trans prob

[marquisman]

this is for my 2dr with the C-4 tranny. when in D, and you get on the gas, it shudders and makes a bad noise but, when in 1, you can put the pedal to the medle and the car will get up and go! is this a torque converter prob or modulator valve prob?

[85crownHPP]

i dunno but the mod valve is cheap and easy to replace! just dont misplace the little pin

[marquisman]

thats good to know!

[Lincolnmania]

how is the fluid level? condition of the fluid? it is a good idea to drop the pan and change the filter if it's been a while and replace the modulator too.......then u have a full tranny tune up
there are also some external adjustments on a c4.......you'll have to check a service manual to find out which one is which tho
scott

[marquisman]

jus did a oil and filter change on it cuz, the gasket was leaking.

[marquisman]

i also forgot to mention that the shifting is fucked too...i dont feel the car shift into second just, 1st to 3rd and when it shifts in the next gear, its so slugish till you get up to 40km/h.

[Lincolnmania]

did you try at all to adjust the tv linkage?

[marquisman]

you mean the metal rod from the trans to the carb?

[Lincolnmania]

yes........and make sure that the lever on the trans isnt stuck

[marquisman]

i will check it out when it gets a lil warmer out...its -20*c! yikes!

[Pirate]

The main shift band sounds suspect..the C4 is really different from the AOD, th TV rod is actually just a kickdown rod, to downshift when you gas it. You could completely disconnect it, and it would have no effect on how the tranny runs, other than it would not downshift when you gas it.
You can actually adjust the bands on the C4....but if it is acting that badly, it might be time for a rebuild....the C4's are pretty cheap, though. It is also real easy to modify it while it is out..."H" shift servo, Trans-Go makes an evil HP shift kit for it....(I built a C4 for my brother's F-150, and I set the shift firmness on "kill"...after I installed the tranny, he had his former girlfriend in the truck, he floored it, and on the 1-2 shift, her head bounced off of the back glass...the relationship ended that day...lol....

[marquisman]

i was a lil suspicious on one of the bands at first, how much longer do you think the trans would last? but anyway i thing i might jus get her out and overhaul the prick but, first i need to get some prices...would adjusting the bolt by the shift linkage help any? thanks for the info!

[Pirate]

i was a lil suspicious on one of the bands at first, how much longer do you think the trans would last? but anyway i thing i might jus get her out and overhaul the prick but, first i need to get some prices...would adjusting the bolt by the shift linkage help any? thanks for the info!

Yes. Loosen up the nut, turn the stud inwards until it stops moving (don't force it, just until it stops), and then back the stud out 3 turns, and while holding the stud still, tighten the nut. Do the same on the other side, for the reverse band. ( verify this with a manual, as I have two different trannies on the brain right now, the A4LD, and C4...)...try that.

[marquisman]

i have the authentic 1981 ford manuals so ill check em out first!

[Mercracer]

Yes. Loosen up the nut, turn the stud inwards until it stops moving (don't force it, just until it stops), and then back the stud out 3 turns, and while holding the stud still, tighten the nut. Do the same on the other side, for the reverse band. ( verify this with a manual, as I have two different trannies on the brain right now, the A4LD, and C4...)...try that.

By the book, tighten the intermediate band screw to 10- ft. lbs then back off 1 3/4 turns turns. Tighten the nut while holding the stud to 30 ft lbs. For the low/reverse band it is 10 ft/lbs then 3 turns back. The same 30 ft/lbs on the nut.
Service recommendations are to use a new locknut on both band adjustments.