As I'm doing the rebuild, I see that the output carrier drum, where the rear band applies ( in low and reverse ) has some shallow grooves in it. I'm looking online for a new or good used output carrier, since I don't really know if this is critical , or if I should just put a new rear band in it. (??)
Anyone familiar with this? The band applies in reverse or when low is selected, not in drive or #2. Seems like selecting low when getting into the throttle would put a bunch of torque on that band and drum.

OK you guys, where are your words of wisdom?http://www.elcaminocentral.com/images/icons/icon10.gif
If I wasn't so poor I would order a new TCI Street Fighter transmission!!:nanawrench:

After talking with a few trans shops, the wear on the drum in not unusual, and will work OK (?) Maybe I'm being too anal:smileyb:
It's going together.

That's part of the reason for the 400's durability. The rear band is applied only in reverse, or in manually-selected low, so it's not involved in a normal shift sequence. In a normal start-from-stop situation, the forward clutch is applied, then the intermediate clutch for second gear, and finally the direct clutch for third gear. Unlike many other transmissions, the 400 doesn't use either band in a normal forward motion shift sequence. Probably the most stressed component of the 400 is the direct clutch, since it applies at a 1:1 ratio, with no gear reduction. Think of it this way; With a manual transmission, what would be higher load on the clutch-Starting from a stop in 1st gear, or attempting to start from a stop in high gear?

Bill

All I can say is Ditto,,, and add the misnomer that if it's in question, or if you think you'll be pulling it down in low and standing on it frequently,,,, YOU decide how much trouble it is to get in there and change the drum/band.

If your going to abuse the trans at the track,, do it right the first time is always my philosophy.

Thanks for the info you guys. After looking close at the band and drum, and talking to others, I figured it would live. This is gonna be a daily driver, so I wont abuse it too much (well, maybe a little!):smileyb:
It's going together OK. It's a heavy unit to move around and work on. I replaced all the bushings on this one.

Discovered that one of the seals is missing in the seal kit. It's the seal for the front servo piston (front band) Good thing I'm old and mellow these days. Trying to find a seal locally at one of the trans. shops.

LMAO, there IS advantages to being 'well past 21' and having patients isn't there.

Today I finally got the direct and forward clutches in the case. Getting the splined sections to engage the clutch plates down in there is a real pain. So now the pump is in and tail shaft housing is bolted back on. Now I'm ready for a Transgo shift kit:nanawrench: Not today though. The budget has to catch up.:smileyb:

Today I went to a local transmission, shop to find the missing seal I needed. Great bunch of people there. The owner is a really cool guy. He gave me the seal and said to come back if I needed
any more stuff!!
Hopefully it will work OK when I get it bolted in the Elco.!!

Just received the Transgo reprogammer kit. If the snow isn't too deep, I may get this thing together soon.:smileyb: I bought a new mount for it yesterday, so I'll be ready to bolt this stuff in the frame soon.

I just picked up on this thread having a new post a couple of days ago, WOW is all I got to say. It's a good thing your not working on a flat rate!!!! a Month to rebuild a TH400,,,, Come on,, your giving us old guys a bad reputation for being just a little SLO!!!!

LOL, just couldn't resist

marv that sure is a nice lookin appache I had a 57 that I restored.had seat out of a 76 lincoln town car man was that fun to cruise in Had a 350THM in it some knothead sold it uh that was me jim

OK Marv! I'm also working on an airplane, and my pickup truck!!
The 400 is an in-between job:smileyb: Besides, it's my first venture into a 400, and hopefully I wont have to pull it back out because
it doesn't work!!:smileyb:

The airport guys finally plowed out the taxi street to my shop yesterday afterI asked nicely, (and threatened them ) Oh well, it is winter here!

Hang in there steelybill ! Don't let 'em get under your skin. The first time you stand on it, and feel that little kick in the ass from the shifts, it will feel twice as sweet knowing you built it. Building your own turbo-hydramatic puts you in an elite group of DIY street machiners whether it took a day or a year.

Bill

Well, I have it all together finally. I just have to decide if I should put a light coat of paint on it. Never did like a crappy dull/stained looking transmission. Maybe some lacquer, which wouldn't hold the heat in too much.
Yesterday I finally checked the piston to valve clearance on my 500 Caddy. Just on one cylinder, I used some very light springs on the valves, to get rocker arm measurement to the valve tip etc and wound up with about 1/4 inch with the piston against the valve head, where they meet. The recommended clearance was .120, so I'm likely OK. The valve lift is .525/.532 with the cam I'm using.