The Return of Rusty

[ArdWrknTrk]

No sir it is not.

Well, I certainly hope you get all this sorted soon, so you can start enjoying a beat up old truck with such an epic history and huge fan base!

[Gary Lewis]

.... enter the incorrect flexplate from the parts store. The incorrect plate was for a 351 Windsor, not a modified, so in order to align the starter with the flexplate, they cut the center section out of the original flexplate to use as a spacer.

I'm thinking that extra depth crushed the pump, causing the leak and the bad run-out.

That makes sense, Jim. There are at least two distances critical with a flexplate - the ring gear/starter alignment and the transmission's input shaft to the pump. I know if you don't get the converter up on the 2nd step and mash things together with the tranny/engine bolts you'll tear things up because there's so much pressure on the pump.

In this case they put a spacer on to align the starter, but it surely had to put pressure on the pump.

[ClayJ]

.... enter the incorrect flexplate from the parts store. The incorrect plate was for a 351 Windsor, not a modified, so in order to align the starter with the flexplate, they cut the center section out of the original flexplate to use as a spacer.

I'm thinking that extra depth crushed the pump, causing the leak and the bad run-out.

That makes sense, Jim. There are at least two distances critical with a flexplate - the ring gear/starter alignment and the transmission's input shaft to the pump. I know if you don't get the converter up on the 2nd step and mash things together with the tranny/engine bolts you'll tear things up because there's so much pressure on the pump.

In this case they put a spacer on to align the starter, but it surely had to put pressure on the pump.

Gary,

If that is the case and the pump is damaged does that warrant a tear down and rebuild of the transmission? Or is this a case where it has to be replaced as an entire assy? If I remember correctly the transmission has 140,xxx plus miles on it from it's life in your Dad's truck. Had it been rebuilt at some point?

[Gary Lewis]

Gary,

If that is the case and the pump is damaged does that warrant a tear down and rebuild of the transmission? Or is this a case where it has to be replaced as an entire assy? If I remember correctly the transmission has 140,xxx plus miles on it from it's life in your Dad's truck. Had it been rebuilt at some point?

I don't think it has ever been rebuilt.

As for the other question, you've taken it to a transmission shop and I'd rely on their determination, not mine. However, I'll bet they say they'll pull it apart and replace what is needed.

Glad your FiL's "people" said they'd back it. If Jim's right, it may be just the pump that's damaged, which is what they should pay for, as well as the tows - both of them. But not a total rebuild.

However, you may be asking "While they are in there should they go ahead and rebuild it?" And that's a good question. I'd ask them.

[ClayJ]

I don't think it has ever been rebuilt.

As for the other question, you've taken it to a transmission shop and I'd rely on their determination, not mine. However, I'll bet they say they'll pull it apart and replace what is needed.

Glad your FiL's "people" said they'd back it. If Jim's right, it may be just the pump that's damaged, which is what they should pay for, as well as the tows - both of them. But not a total rebuild.

However, you may be asking "While they are in there should they go ahead and rebuild it?" And that's a good question. I'd ask them.

Thanks again for the advice, I'll share what the transmission shop finds as soon as I know something. Btw I'm a firm believer in if we have to take it apart why not upgrade what's inside?

 

[ArdWrknTrk]

Gary,

If that is the case and the pump is damaged does that warrant a tear down and rebuild of the transmission? Or is this a case where it has to be replaced as an entire assy? If I remember correctly the transmission has 140,xxx plus miles on it from it's life in your Dad's truck. Had it been rebuilt at some point?

What are your intentions for Rusty?

If you just want to get familiar with him and make a decision on what needs MOAR, then I'd think you would replace the pump (converter if it needs it) and have your way with him for a bit.

At least that's what I would do.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Jim - I drove Rusty to see my father many times, and that was a 200 mile round trip. And I think that tranny and torque converter was in it during those trips, and the combo is from Dad's truck.

But I'd have to go back and look at all my posts to see when I did what. I know my memory isn't what it was, or at least I think it used to be better.

Didn't you take Rusty out east with a load of furniture?

Or was that Dad's Truck?

[ClayJ]

What are your intentions for Rusty?

If you just want to get familiar with him and make a decision on what needs MOAR, then I'd think you would replace the pump (converter if it needs it) and have your way with him for a bit.

At least that's what I would do.

Honestly Rusty will fill a need. I don't race or do burnouts. What I'll use him for is hauling cargo, lumber, rock, dirt for home use as well as pulling my small 6x12' utility trailer. We live in an old pecan orchard so I'm constantly picking up tree limbs. We also have land out in West Texas where I deer hunt, so light offroading is also in Rusty's future. I just need dependability, ruggednesd and simplicity, all of which Rusty can offer.

[ArdWrknTrk]

Honestly Rusty will fill a need. I don't race or do burnouts. What I'll use him for is hauling cargo, lumber, rock, dirt for home use as well as pulling my small 6x12' utility trailer. We live in an old pecan orchard so I'm constantly picking up tree limbs. We also have land out in West Texas where I deer hunt, so light offroading is also in Rusty's future. I just need dependability, ruggednesd and simplicity, all of which Rusty can offer.

Oh man!

Now my mouth is watering thinking about some venison jerky smoked over pecan. 😋

Why do you have to do this????

A C6 is a stout and reliable transmission even in stock form.

You want to keep the fluid 175-195*

If the transmission shop thinks is good don't mess with it.

[ClayJ]

Oh man!

Now my mouth is watering thinking about some venison jerky smoked over pecan. 😋

Why do you have to do this????

A C6 is a stout and reliable transmission even in stock form.

You want to keep the fluid 175-195*

If the transmission shop thinks is good don't mess with it.

Hahahaha that does sound great. I don't think trans temp will be an issue with the huge cooler Gary installed. Maybe a slight upgrade with a shift kit then?