anyone rebuild AXODE

[lonestar]

Anyone here rebuild a AXOD or AXODE tranny theirself? If so, how bad is it, any special tools and what parts should be replaced?

I am looking to replace the foward clutch piston, upgrade the lubrication dam and any other parts that look bad after I tear into it.

Any suggestions?

 

[olympic]

In my opinion, rebuilding an automatic is best left to the pro's. There's hundreds of moving parts in there and they have to be installed perfectly. It's definitely not for the beginner or shadetree mechanic.

 

[lonestar]

That is what I used to think also, until I visited explorerforum. There are several guys that have rebuilt their own A4LD tranny without much trouble very inexpensively. $100 rebuild kit vs. $1200 rebuild. There are also ATSG(Automatic Trans Service Group) books available for most trannies. They go over a entire tear down and rebuild, much like Haynes and Chiltons do for engines. Just think, engines seem pretty intimidating to most. How hard is it to change a timing belt/chain? $20 for parts, compared to $200 a "pro" would charge.
You just have to be willing to try. I'm willing, I figure for the most part it's fried, and I could possibly stand to save $1000.

<small>[ February 13, 2003, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: lonestar ]</small>

 

[SHO--ripper]

GO for it! the worst that could happen is you *%#! it up and bring it to a pro. If it works out you save yourself $1000 that you could use to modify it.

 

[KentuckySHOoff]

i had to pay 1400 to get mine rebuilt, but it is supposed to be stronger cause there are several upgrades that ford had done. that is in an area where noone will touch the sho, and that is the cheapest one frown

 

[shotimev6]

get yourself a ford service manual. it will tell you when, where, and what special tools to use. i have rebuilt a few automatics, but never an axod. its not really that hard. if you have a good memory or label well then you wont have a hard time at all.try really hard to get the ford service manual...i find that the ones you get at the parts store omit some things. and my 2 most important pieces of advice are:
1-dont get intimidated
2-be 1% smarter than what youre working on. dont let it get you angry. show it who's its daddy.

that is all.

questions, comments, concerns
[email protected]

 

[Mike Kopstain]

shotimev6:
get yourself a ford service manual. it will tell you when, where, and what special tools to use. i have rebuilt a few automatics, but never an axod. its not really that hard. if you have a good memory or label well then you wont have a hard time at all.try really hard to get the ford service manual...i find that the ones you get at the parts store omit some things. and my 2 most important pieces of advice are:
1-dont get intimidated
2-be 1% smarter than what youre working on. dont let it get you angry. show it who's its daddy.

that is all.

questions, comments, concerns
[email protected]

Sparky, you've rebuilt RWD trannies. They pale in comparison to a FWD ATX when it comes to complexity. In fact I think my cat is outside rebuilting a C4 right now.

Blacky! I told you to doublestack the clutches! Get off the catnip!

 

[shotimev6]

actually ive only rebuilt 1 aod and 3 41 te chrysler trans's

 

[rangerj]

Lonestar,

The auto trans is nuts and bolts, just like the engine. Everything MUST go back in where it came from, EVERYTHING. Every "O" ring, every spacer, etc.

The advice above about getting the Helm (official Ford service manual) is a must.

Before removing any torque converter bolts to the flywheel, also referred to as a "waffle plate", paint a mark on one of the bolts and the torque converter. This is so you put the torque converter in the same relative position when you put it back together.

Once you remove the bolts holding the torque converter to the flywheel, and have everthing disconnected from the trans, then remove the trans to engine bolts. Again follow the Helms manual.

While removing the trans be careful not to let the torque converter drop.

Before removing the torque converter, look in the bell housing for any signs of a torque converter leak. If there is a circle of trans fluid around the inside of the bell housing that lines up with the torque converter, your converter will need to be serviced or replaced.

If the fluid is just on the bottom of the trans, it is a shaft seal leak. The shaft seal will be a part of the rebuild kit and get replaced anyway.

Now you can pull the converter out CAREFULLY, and set it aside in a plastic bag. From this point on you MUST work clean. You do not want to get dirt or crap inside the trans. Clean the bellhousing before you go any further.

When you get this far, get back to us and we will walk through the tear down and rebuild.

Start looking for the best rebuid kit you can find. Get one that has the upgrades. Stop and talk to a Ford dealer service tech who does the trans work, and see what he/she recommends.

Then check SHO times, this forum, other trans shops, etc. Then you can decide on the rebuild kit that suits your needs.

While your looking into rebuild kits you can also find out what special tools you will need.

If you take your time, take it one step at a time, follow the book, work clean, and carefully lable evrything, you can do this.

If you decide to do this I'll send some additional tips to you. You get to learn from my mistakes! I put the same trans in, and pulled it out, four freaking times. I'm talking completely in, axels and all. What a bear. rangerj

 

[lonestar]

thanks for all the advice and support. It's nice to know that there are people that are not afraid to work on their own car..

Right now I'm just doing some research. Not sure when I'll get to it, but I'll let you know when I do. It might become a summer project, if you know what I mean.

thanks