Transmission '88 T-Bird

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Transmission '88 T-Bird

October 13, 2007, 11:06:00 PM

So I am pretty convinced the transmission in my '88 Thunderbird (v8 5.0L Auto) is going out. What would be the cheaper route, or the smartest? And the estimated prices for each?

A. Rebuild the auto transmission it already has.
B. Get a new auto transmission installed.
C. Install a new 5 speed manual.

P.S. the problem with my transmission is when it is in OD, I can get to about 45-50mph and then the engine just revs up, and in regular drive I believe it is not getting past 2nd gear, I go about 70mph and he reaches about 5k RPMs. Could the transmission fluid be low? Or is the transmission shot?

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #1 – October 14, 2007, 02:26:51 AM

Its kind of hard to tell with your hard to understand description. And if you think its low on fluid, why not check it?

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #2 – October 14, 2007, 03:00:24 AM

i say go 5 speed. it's more fun. i'm a bit biased though.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #3 – October 14, 2007, 09:31:56 AM

I'd bet for the cost of a rebuilt AOD,you could go 5 speed if you look around the Corral,here,and Ebay and gather the needed parts.I continue to think about that for my Sport.I may sart gathering parts after Christams one by one until I have everything and do the 5 speed conversion.I do like my AOD as well.Easy city driving.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #4 – October 14, 2007, 03:45:42 PM

Check your fluid level and make sure your TV (kick down) cable is adjusted properly before you go off getting a new trans....

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #5 – October 14, 2007, 06:18:23 PM

put a c4 in it that would be the cheapest route or you can usually find a good used aod in the $500-750 range.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #6 – October 24, 2007, 07:12:53 PM

It most likely is on its way, Mine doesnt shift into 3rd or OD either, it was that way when i bought it. I changed as much fluid as I could and replaced the filter but it was no help. Being the poor boy i am and living in the city its just fine because i never get it above 50mph ( just under 3k w/ 2.73's). Ive done quite a bit of searching and have learned the AOD had a notoriously weak 3rd gear clutch pack, most likely causing your missing gears.

On the issue of replacing it, ive found you can buy used AOD's all day long for around 500 but theres always the issue of reliablity. Im not sure of your plans, but im hoping to have around 375hp, and the factory setup wouldnt hold up long to my abuse. You can get an remanufactured setup w/ some nice parts for around 1100, and from the best of my research a T-5 swap would come in at around 1500.

I guess it all depends on your goals.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #7 – October 24, 2007, 07:41:30 PM

I'll bet a 5 speed swap could be done a litte cheaper if yopu look around on Ebay and the Corral.Also,check the salvage yards and try to find a Stang with all the parts.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #8 – December 04, 2007, 09:27:33 PM

If you wanted to be really cheap, you could just pull out the trans and replace the broken input shaft that runs from the front of the torque converter back to the direct (3rd) clutch pack. That is of course the fluid does not smell burnt. Without that shaft, the direct clutch cannot engage, and without direct clutch, you cannot engage O/D.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #9 – December 04, 2007, 09:49:41 PM

Prob the TV cable... Going out and gunning the engine has no doubt mortally wounded it...

NEVER repeat NEVER allow the engine to rev beyond normal with any automatic transmission... Park it till the problem is determined...

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #10 – December 04, 2007, 09:50:59 PM

I am either going to say A or B but thats just what i plan on doing for my T-Bird.

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #11 – December 05, 2007, 08:36:41 PM

I agree, it's definitely the TV cable. My brother had the same thing happen to his '90 MN-12 Cougar...ended up being a broken clip on the TV cable that cost like $8 at Ford. Replaced the clip and the tranny continued to provide good service until the 3.8 popped the headgaskets. Check that first before you spend all sorts of money on a transmission you may not need.

Good luck,
Don

Transmission '88 T-Bird

Reply #12 – December 06, 2007, 05:43:40 PM

Ok, lets work on the TV cable theory. How is the shift from 1-2? If it is hard, or early, or late, or slipping, look at the TV cable connections. If all else is normal, and still not engaging 3, then look to the internals, ie: input shaft to direct clutch, or burnt direct clutch. If the fluid is still good though, I doubt it would be something to do with TV cable, because that will cause the fluid to get hot in a very short time, burning it up. Keeping the auto trans is definately the easiest route though, I am just too friggin lazy to do all the work associated with a 5 speed swap, like shifting it all the time.