Swapping Tranny's this weekend, questions?

[BigRed]

Ok, finally swapping out my failing TH400 this weekend. I've decided to go with a TH350 due to a good deal that a fellow board member is giving me. Anyway, I have a couple quick questions because I'm not too tranny savvy.

1. My speedo is dead, will the new tranny possibly help that or does the speedo gear box unbolt from the old one and go on the new one? I know it could be the cable too.

2. What is the best tranny fluid to use? What's the capacity for the tranny and torque convertor?

3. I was looking at mounts this weekend and was thinking of going with the Energy Susupension one. However, it's $26 while the rubber stock one is $5. What are the pros and cons of each?


Thanks,

[J-Spec C10]

I use AMSOIL ATF in mine, but its really expensive. Shifts well though.
For the speedo, disconnect the cable from the transmission, and hook it to a drill. See if it works. If not, then its the cable or the speedo.
The energy suspensions bushing is a less flexible one due to its composition. Its made with polyurethane, not rubber. You will experience a little more vibration through the mount too. Rubber deteriorates with oil, polyurethane does not.
Hope this helps!

[BigRed]

Thanks for the reply Kyle. It does help. Do you know if there are any other choices for mounts. I like the fact that the poly mount will last longer, but not that it will vibrate more.

[J-Spec C10]

really, I believe that your would like the poly mount better, it handles the strain of torque better than rubber. I don't think that the vibration will be noticable at all. Now if you were installing poly engine mounts too, then you'd really notice the vibration. I am a big fan of the energy suspension products, I have every bushing/mount in my CRX made in polyurethane by them. In a front wheel drive performance car, the difference in handling and weight transfer was phenominal. How many FWD cars do you know with virtually no wheel hop under full acceleration from a dead stop?
Anyhoo, back to trucks, go poly and don't look back.

[bigblock73]

Scott,

When filling the converter with tranny fluid (do this before sliding the converter in), fill it slowly until no fluid leaks out when you have it in the upright position (as if you were going to install it). I have no idea what size converter you have but this is the best method to insure you have enough fluid in it. As far as the tranny goes, can't remember for sure but 7 or 8 quarts sounds about right (but don't quote me, just buy a case of ATF to be sure you have enough).

As far as the mount, I would go with the Energy Suspension one...I have one and would not go back to rubber mounts any day.

-Jeff

[swervin ervin]

I agree. Energy Suspension mounts are the way to go. I have their motor and tranny mounts. With the motor mounts, you will feel a little vibration in the cab, because it is harder than the rubber ones. But, if you are like me, you like to feel the power in your hands sort of. I like the feel of the motor moving, shaking and vibrating. If not, I would have left the stock cam in it and quiet exhaust.

I guess it's really what you are after. If you want a quiet truck with no noise, go with the rubber mounts.

[Bowed]

Big Red , If the trans is dry you can install the trans then add 4 quarts start up the engine then add the remaining amount while it runs checking the stick after each quart until at the full mark . While you are adding the final quarts " very slowely " run the gear selector back and forth between reverse and low several times to get any air out of the system. Like big Block 73 pointed out you can pre fill the converter but I talk with a pro rebuilder and he tells me you do not need to pre fill the converter on the TH350 because the front pump is fast enough that you will not hurt anything if you just start with the basic 4 quarts in the pan and that is what I do , its quicker and easier .