Dropping pan for temp gauge install, new VB gaskets or other parts?

[inh]

I know I wont even need to drop the valve body, but on a trans with 150k miles, should I replace anything else while the pan is off? As of now I just plan on a new pan gasket, filter, band adjustment, and checking torque on all the valve body bolts.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the VB bolts, and look on the sides of the gaskets for signs of wear or flaking. If the bolts are loose, and you see that the gasket is starting to degrade, then replace the gasket. Check the solenoid bracket for cracks, and get a new bracket if it looks cracked. The gasket usually starts to show signs of wear around the area of the EPC solenoid.

 

[inh]

Will do, thanks man =] I may just order those parts anyways, to have on hand just in case.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Will you get the gaskets or the bonded separator plates?

 

[inh]

No idea what the differences between those are. I was planning on ordering this: http://www.transmissionpartsusa.com/FORD_4R44E_5R55E_valve_body_gasket_set_p/230-0023135ak.htm

 

[BrooklynBay]

Those are the regular gaskets. You will have to scrape the old gasket off of the separator plate before you install these gaskets. The bonded separator plates have gaskets already connected to them, so it will save you a little time but will cost more. Overall for that price, the set isn't bad for a few dollars.

 

[inh]

Is it going to be a nightmare to scrape the old gasket material off of the separator plates? I don't mind spending a few dollars more to save some time.

Where would you suggest getting the bonded setup from?

 

[BrooklynBay]

An ordinary gasket scraper with a scuff pad should work. In some cases a sanding block might be necessary if the gasket is very baked on, and you don't want to scratch everything up. I think WWW.BulkPart.Com, WWW.FastPartsNetwork.Com or WWW.Wittrans.Com might have the bonded separator plates. It's not a big deal to scrape them.

 

[inh]

Good to know, thanks man =]