1994 Ford F-150 1994 F-150, 242k miles

Answered this question already at 1st posting. This is a copy/ paste of it. Similar problem w/ 1982 Mustang 6cyl. Torque converter in tranny coming apart internally. Had some sort of deal that locked inside shaft to housing at certain RPM. (Giving engine 1 to 1 drive to tranny, no fluid slippage when in this mode, supposed to drop out as RPM dropped). Acted like yours until it locked together permanently (ALL RPMs) could crank only in neutral/ park, INSTANT drive in gear, engine could not turn it (1 to 1 ratio, like dumping the clutch at low RPM in straight drive). Replacement converter was made normal w/ no lock dealee, was able to replace it myself. Cost $125. Hope I ain't scared you. See my profile. Love, Turddog

Hi k_y301,

If the problem occurred while idling in gear, it is possible to be a fault with the transmission as described by Turddog.

The engine straining while not picking up speed indicates a slipping transmission and a binding torque converter can cause that.

Your converter is much like a clutch system in a straight drive rig. It is attached to the engine crank on one end. The mainshaft of the auto transmission on the other. Engine and tranny MUST pull apart to allow converter to be removed. Have seen tranny pulled to access. Have seen engine pulled to access

This is an involved job, Help from someone w/ some experience would definitly be a BIG PLUS. STEP X STEP PROCEDURES can be found in several references on your rig and on trannys can be found at local parts stores. SEE MY PROFILE. If you are really non-mechanical, SEEK ASSISTANCE, READ THRU LITERATURE. Or do what I do most of the timeGO FOR IT !

Love, Turddog

Yes, work on the torque converter requires the trans to be removed.

AODE-W/4R70W TRANSMISSION
Removal (Bronco, Pickup & Van)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Raise and support vehicle. Drain transmission fluid. Remove converter drain plug access cover. Remove converter nuts. Drain torque converter.

2. Mark rear drive shaft yoke and companion flange for reassembly reference. Disconnect drive shaft from companion flange. Slide drive shaft to rear to separate from transmission. Install plug into extension housing to prevent leaks.

3. Remove starter. Unplug connector at manual lever position sensor. Remove rear mount bolts and crossmember bolts. Remove rear support bolts. Raise transmission enough to remove rear mount from crossmember. Remove crossmember.

4. Lower transmission enough to disconnect oil cooler lines. Plug oil cooler line openings. Remove filler tube and dipstick. Secure transmission to jack. Remove converter housing bolts. Carefully move transmission to rear and downward to remove it from vehicle.

Installation

1. Lubricate torque converter pilot with chassis grease. Install torque converter into transmission. Rotate torque converter to engage drive flats with pump gear.

2. Raise transmission into position. Torque converter will move freely with respect to flywheel when it is properly positioned. Install and tighten housing bolts.

3. Reverse removal procedure to complete installation. Use NEW "O" ring on filler tube. Lubricate drive shaft yoke splines with grease. Align reference marks on drive shaft and axle flange.

4. Fill transmission with Motorcraft Mercon ATF (XT-2-QDX).

We appreciate your donation and look forward to helping you in the future. Thank you

You're welcome and glad to be of help.

Have a nice day.