Hello,
I would like some help / thoughts please.
The truck is a 1988 F250 2WD Extra cab with a 7.3 IDI - Automatic C6 Transmission and US Gear Dual range aux transmission.

This truck is new to me, I have had it a month and have only driven it 300 miles.
This is my first Diesel.

* The issue is delayed shifting, it is more pronounced when the truck is cold. Sometimes when the truck is warm you can not notice a problem at all. It holds first and second and will shift if I let off of the gas. after 15 minutes it seems to start working ok.

When I got the truck the trans fluid was a quart low and brown with a trace of pink / red.
I changed the trans fluid and filter, there was no gunk in the pan or filter screen. The inside of the trans from what I could tell was very clean. The inside of the pan was lightly coated with a Grey/black film that could be wiped away with your finger.
(The filter gasket was metal, does that mean it was original?)

Things I have not done are a check of the Vac Modulator, Band adjustment, or anything else. (because I'm not sure how)

I'm not sure if this is something I can fix myself or if I need to take it to AAMCO.

Thanks for taking a look, any help would be great.
Dan

 

Dan,

It sounds like you are on the right track. The Ford trannies use an accumulator body (same basic idea as a valve body) there are springs in there that regulate line pressure. It is not uncommon for things to get squishy and worn out in the accumulator body.

There are actually only 4 springs I can think of in your trucks transmission that can become weak over the years. BD diesel makes some very good after market accumulator bodies. They use stiffer springs to start out with and larger diameter plungers behind the springs.

I just checked on their web site for you and found this information. They don't list a part number for you truck but call the number at the top of their screen and ask for Patrik in the transmission shop. He is very helpful and a wealth of information when it comes to building trannies. I'm sure he could fix yours up for you for a decent price and it will be much better than what Aamco would do for you.

BD Power - Product: Accumulator Body

 

Hi Vinny,
Thanks for the reply,

Are you thinking I could order this part and install it myself or would I need to take it into a shop?

Can the Acculumator be replaced without removing the transmission?
Dan

 

You can replace it in your driveway in about a half hour. You will not need to remove the transmission.

 

Just drain the fluid and take the pan off. And I think they are like 11 8mm bolts that hold that on and 2 10mm nuts. Then when you put it on torque them to 10 ft lbs. They are very easy and straight forward and the instructions are good.

 

Sorry to beat this to death but this is really new to me.

Do you think I shoud try anything else first or is this pretty common and will most likely fix my issue? $350 for the Accumulator is much better than a rebuilt tranny
I really do thank everyone for their time.
Dan

 

I think think will solve your issue. After time and years of shifting and everything the springs just get week

 

All,
Thanks a lot for your time.
I am calling BD today and see if I can speak to Patrick
Dan

 

Sounds good Dan, keep me posted on this if you would I want to make sure you get taken care of on this. I am very good friends with most of the guys up there at BD. So if you need me to make some inquiries for you to get things moving don't be afraid to hit me up or Scott.