Do we have any transmission experts around? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

gigawatz · 06-18-2003, 08:35 PM

Ok, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX with an automatic tranny (Sorry I don't know specs), 3.8 ltr engine (and I believe that this should be enough info but if not, let me know and I'll see if I can get the answer for you)

Ok, here is the problem.

Every now and again 3rd gear likes to slip. Mostly when I'm trying to push into third, like going up hill. It will get to a certain point and then rev and then catch. So I know that it is a slip. Now that we have this established. I have a 2 part question.

What can I do to delay breakdown (excluding driving slower cause this is not an option, I've tried and every now and again the fast tendency will set in and I've just got to flow w/ it)? And, when this tranny eventially does go, what are the chances (If I have the $$) to get a 5 speed installed into it and how much would something like that cost total? (including transmission purchase w/ misc parts pressure plate, clutch, the whole deal from either a yard or new + labor)

Ok so I lied, there are more then 2 questions. What are the things to look for when looking for a shop to do this?

I'm not sure, but I believe that a stick was not an option for this year, however I know that in 89 in the SC there was a 5 speed option so will there be any major retrofitting neccesities (outside of the fact of going from auto to man) like mounts & drive shaft sizes?

I am going to thank every one in advance for your help. Now, I'm hoping that I will not have to update you anytime soon cause I'm hoping to keep my tranny running as is (if not better) for a while but I know how trannys can be. So I like to collect as much accurate data in advance before hand so I know what I'm getting into and how much $$ I'm gonna need.

Thanks all.

DEI37 · 06-19-2003, 03:17 AM

Wasn't '89 the S/C 4-cylinder? If I remember right, the 3.8 wasn't ever offered with a manual trans. I could be wrong as I'm not a Ford guru, but that's just my memory. Yes, a lot of work will be needed to retrofit a manual in place of an automatic. Center console work, pedal cluster work, things like that. COmputer as well. Good luck.

gigawatz · 06-19-2003, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DEI37
Wasn't '89 the S/C 4-cylinder?

Nope, the SC was a 3.8 supercharged.
But as far as a stick option I'm not sure as to how stock it was but I've test driven one...

06-18-2003, 08:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
gigawatz Crazy Location: Pittsburgh	Do we have any transmission experts around? Ok, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird LX with an automatic tranny (Sorry I don't know specs), 3.8 ltr engine (and I believe that this should be enough info but if not, let me know and I'll see if I can get the answer for you) Ok, here is the problem. Every now and again 3rd gear likes to slip. Mostly when I'm trying to push into third, like going up hill. It will get to a certain point and then rev and then catch. So I know that it is a slip. Now that we have this established. I have a 2 part question. What can I do to delay breakdown (excluding driving slower cause this is not an option, I've tried and every now and again the fast tendency will set in and I've just got to flow w/ it)? And, when this tranny eventially does go, what are the chances (If I have the $$) to get a 5 speed installed into it and how much would something like that cost total? (including transmission purchase w/ misc parts pressure plate, clutch, the whole deal from either a yard or new + labor) Ok so I lied, there are more then 2 questions. What are the things to look for when looking for a shop to do this? I'm not sure, but I believe that a stick was not an option for this year, however I know that in 89 in the SC there was a 5 speed option so will there be any major retrofitting neccesities (outside of the fact of going from auto to man) like mounts & drive shaft sizes? I am going to thank every one in advance for your help. Now, I'm hoping that I will not have to update you anytime soon cause I'm hoping to keep my tranny running as is (if not better) for a while but I know how trannys can be. So I like to collect as much accurate data in advance before hand so I know what I'm getting into and how much $$ I'm gonna need. Thanks all.

06-19-2003, 03:17 AM	#2 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	Wasn't '89 the S/C 4-cylinder? If I remember right, the 3.8 wasn't ever offered with a manual trans. I could be wrong as I'm not a Ford guru, but that's just my memory. Yes, a lot of work will be needed to retrofit a manual in place of an automatic. Center console work, pedal cluster work, things like that. COmputer as well. Good luck. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.