'68 TH400-need help

[hotrodpc]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5oftRgd9VY&NR=1

One of his runs on pinks in Memphis. Not sure what happened on this one, but you can hear, he pedaled it for some reason. Still did a 10.53. Last I hear, he is now in the high 9's but tries not to go under 10 because the rules get stricker for faster than 10 seconds. He wouldn't be able to keep so stock if he did.

 

[63chevystepside]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5oftRgd9VY&NR=1

One of his runs on pinks in Memphis. Not sure what happened on this one, but you can hear, he pedaled it for some reason. Still did a 10.53. Last I hear, he is now in the high 9's but tries not to go under 10 because the rules get stricker for faster than 10 seconds. He wouldn't be able to keep so stock if he did.

I bet his running 400TRANNY. i did this morning pop open that converter-no crap in it like the 400 had in it-pure tranny fluid-the color was dark red-not black mixed in...just a real good darker red. Im going to see what i can get out of it and maybe put some in a cup and let u see it. I probably will go ahead and not use it with the rebuild 400 because new is best all around.

 

[63chevystepside]

Yea, He had taped up the converter Iv been trying to get the fluid out of it-u know how that is with a converter. I got about a half cup thus far-The fluid and inside looks good to me-The fluid is a good red slightly darker but doesnt have black in it like it was holding burt stuff in it. iT looks like its reusable-but heck i don't know what im looking at when it comes to tranny to much. I probably do a new one for the rebuild and put that one with the 350 i pulled out and put them in something or sale it. With the 350 i pulled about a week ago im putting some tranny fluid in it and turing it right side up and back moving the fluid around to the seals and making sure they don't dry up. ID suggest doing that instead of letting it sit for years with no fluid circulated around the inside for the seals that can dry up...

 

[hotrodpc]

I'll leave it up to you then. I did noticed he did have the converter taped up very well. So if it didn't get any debris in it from sitting, its likely good. Also in the trans pan, you could tell noone cleaned it, so what we saw it what we get it. It looked normal for a used trans. I think most of that sludge appears to be mud to me where it was set outside and allowed to get rain in it. Although we didn't see any nice red fluid in that trasn. And trans fluid should be a nice medium red. If its dark red, I'd say its probably diluted a bit with clutch material from wear. I'll aslo check with my people and see what I can get a high stall stock 400 converter for. They are reman's and they require a core. They are reman by Daaco and usually fairly decent. I've never had a problem with a converter. Or you can Wilson Transmissions here in Moore, they will build you whatever converter you want, or I know a guy in California that is well known for building converters for cars that do 8's in the 1/4 and is the closest as coming what you want for a stall giving him all your parametes, motor, trans, weight, gear ratio etc.

 

[63chevystepside]

I'll leave it up to you then. I did noticed he did have the converter taped up very well. So if it didn't get any debris in it from sitting, its likely good. Also in the trans pan, you could tell noone cleaned it, so what we saw it what we get it. It looked normal for a used trans. I think most of that sludge appears to be mud to me where it was set outside and allowed to get rain in it. Although we didn't see any nice red fluid in that trasn. And trans fluid should be a nice medium red. If its dark red, I'd say its probably diluted a bit with clutch material from wear. I'll aslo check with my people and see what I can get a high stall stock 400 converter for. They are reman's and they require a core. They are reman by Daaco and usually fairly decent. I've never had a problem with a converter. Or you can Wilson Transmissions here in Moore, they will build you whatever converter you want, or I know a guy in California that is well known for building converters for cars that do 8's in the 1/4 and is the closest as coming what you want for a stall giving him all your parametes, motor, trans, weight, gear ratio etc.

Do you think it be wise to re use it? I could drain all i can out-then fill it up again and switch it around and drain it back out-kinda clean it up some u know-I went and took a closer look at the color as i poured it out in the sun light and it doesnt look so dark but i guess a rich looking color red-id be interested in that remain if you think i should go that rought-i bet that guy who builds them for those guys who run 8's is expensive. Whatever u think-i don't wanna be the guy who had a rebuilt stronger than crap tranny and messed it up by not getting the right stall converter u know.

 

[63chevystepside]

I did go ahead and check the fluid in the stall conv. on the 350-It's black darn near.

 

[hotrodpc]

Hey Allan, I been up to my ass in busy lately. I did finally get some more time to work on that stripped bolt. I tried everything under the sun to no avail. Finally it was time to get out the drill motor and carefully drill it for an easy out without damaging the case or the Center Support. I did that, but the easy out was so small the vise grips couldn't grip it. So I went with a bigger bit getting even close to the edge. Put a bigger easy out in, got a good grip but it wasn't budging. That thing was in there and corroded and rusted. Just as I about to give up for the night, I decided to try adding some heat. Fired up the torch and held on the bolt for about a full minute, put the bigger easy out in there, and held strong heavy pressure on it for about 20 seconds and finally, SNAP !!! It was the bolt breaking loose from the threads. Got it out now. I have another one of those bolts but its for one of my transmissions. We'll have to see what we can do to come up with another one to replace mine. Here is a pic of what it looked like and the good bolt.

 

[hotrodpc]

BTW, I tried again to get OTS to give me a deal on the parts. The asses wouldn't do any price matching, so I ordered the parts out of FL. They will be coming by UPS ground, so I expect it will be a few days. I ordered them this morning, so if they didn't go out today, hopefully tomorrow for sure. I have not opened up your pump yet, but I went ahead and ordered new gears for the pump too regardless if it needs them or not, they will be new. I also ordered all new bushings rather than the kit that includes only the common wear bushings. I am replacing them all. With that transmission having as much water and mud in it from sitting outside, I am not taking any chances..

 

[63chevystepside]

Man it sounded like it was being real hard-im gad you got it without breaking it. Can't we just buy a new bolt at ace hardware?-i think your right going with all new parts is the way to go along with that stronger sprag and those upgrade parts along with it all being new parts-it's going to be a great tranny that i can trust to not break no matter what. That sucks that you beat a price and can pay for shipping and still be cheaper than the local shop. I am glad your doing it because i know it's in good hands-thanks again and just let me know what you what to do with the bolt thing i'll take care of it. I can't wait to put it in i feel kinda handicap having nothing to do. I think i'm going to turn that two piece drive shaft into just one if i can and go with steel an having it balanced and everything. Iv got your money so when you getter done im ready to pay-if you need it before hand just let me know.

 

[hotrodpc]

Yes, that bolt was hell. I worked at it for quite some time, cussing that guy you bought it from the whole time. LIAR, and dumbass has it sitting outside to get this much mud and water in it. I did walk away from it several times and jumped on another project to get something else accomplished. I get pretty damn frustrated when things don't get done, and you can't be in that frame of mind building transmissions. Moreso on assembly though. You start fighting with lip seals in drums and that's how you tear up seals and then have clutch pack leaks and not know it until after the trans is installed. I was more in fear of damaging the case than anything. I can come up with an extra center support but not a Chevy 400 case. It was a big relief worth celebrating when I heard that, SNAP and those threads let go. LMAO, no you won't get this bolt at Ace Hardware. You see the shape of the head on the new one, and you don't see the fluid passage hole that runs down the center of the bolt. Which I am glad it had. That was a big help in drilling the bolt the 2 times I did to get the easy out in. I just checked status on the parts. They shipped today. I thnk the only expenses left is the shift kit, and having the case cleaned to get the mud out of it.
Items Ordered: Price: Status:
1 of : 46001 TH400 Transmission master kit w/Steels 1965-on.
$65.42 Shipped
1 of : 46601 TH400 Transmission Complete bushing kit 1966-on
$15.92 Shipped
1 of : 46881 TH400 4L80E transmission intermediate sprag 34 Element
$57.63 Shipped
1 of : 46922 TH400 Transmission brass screen filter 1968-on.
$3.55 Shipped
1 of : 47756D TH350 TH400 Transmission Pump gear set .727" 1969-80.
$10.21 Shipped
Shipping Cost: $20.97
Grand Total: $173.20