How do I do a complete rebuild of my transmission?

Tiny
ARIANADANIELLE5345
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  • 2008 FORD F-150
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
And what parts should the rebuild kit include? Will I need any special tools?
Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 7:57 AM

44 Replies

Tiny
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Hello,

There are many components that can be replaced during a transmission rebuild, depending on the issue at hand.
A typical rebuild includes all the gaskets, seals, gears and solenoids and other typical worn items. Also, the filter and any screens that go inside the transmission.
So, it will all depend on what issue you are trying to fix.
There are a few special tools that you will need to get this done.
Look below for all the special tool requirements and I have attached transmission disassembly instructions below for your reference.

If you are looking for any specific part disassembly and reassembly just let me know.

Thank you.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-remove-an-automatic-transmission-rwd
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 9:36 AM
Tiny
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Well, the original issue was it would slip everything you got above 3,000 RPMs, but when I dropped the pan and valve body not only was there thick gray stuff in there, but a piece fell out that the guys from the Ford service dept told me is from something that’s behind the pump and the only way to get to it is by disassembling the transmission and that I may as well rebuild it if I take it apart. They also said I’ll need a TC.
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 11:22 AM
Tiny
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Do you have any pictures of the part that fell out?
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Friday, June 10th, 2022 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
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Yes.
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Saturday, June 11th, 2022 AT 6:18 AM
Tiny
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It looks like a retainer but deformed. Can you tell where it possibly came out of? Check the valve body retainers for the valves.
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Saturday, June 11th, 2022 AT 10:40 PM
Tiny
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After a lot of searching, I finally found out what it’s called. Anti-clunk spring.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 9:20 AM
Tiny
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So, do I have to rebuild it, or can I just replace the anti-clunk spring? I was told that the reason those fail are a worn transfer case or something like that so I’ll change the case too.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 9:30 AM
Tiny
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You mentioned that you have issues with slipping, which could be due to worn gear and or torque converter. So, a rebuild of those components is likely.
You want to get a rebuilt kit that has all the regular components, like the picture below.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 12:18 PM
Tiny
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What about the anti-clunk spring? Do you know if that means I need a new case?
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
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You should be able to replace the springs, as they are just worn. You could replace the case if you chose to especially you are already in. But it shouldn't be necessary.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
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Oh okay. I was thinking I did because the ford technician told me that a worn case is the only thing that would make that anti-clunk spring fall out. It’s weird that it’s called a spring because it looks more like a cotter pin or, like you said, a retainer. If I don’t have to change it though then I won’t.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
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One thing you can do is to install a new spring and see the fitment. If it is loose, then the case will need to be replaced. That way you are taking action based on what is required.
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Sunday, June 12th, 2022 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
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How do I drop the transmission?
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 10:51 AM
Tiny
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What I meant was, is there a way without having to remove the exhaust because I’m having trouble getting a couple of the exhaust bolts off.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 10:53 AM
Tiny
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You should be able to remove the exhaust hanger bolts, that will give you enough room.

I went ahead and attached the transmission replacement procedure below for your reference.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 12:42 PM
Tiny
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I don’t have that tool. So, can I just bolt a chain across it mounting it where the bell housing bolts go and using nuts on the other side? Or do I really need that tool?
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 1:27 PM
Tiny
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The retainer just keeps the converter in place. So as long you can do it any other method it will be fine.
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Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 AT 2:08 PM
Tiny
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I’m having a really hard time trying to separate the rear driveshaft from the differential. Can I just leave it on and undo the center support bearing and pull the front driveshaft out of the tranny and leave it like that on stands or something?
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
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Yes, it might make it little tricky to keep it on a stand. But you should be able to get the job done.
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Thursday, June 16th, 2022 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
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I don’t really know what to look for. I’ll post some pics. Only thing I found were the scratches I circled in the last pic.
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Saturday, June 18th, 2022 AT 11:06 AM

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