There is definitely an art to it, if saving transmissions can be considered art.

I get the clicking sound now cruising in OD, but it still happens when commanding the 2nd gear shift, just a little more subtle now. Considering that, does the rolled intermediate sprag theory still hold?

 

[QUOTE=smokeshow;4735557]There is definitely an art to it, if saving transmissions can be considered art.

Can somebody describe the art of burning out to me?

 

th350/th400/4l80:
Start off in 2nd gear, as soon as you have some wheel speed built up, shift to 3rd and hold it there as long as you need, then roll out.

 

^^ True...you can even start out in 1st and let it upshift normally, but you don't want to let out in the middle of that burnout in 2nd gear because when the tires hook the intermediate sprag can go boom. You'd laugh if you saw how flimsy that sprag looks when you consider that delicate little thing carries all of the load of the vehicle in 2nd gear.

 

Welp, trans is out again. Lets hope the 3rd time really is a charm.

 

Just got off the phone with the new guy who is helping me with the transmission...supposedly some of the intermediate snap rings were put in backwards and two of the snap rings were switched. So one was rotating in the case and causing the clicking sound. I didn't understand what he said completely, but that is what prevented it from shifting to 2nd. Forward clutch pack was toast. Pump is ok, sprag is fine, turns out it already has the 34 element sprag. He has yet to tear into the valve body.

Already got a parts list worth about $200. Including gas to bring it back and forth to phoenix twice, I've wasted probably over $300 on nothing. Let this be a reminder to everyone: cheap labor buys you cheap service.

The builder said the kolene steels in the forward clutch pack had some mild burns but were OK. Should I tell him I want them replaced anyway? This trans may see 800ft-lbs after I get the 2nd pump online...I don't want ANY room for error this time.

 

Sucks man, have everything replaced, for piece of mind if nothing else. Who built it the second time?

 

First time, had a shift kit installed in the stock 80. 2nd time after the converter died, same guy did the full rebuild with clutches. Died again, he tore it apart to clean it and replaced the EPC solenoid. Now this time I brought it to a new guy thats actually local. I dropped off the transmission at like 2pm, around 330 he calls me telling me whats wrong and gives me a parts list. I am already liking the fact that he isn't wasting his or my time with it.

 

Finally something going right for you.

 

x2, sounds like you have found a competent eager guy!