What did you do with your Thunderbird Today?

[MadMikeyL]

With the trans out, you can replace just the front seal without having to pull the pump. If the only purpose of the automatic is to last long enough to get the 5-speed swap certified, that is all I would do.

 

[CDsDontBurn]

With the trans out, you can replace just the front seal without having to pull the pump. If the only purpose of the automatic is to last long enough to get the 5-speed swap certified, that is all I would do.

Indeed that is the only purpose. Is it really that simple to replace the front pump seal?

How do I know that there isn't anything else going on? But I guess you're right, I shouldn't care what else is going on so long as it shifts fine (it does / did).

While it's out, how do I go about checking other things to ensure it's working fine without getting deeper than I have to?

 

[MadMikeyL]

Yeah, pry the old one out with a screwdriver and tap the new one in with a hammer. The only thing I would check is make sure there isn’t any damage to the snout of the torque converter, but based on how much is leaking out, I suspect the seal will be obviously torn once you get the converter out.

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Yeah, pry the old one out with a screwdriver and tap the new one in with a hammer. The only thing I would check is make sure there isn’t any damage to the snout of the torque converter, but based on how much is leaking out, I suspect the seal will be obviously torn once you get the converter out.

So it's just behind the torque converter?

 

[Zep5.0]

I'm looking at buying the Caddy Brembo calipers. The 14" look awesome but definitely overkill for my mostly stock power output. So the 13" Caddy Brembo calipers will likely be the go-to calipers for me.

Last week I dropped off the front shocks to the machine shop for modification. He's a bit scared of doing the mod, but I told him it's fine and that it's been done before. I told him to both shave off a hair of the ID of the tube and to shave off the paint of the Bilstein unit.

Other than that, I haven't done anything else to mine since stripping down the front suspension.

I'm planning on dropping the transmission soon, but the home improvement projects are taking priority right now.

Have you measured the inside of the shocks? Mine slid right in. And what are you having him do? Cutting the shocks? That's super easy with some tape as a guide and an angle grinder. Then the hole in the bottom of the shock just goes right in the center.

 

[MadMikeyL]

So it's just behind the torque converter?

Yes. It looks just like a crankshaft front seal.

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Have you measured the inside of the shocks? Mine slid right in. And what are you having him do? Cutting the shocks? That's super easy with some tape as a guide and an angle grinder. Then the hole in the bottom of the shock just goes right in the center.

I did. There's a difference of 1.6mm between the ID of the tube and the OD of the Bilstein.

I used my sawzall to chop off the top, so it was pretty chewed up when I opened it. My measurement of the ID of the tube may be off as a result.

Yes. It looks just like a crankshaft front seal.

Sounds like I'll be giving a shot at making the repair on my own then! I imagine I have to drain the fluid first, right? And second, this is the front pump seal, right?

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[Zep5.0]

I did. There's a difference of 1.6mm between the ID of the tube and the OD of the Bilstein.

I used my sawzall to chop off the top, so it was pretty chewed up when I opened it. My measurement of the ID of the tube may be off as a result.



Sounds like I'll be giving a shot at making the repair on my own then! I imagine I have to drain the fluid first, right? And second, this is the front pump seal, right?

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Use a round file to debur the opening and try to slide them in.

I rarely use a sawzall anymore. Certain things you need it for, but an angle grinder is generally more controllable to me. I even use the flappy wheels for sanding and shaping. Pretty sweet tool.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Sounds like I'll be giving a shot at making the repair on my own then! I imagine I have to drain the fluid first, right? And second, this is the front pump seal, right?

1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD 4.6L V8 Fluid Pump Seal | Shop Now at RockAuto

Transmission-Automatic Parts and More for Your 1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD at Reliably Low Prices. Fast Online Catalog. DIY-Easy. Your Choice of Quality. Full Manufacturer Warranty.

www.rockauto.com

You don't actually have to drain the fluid to change it, though I'd do it anyway. The vast majority of the ATF when static is inside the torque converter and pan, with the rest puddling in various valvebody circuits or clutch packs. Taking out the seal in a full transmission wont lose much if any fluid as long as it's level

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Use a round file to debur the opening and try to slide them in.

I rarely use a sawzall anymore. Certain things you need it for, but an angle grinder is generally more controllable to me. I even use the flappy wheels for sanding and shaping. Pretty sweet tool.

Next time I'll try it that way, lol. I still have another set of OEM shocks I can tear apart if needed.

You don't actually have to drain the fluid to change it, though I'd do it anyway. The vast majority of the ATF when static is inside the torque converter and pan, with the rest puddling in various valvebody circuits or clutch packs. Taking out the seal in a full transmission wont lose much if any fluid as long as it's level

So what does it mean when the nose of the car is up and it's still leaking from the bell housing area?

 

[dDUBb]

I rarely use a sawzall anymore. Certain things you need it for, but an angle grinder is generally more controllable to me. I even use the flappy wheels for sanding and shaping. Pretty sweet tool.

We use portable Bandsaws to cut pipes and metal. It cuts straight, no sparks and not nearly as loud.