94 T-Bird Tranny Up-Dates? - Ford Forums

03-12-2005, 00:47

I`m going to have to have my 94 Thunderbirds tranny rebuildt ,Is there any
up dates that the Tranny guy can do to make tranny better than new ? Some
how that did`nt sound right, Are there any up dates to make the 94 trans.
better than is was when it was new.? Sorry I need to get more sleep latly.

Tom.

03-12-2005, 00:48

Thank you lugnut ,I`ll make sure my tranny guy gets a copy of your answer.
Thanks agian

Tom

03-12-2005, 00:50

On Fri, 04 Mar 2005 06:34:56 -0500, lugnut <lugnut@bellsouth.net>
wrote:

>On Thu, 3 Mar 2005 21:52:01 -0600, "willyson"
><willyson@wctc.com> wrote:
>
>>I`m going to have to have my 94 Thunderbirds tranny rebuildt ,Is there any
>>up dates that the Tranny guy can do to make tranny better than new ? Some
>>how that did`nt sound right, Are there any up dates to make the 94 trans.
>>better than is was when it was new.? Sorry I need to get more sleep latly.
>>
>>Tom.
>>
>
>
>Thereare numerous updates for this trans that any good tech
>will know about or can learn about easily. A good shift kit
>properly setup can greatly enhance durability and
>reliability but, at the cost of a firmer shift that many
>people will not accept. Most kits can be setup anywhere
>from no shift feel to "it hurts". I usually set them up one
>step firmer than stock for non-performance vehicles. You
>hardly notice the difference after a few miles. One place
>you do not want to scrimp is the converter. It is the most
>problematic as it can shudder after some miles especially if
>the trans is not serviced as recommended. The addition of
>Lube Gard or a similar product to the fluid is money well
>spent. You should also make sure the converter solenoid is
>replaced with the updated one to reduce the probability of
>shudder. While it is out is a good time to replace the MLPS
>(nuetral switch) as the original had a propensity to go bad
>after a while causing erratic shifting and strange nuetrals
>while driving.

Just an addendum to lugnut's notes. The MLPS is indeed
a potential problem, lacks a seal to protect the
electrical integrity of the unit, as I understand it.

The '94 MLPS has 8 male connectors. Our Ford mechanic
told me they use the '95 MLPS as a replacement unit.
It has 12 connectors, so they have to replace the
female connector from the wiring harness (more $).
I replaced mine ('94 LX V8, 4R70W Tranny) with a
100% compatable Wells unit ($25 at Auto Zone), which
is working well.

Might wanna ask your tranny mechanic about any
MLPS replacement. For my $, the Ford-recommended
repacement is too expensive.

Cheers,
Puddin'

******************************************************
*** Puddin' Man PuddingDotMan at GmailDotCom ***
******************************************************;

03-12-2005, 00:50

> Thereare numerous updates for this trans that any good tech
> will know about or can learn about easily. A good shift kit
> properly setup can greatly enhance durability and
> reliability but, at the cost of a firmer shift that many
> people will not accept. Most kits can be setup anywhere
> from no shift feel to "it hurts". I usually set them up one
> step firmer than stock for non-performance vehicles. You
> hardly notice the difference after a few miles. One place
> you do not want to scrimp is the converter. It is the most
> problematic as it can shudder after some miles especially if
> the trans is not serviced as recommended. The addition of
> Lube Gard or a similar product to the fluid is money well
> spent. You should also make sure the converter solenoid is
> replaced with the updated one to reduce the probability of
> shudder. While it is out is a good time to replace the MLPS
> (nuetral switch) as the original had a propensity to go bad
> after a while causing erratic shifting and strange nuetrals
> while driving.

My '95 AODE is coming up on the 30K service interval for fluid and filter.

Re: the converter solenoid, do I need to buy this part from a Ford dealer
to get the "updated design" or can I just buy it at Autozone? Is the
solenoid accessible with the transmission in the car?

Rodney

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03-12-2005, 00:50

On Sun, 06 Mar 2005 20:56:00 -0600, Rodney
<rodney@mailinator.com> wrote:

>
>> Thereare numerous updates for this trans that any good tech
>> will know about or can learn about easily. A good shift kit
>> properly setup can greatly enhance durability and
>> reliability but, at the cost of a firmer shift that many
>> people will not accept. Most kits can be setup anywhere
>> from no shift feel to "it hurts". I usually set them up one
>> step firmer than stock for non-performance vehicles. You
>> hardly notice the difference after a few miles. One place
>> you do not want to scrimp is the converter. It is the most
>> problematic as it can shudder after some miles especially if
>> the trans is not serviced as recommended. The addition of
>> Lube Gard or a similar product to the fluid is money well
>> spent. You should also make sure the converter solenoid is
>> replaced with the updated one to reduce the probability of
>> shudder. While it is out is a good time to replace the MLPS
>> (nuetral switch) as the original had a propensity to go bad
>> after a while causing erratic shifting and strange nuetrals
>> while driving.
>
>My '95 AODE is coming up on the 30K service interval for fluid and filter.
>
>Re: the converter solenoid, do I need to buy this part from a Ford dealer
>to get the "updated design" or can I just buy it at Autozone? Is the
>solenoid accessible with the transmission in the car?
>
>Rodney

I do not know if AZ would have the updated version or not. I
usually buy tranny parts from a trans parts supply house.
Anyone with cash can buy them. Last couple I replaced cost
abotu $14USD. It allows a quicker lockup of the converter
giving it less time to setup a shudder just like engaging a
manual clutch quicker reduces chatter. With the pan and
filter off, it is a 2 min swap. Make damn sure you get the
correct solenoid for your vehicle year as there was a change
around 1996 or 97 that could render your ECM dead.

>
>
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03-12-2005, 00:51

>
> I do not know if AZ would have the updated version or not. I
> usually buy tranny parts from a trans parts supply house.
> Anyone with cash can buy them. Last couple I replaced cost
> abotu $14USD. It allows a quicker lockup of the converter
> giving it less time to setup a shudder just like engaging a
> manual clutch quicker reduces chatter. With the pan and
> filter off, it is a 2 min swap. Make damn sure you get the
> correct solenoid for your vehicle year as there was a change
> around 1996 or 97 that could render your ECM dead.

I don't have a tranny parts supply house in my area. Any particular
brands or part numbers that you know for certain give the improved
behavior? I would hate to replace my nice Ford part with a cheap
aftermarket one that doesn't fix the problem.

Rodney

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03-12-2005, 00:51

On Mon, 07 Mar 2005 15:53:03 -0600, rodney
<rodney@mailinator.com> wrote:

>>
>> I do not know if AZ would have the updated version or not. I
>> usually buy tranny parts from a trans parts supply house.
>> Anyone with cash can buy them. Last couple I replaced cost
>> abotu $14USD. It allows a quicker lockup of the converter
>> giving it less time to setup a shudder just like engaging a
>> manual clutch quicker reduces chatter. With the pan and
>> filter off, it is a 2 min swap. Make damn sure you get the
>> correct solenoid for your vehicle year as there was a change
>> around 1996 or 97 that could render your ECM dead.
>
>
>I don't have a tranny parts supply house in my area. Any particular
>brands or part numbers that you know for certain give the improved
>behavior? I would hate to replace my nice Ford part with a cheap
>aftermarket one that doesn't fix the problem.
>
>Rodney

Sonnax is the one I usually get because that is what all the
suppliers around Atlanta, GA have.

Check here for correct P/N for your vehicle

http://tinyurl.com/3w9q5

There is also an updated circuit board to correct this
problem for about $100. I have not used the board. The
solenoid along with other updates seems to have done the
trick so far. Keep in mind that your trans may not need an
overhaul requiring it to be completely torn down. The
solenoid and a complete service usually fix the proble at
relatively mileages if you get it taken care of ASAP when
the problem first appears. IOW, don't drive it more than
necessary until you get it serviced. As far as the service
goes, you can get the fluid either flushed or drained. On
you trans, I prefer to remove the fluid by removing the pan,
replacing the filter and draining the converter. You
converter has a drain plug which any half assed technician
should be able to find and remove. IMHO, this results in
more of the old fluid being removed than typical flushing
unless you accidentally find someone who makes sure enough
fluid has been passed to ensure maximum replacement of the
old fluid.

If you want a bit of a tech view of many of the updates
involved in a rebuild, look here:

http://tinyurl.com/6sjz4

Lugnut

>
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03-12-2005, 00:51

"rodney" <rodney@mailinator.com> wrote in message
news:pan.2005.03.07.21.52.59.328000@mailinator.com...
>>
>> I do not know if AZ would have the updated version or not. I
>> usually buy tranny parts from a trans parts supply house.
>> Anyone with cash can buy them. Last couple I replaced cost
>> abotu $14USD. It allows a quicker lockup of the converter
>> giving it less time to setup a shudder just like engaging a
>> manual clutch quicker reduces chatter. With the pan and
>> filter off, it is a 2 min swap. Make damn sure you get the
>> correct solenoid for your vehicle year as there was a change
>> around 1996 or 97 that could render your ECM dead.
>
>
> I don't have a tranny parts supply house in my area. Any particular
> brands or part numbers that you know for certain give the improved
> behavior? I would hate to replace my nice Ford part with a cheap
> aftermarket one that doesn't fix the problem.
>
> Rodney

There must be SOME place in Wood County that sells transmission parts ! Are
the people working on transmissions ordering in everything ? Keep your eyes
open, somebody near you is sure to offer some suggestions.

Bill

03-12-2005, 00:51

>
> Sonnax is the one I usually get because that is what all the
> suppliers around Atlanta, GA have.
>
> Check here for correct P/N for your vehicle
>
> http://tinyurl.com/3w9q5
>
> There is also an updated circuit board to correct this
> problem for about $100. I have not used the board. The
> solenoid along with other updates seems to have done the
> trick so far. Keep in mind that your trans may not need an
> overhaul requiring it to be completely torn down. The
> solenoid and a complete service usually fix the proble at
> relatively mileages if you get it taken care of ASAP when
> the problem first appears. IOW, don't drive it more than
> necessary until you get it serviced. As far as the service
> goes, you can get the fluid either flushed or drained. On
> you trans, I prefer to remove the fluid by removing the pan,
> replacing the filter and draining the converter. You
> converter has a drain plug which any half assed technician
> should be able to find and remove. IMHO, this results in
> more of the old fluid being removed than typical flushing
> unless you accidentally find someone who makes sure enough
> fluid has been passed to ensure maximum replacement of the
> old fluid.
>
> If you want a bit of a tech view of many of the updates
> involved in a rebuild, look here:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/6sjz4
>
> Lugnut

Thanks for the info. I always change the fluid myself by dropping the
pan, changing the filter, and draining the converter. That might leave a
little fluid in the trans cooler, but I follow the service interval and I
don't "drive it like I stole it" so I hope my tranny will live a long
time. Time will tell.

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03-12-2005, 01:40

Having this transmission completely rebuilt will not be cheap.

From what I have read over the years , considering the design issues such as a
torque convertor that implodes over 5,000 RPM and questionable internals you
might be better off with a crate tranny from Ford. The tranny used in the 1997
T-Birds is a much better design.

It is also said that if you trash your transmission and it needs a rebuild it
is strongly suggested that you replace your radiator. It is claimed that you
can never get all the filings out of the tranny cooler and even flushing it out
will leave enough crud in there to potentially damage a rebuilt / new
transmission.

I've picked this info up over the years from www.tccoa.com and
www.mn12performance.com

Steve