 62 Falcon Futura that I scrapped.

You can use your column linkage but it will not line up on the indicator. This can be remedied later. Cooling lines for the tranny can be obtained from any Mustang supplier.

I have an 8" rear. You didn't mention the bell housing. Do you mean I can use the bell from the 2 speed on the C4?

 

[LaGrasta]

thanks Mike for the offer. I may just do that… but down the rode.

As it turns out, the company that rebuilt my trans three years ago said even though my warrenty is expired, they will rebuild my trans again free of charge. They said it should have lasted far longer than three years and 15,000 miles. I was impressed.
I do still plan to have a C4 waiting in the wings, but at a later date. As well as a 200. The 200 though will more than likely be a Classic Inlines crate. 8)

 

[kukm66]

Anthony:

The C4 bell housing is not the same as your Fordomatic. You will need to acquire one but they are very common. The flexplates are avaialble new for around $15. Try to get everything you can, flexplate bolts, convertor, bell housing, tranny, driveline. If you have an 8" rear, you will not need to change out the yoke if you acquire the driveline as they are paired.

You can acquire everything you need above from a Maverick set up for a 200.

 

[LaGrasta]

good info, thanks again kukm66.

 

[michael_cini]

that's good news lagrasta. it's not often that a company offers to do the replace after the expiration of the warranty!

 

[addo]

They'd deserve naming for that good deed, wouldn't they? We're quick to criticise (Qlif'ahd springs to mind) but should be equally willing to praise.

 

[Bort62]

Yeah, that is very impressive. That sort of story would lead me to go to that shop for certain.

If I were ever to play with slushboxes again, that is

 

[LaGrasta]

Yeah, that is very impressive. That sort of story would lead me to go to that shop for certain.

If I were ever to play with slushboxes again, that is

It's a ful service tranny shop, slushboxes and all the rest too.

Coast Transmission
949-548-2288

447 West Bay Street (off Harbor, next to Robbins Ford)
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

 

[Mercury Mike]

Who's the owner?

 

[LaGrasta]

http://coasttransmission.com/

Fred Casillas &
Lou Jaussaud
Owners

 

[LaGrasta]

They tell me I also need a new flywheel. How do those go bad and what kind of price will I be looking at? I couldn't find one at AutoZone or Kragen.

 

[Mercury Mike]

They warp, crack, and get all bent out of shape sometimes. Swap to a C4, and the converter has the gear on it. You get all the parts and just put it together. =)

 

[I66coupe]

LaGrasta, after reading your signature description of you car, I gotta ask: any pics? That car sounds cool as heck! I never really read through that before.

Caddy Taillights? I gotta see this car.

 

[LaGrasta]

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/show ... &showall=1

scroll down until you see my post; there are a bunch posted.