Changing a torque converter on a 1996

[Wolfz96GT]

I was wondering if I could get some help. I need to change the torque converter in my 96 GT and I have never changed one before. Does anyone know if the one that AutoZone sells will fit the 4r70w transmission? Also I was wondering what all will be needed? I was also going to change the at filter and convert the fluid from mercron 3 to 5 so I was wondering what the easiest and best way to drain all the fluid is? Then lastly I have to replace my rear main seal. So I was just wondering what kinda job I am looking at. If anyone could give me an idea of what I am getting into and some tips I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you all in advance.

 

[trinity_gt]

May I ask why you need to change the converter?

 

[Wolfz96GT]

I'm having really bad torque shudder and in between 1200 to about 1700 rpm it does like this slipping type feeling but it pull strong through the rest of the rpm range. All the research I've don't and people I've asked say it's the tc. Plus I figured of it was the trans that it would feel like its slipping through all speed/rpm ranges and it only does it between the 12 to 1700 range at about 40ish mph.

 

[Flghtmstr1]

If I'm not mistaken, the switch from Mercon III to Mercon V was part of a Ford TSB to fix the torque converter shudder. I suggest you change your fluid to Mercon V before replacing hard parts.

 

[Wolfz96GT]

If I'm not mistaken, the switch from Mercon III to Mercon V was part of a Ford TSB to fix the torque converter shudder. I suggest you change your fluid to Mercon V before replacing hard parts.

I was thinking about just a fluid change, but in the time that i have been driving the car the slipping/shudder sensation has gone from just the 1400 to 1600 rpm range to 1200-17/1800 rpm range. I also just got the a/c fixed & so now when I run the a/c it really acts up in that rpm range. I do know that the slipping/shudder feeling has been there for a couple of years. I started doing that back around 2005 to 2006 while my sister was the owner. I also know that the trans fluid is still mercon3 because my brother-in-law always used what was original. So I just figured that I would save the hassle of having to do it later and knock it out now along with the fluid change & I have to change my rear main seal. I am just unsure of what all is needed to take car of it all and unsure of the best method to completely drain the trans fluid out of the lines. I am open to all suggestions and comments. thanks.

 

[Flghtmstr1]

Here's the method I would use to drain the trans: http://sites.google.com/site/fordf150p0171p0174fix/4r70w-fluid-change-procedures. It's written for F150 owners, but the procedure should work for our cars, too.

 

[Wolfz96GT]

Does anyone know what size diameter my torque converter is? I went to try to order one and they said theres 2 different size diameters, a 12.75 diameter with 11.44in bolt circle/ high stall; then theres a 11.75 diameter with 10.65in bolt circle/ low stall. I am at a loss for which one i need as I cant tear the car down till i have the parts cuz this is my daily driver. I know its the 4r70w trans with overdrive. but i cant seem to find any info. Please help. Thanks

 

[Wolfz96GT]

Here's the method I would use to drain the trans: http://sites.google.com/site/fordf150p0171p0174fix/4r70w-fluid-change-procedures. It's written for F150 owners, but the procedure should work for our cars, too.

This link will help alot thanks a lot Flghtmstr1!

 

[Flghtmstr1]

Does anyone know what size diameter my torque converter is? I went to try to order one and they said theres 2 different size diameters, a 12.75 diameter with 11.44in bolt circle/ high stall; then theres a 11.75 diameter with 10.65in bolt circle/ low stall. I am at a loss for which one i need as I cant tear the car down till i have the parts cuz this is my daily driver. I know its the 4r70w trans with overdrive. but i cant seem to find any info. Please help. Thanks

If you're going to order a torque converter anyway, why not upgrade while you're in there? For what it's worth, all 1996-2004 Mustangs should have the smaller converter. Here's an excellent reference for the 4R70W, written by one of the people (Jerry Wroblewski) who designed it: http://www.tccoa.com/articles/tranny/transmission/index.shtml. I used that article as a reference for rebuilding my own transmission. Another great source is here: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128800.