MyExplorer03v8Lim
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- June 20, 2016
- Messages
- 261
- Reaction score
- 14
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2003 Explorer 4.6L
Hi All,
So I recently had some major drive train work done to my explorer, which required the mechanic to take the transmission most of the way out.
Well, there's a counterweight that runs perpendicular to the frame right under the bell housing. It connects the left and right sides of the frame, and apparently it's there to dampen vibrations or reduce harmonic resonance. Well to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what it's there for, and I have no idea what it's called. What I do know is that it was in the way. Like... right in the way.
The part is basically a big steel tube, maybe 2.5-3" diam, filled with cement. Well the mechanic tried and tried, but decided it was quick to sawzall it out of there, than to continue beating on the bolts. When I discovered the remaining stumps I decided to give him a call. He admitted what he did, but wanted to convince me that the part is not essential, and that the problems it solves are very overly dramatized.
I wasn't having it, so I told him I'd really rather have him put it back the way it was. He offered to weld it back in place, since I assume he doesn't want to waste any more time on the bolts. But this solution doesn't sit right with me. Before it was cut, that cement filling was a solid unit, as was the steel jacket. Now if he welds it, the steel will be complete (depending on the quality of his welds) but the cement will still be disconnected from the frame.
I have to think that a big heavy piece that's meant soley to absorb vibrations should be as solid as possible.
Should I push the mechanic to replace with a new piece? Should I allow him to weld? Or should I say **** it and thank him for the increased fuel economy by weight savings?
So I recently had some major drive train work done to my explorer, which required the mechanic to take the transmission most of the way out.
Well, there's a counterweight that runs perpendicular to the frame right under the bell housing. It connects the left and right sides of the frame, and apparently it's there to dampen vibrations or reduce harmonic resonance. Well to be honest, I'm not entirely sure what it's there for, and I have no idea what it's called. What I do know is that it was in the way. Like... right in the way.
The part is basically a big steel tube, maybe 2.5-3" diam, filled with cement. Well the mechanic tried and tried, but decided it was quick to sawzall it out of there, than to continue beating on the bolts. When I discovered the remaining stumps I decided to give him a call. He admitted what he did, but wanted to convince me that the part is not essential, and that the problems it solves are very overly dramatized.
I wasn't having it, so I told him I'd really rather have him put it back the way it was. He offered to weld it back in place, since I assume he doesn't want to waste any more time on the bolts. But this solution doesn't sit right with me. Before it was cut, that cement filling was a solid unit, as was the steel jacket. Now if he welds it, the steel will be complete (depending on the quality of his welds) but the cement will still be disconnected from the frame.
I have to think that a big heavy piece that's meant soley to absorb vibrations should be as solid as possible.
Should I push the mechanic to replace with a new piece? Should I allow him to weld? Or should I say **** it and thank him for the increased fuel economy by weight savings?
