Lost FORWARD TH-400

[MIB]

I lost ALL forward gears . Car will back up on the transbrake. Were should I start looking before I pull the tranny back out? This a reverse manual TCI tranny, ATI stall. Thanks

 

[jakeshoe]

If you lost all forward gears, the forward clutches are toast. Pull it out.

Too loose clearances, cut lip seal, broken forward hub, intermediate shaft, etc.

 

[MIB]

Thanks! Fluid looks and smells good I guess I'll know more this evening when I finish pulling the tranny.

 

[jakeshoe]

Be sure and let us know what you find :wink:

 

[MIB]

Forward clutches fried It looks like the forward piston seals where damaged also. My tranny is missing front and rear bands. Is this normal? At least I will get a chance to put the JW bellhousing on.

 

[jakeshoe]

Forward seals could have been damaged on install or the piston could have over-traveled from excessive clearance. The heat could also damage them from the clutches slipping but it is usually the other way around.

You should have a low band, most full manual VB's omit the front band as it is only used for 2nd gear engine braking.

 

[MIB]

I bet I damaged the seals when I went in the drill the bleed hole

 

[jakeshoe]

You should disassemble the drum to drill the bleed hole, lots of metal shavings will get into the trans if not.
That stuff isn't good for the frictions, bushings, thrusts, converter, etc.

 

[MIB]

You should disassemble the drum to drill the bleed hole, lots of metal shavings will get into the trans if not.
That stuff isn't good for the frictions, bushings, thrusts, converter, etc.

I disassembled the drum to drill the hole. It has to be drilled from the inside of the drum. I was very careful to not get any metal shavings in the tranny. The good news is the other clutches look good. I have everything out on the bench for now. I am going to cut/fit the JW bellhousing this weekend and put it back together Monday. Hopefully I can get it back in the car and running.

 

[jakeshoe]

OK,
Yeah I drill from the inside but you can drill it from the outside it just won't be on the very edge of the piston.

BUT...
You should have drilled the direct drum not the forward drum

 

[MIB]

Yea your right