Tko Help

MUSTANGCJ · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 06:41 AM

I need advice on a Tremec TKO Transmission which is connected to a typical big block 460. I'm having difficulty in down-shifting into 2nd gear. No problems going up through the gears, just down-shifting into 2nd from any higher gear. The tramsmission downshifts without and problems when the engine is not running. Any ideas?

strictlypersonl · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 07:19 AM

Does it go in when you double-clutch to match the trans speed with the engine's?

MUSTANGCJ · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 08:11 AM

Double -clutch does't seem to help. Thanks for the reply

Clois Harlan · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 10:49 AM

Which TKO do you have? I would think with your 460 you would probably want a TKO 500 or TKO 600? Although, a friend of mine is running a 3550 with his 427.

I believe it is your second gear syncro. That is the same way mine behaved when it went out. Part is cheap but the labor will cost about $150 if you pull the trans yourself. There is a shop in Detroit that builds the TKO and also does race versions.

Clois

Clois Harlan · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 01:46 PM

I spoke w/ Lew Payne and here is his reply:

Liberty performance Transmissions
I still have a 3550 in box fresh built $900. and a T-5 also in box fresh built for $650.

Here is his email address if you need to ask any questions:

Payne, Lew (GE Healthcare) [Lewis.Payne@med.ge.com]

Good luck,

Clois Harlan

MUSTANGCJ · #6 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 07:09 AM

Looks like Clois Harlan is right...2nd gear syncro. How difficult is trans removal. Not much room to R&R. Has anyone done this lately?

Dwight · #7 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 07:44 AM

I have a TKO rebuild kit that I bought but did not need. I'll take $80 and $5 shipping. I bought it from The Gear Box in Garden City, MI.

Dwight

my pic

Clois Harlan · #8 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 02:43 PM

I have helped a friend of mine remove his from his SPF and if you have a trans jack it makes things work a lot better. The kit that Dwight has is not a bad deal. It looks pretty intimidating but you can rebuild it in a day or you can take it to a trans shop and they can probably do it in two or three hours. Good Luck!

Clois

xlr8or · #9 (**permalink**) 07-16-2007, 03:01 PM

SPF trans removal is much easier if you remove the tunnel. It will cost some extra time for disassemble/reassemble but makes life a lot easier because you can take it out the top.

Jimi G · #10 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 07:37 AM

I had a spf in my shop, I was rebuilding the 3550, I cut the crossmember out and made it removable. That made life alot easier, and I was under a lift, which helps too. jimig@standardtransmission.com

ERA2188 · #11 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 10:50 AM

Isn't cutting the crossmember somewhat weakening the overall structure? Isn't that designed to stiffen the chasis?

ack fia · #12 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 11:08 AM

Before going into the trans I would try a fluid change. I had a cranky shift problem in my Corvette 6 speed and was about to get mechanical when I read a post on the Corvette site that suggested a change to Dextron IV and some GM syncro goop. It worked like magic and it was cheap.

jwoodard · #13 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 02:15 PM

SPF is very specific about NOT cutting out the cross member as it is a structural
part of the frame and doing so weakens the entire frame.

Transmission removal from a SPF can be done from the top by removing the transmission tunnel as stated previously or by pulling the engine/trans assembly from the engine compartment.

Jimi G · #14 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 02:17 PM

I used to build all the frames for Lone Star Classics so I know alittle about things being structurally sound. I actually made the crossmember removable so it is still strong but now more useful. jimig@standardtransmission.com

Jimi G · #15 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwoodard

SPF is very specific about NOT cutting out the cross member as it is a structural
part of the frame and doing so weakens the entire frame.

Transmission removal from a SPF can be done from the top by removing the transmission tunnel as stated previously or by pulling the engine/trans assembly from the engine compartment.

Maybe if they made their frames out of alittle stronger material than 2"x3" square tubing it wouldn't be a factor, along with more bracing under the doors

As I said before I didn't remove it completely, I just improved their design

. But thats just my two cents for what its worth. jimig@standardtransmission.com

jwoodard · #16 (**permalink**) 07-17-2007, 03:16 PM

Jimi,

Cutting out the cross member and making it removable is what weakens the entire frame, and that is why it is not recommended. Of course if it is left out entirely, the weakened condition is worse. I can't say I agree that this modification improved the SPF design, but rather degraded it.
Additionally, as someone who used to make the frames for Lone Star, you know the trans mount/cross member on the Lone Star is not a structural part of the frame and in fact there is an X member between the frame rails aft of the trans mount that serves that purpose.
The material the frames are made of is more than adequate, if the integrity of the frame is not modified.
What is done is done. I just wouldn't suggest this is a good alternative for a SPF, based on SPF recommendations.

68gt500 · #17 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 04:44 AM

The TKO is pretty "special" about the trans fluid..

I had trouble downshifting after changing the break-in generic dexron III fluid to an expensve synthetic one.

After checking with my supplier he recomended GM MTL also expensive, but the shifting improved like night & day.

Haven´t used anything else in it for like 6 years now.

sllib · #18 (**permalink**) 07-20-2007, 08:30 PM

Unique's is removable; different cross members for different trannies.
Bill Stradtner