Moderators, please feel free to move this thread if you feel it should be in the "JuiceBox" section 2018 has been a roller coaster ride for my Electra, and the year isn't even halfway over. I JUST picked my car up from getting a new vinyl top installed. It looked fantastic, and all of the rust issues from 42 years of life were taken care of by the body shop. *flashback* a few days ago...I've noticed an increasing vibration from within the drive train that I could only tie to (assume was) a driveshaft issue based on it characteristics. It definitely wasn't getting better over time, but it was next on my list of things to get fixed. There was also a slight transmission fluid leak from behind the torque converter from within the housing. I figured it was a shaft seal...that I would have fixed after getting the vinyl top done. Well, I didn't make it home. The car shuttered hard enough where I thought my dental fillings were gonna fall out. I noticed a little of smoke behind me so I pulled over and saw the trail of transmission fluid. The car/transmission died. I put it in neutral and pushed it forward to clear a driveway, which revealed a big puddle of transmission fluid. With just having spent a decent chunk of money on the body work & vinyl top, the car will remain dormant while I come up with a plan of action and more money. This leaves me with a few questions...Does anyone have experience with aftermarket performance TH400s that can be readily found online for $1000-$1700? Is there anything in specific that I should look for or avoid? I've increased the original HP of this engine from 205 to 417...and torque jumped from 345 ft lbs to 510, so I guess this transmission wasn't going to last forever seeing as though I don't baby it?
Is there anything wrong with just going the "plug & play" route with something like this: https://www.jegs.com/i/Hughes-Performance/512/34-1B/10002/-1?ymm=4294829810+4294829225+4294829218 opposed to having a shop rebuild my current core (assuming this transmission is toast?) or this http://www.monstertransmission.com/...nsmission-2WD-4-Tail_p_5062.html#.Wy6qzlVKjIU
Langston, The TH400 has been around for a VERY LONG time. ANY competent trans. shop should be able to do a rebuild for $400.00-$800.00. Ask around. Give your location. I am sure there will be someone on this site within your area that can/make suggestions. Tom T.
Thanks Tom. I am in the DC metropolitan area (in MD). I will visit the transmission shop I planned on taking it to so I can get a quote from them.
Now would be the ideal time to swap it for an OD trans if you have been itching for one. Not sure what your rear gear is but there are options. If it has a high rear gear, low numbered, you could do a 2.75:1 low gear set to get a little more oomph off the line in the Turbo 400.
Hey Langston I have a couple good used long tail transmissions that I took out when I parted cars out for the 455s. Cars were running driving fine. $300 Would need fresh fluid and filter and good to go. I was going to convert to short tail and freshen up at some point but don't have storage space now. I'm in MD. Cambridge but still have place in Mount Airy if you would like me to bring there. Just a cheaper option vs rebuilding yours. Bruce
Thanks for that generous offer Bruce. I will keep it in mind when I have all of my options laid out before me.
True indeed. The plan was to get an aftermarket converter to help get the barge moving off the line. I will keep this in mind when I talk to the transmission shop. Thanks
Step one would be diagnosing your current trans. It may be fine but out of fluid. Find the source of the leak and see what happens. Millions of transmissions have lost all their fluid due to rotted cooler lines and have come right back to life.
Joe, Its definitely not the lines. I had my local shop take a look, and they confirmed that the fluid was leaking from behind the torque converter. I honestly dropped it off to them hoping it was one of the lines.
Langston top looks great I noticed the primer around the top I hope they painted under the top to seal body work if not take molds off and get it painted and use a good clear coat
Steve, They didn't. I took it to the upholsterer and the first thing he said was "why didn't they shoot this? primer holds moisture!" I said "really? I didn't know. I just told them to take care of the rust and prime it." So there's that. I am living and learning.
I keep telling people to get the trans refreshed every couple decades, every one of mine has been out for new rubber once or twice. Beats break downs. The TH400 is about the easiest trans to rebuild, don't put another original build in there. Bruce Roe
Again diagnose it before ordering a trans. If you need a $10 input seal why spend 800 on a rebuild? A leak from behind the converter doesn't guarantee a rebuild is needed. Th400s are incredibly rugged. It wouldn't be the first one to be run dry and survive.
I certainly will. I went to the transmission shop this morning, and based on the details I gave him, he's not convinced that the transmission is a total loss. When I decide to get it towed to the shop, we'll take it from there.
