3800 3800 F-body Transmission Problems and (Hopefully) Solutions

v6buicks

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I got new bolts which made a fairly significant difference of .0015", but that still wasn't enough. I lied there under the car and stared while the humidity started to form puddles on my face. Then I decided to rethink everything.

Double dumbass. Pulled the bell off again, popped the pins out, turned them 180*, and put it back together...

My final measurement was .004" ???

This transmission would shift like butter if I had one!!
 

v6buicks

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Well s*** dude. The measurement didn't change that much that I would have figured you put them in backwards or anyting.

Brilliant!
Yeah, I still don't get why the measurement didn't change much with the pins backward, but I'll check for slop and stuff once I make a little more progress.

Now I hope I don't screw up the holes that hold the trans to the bell. Those still aren't started! I also hope the transmission comes with a bit of service information. Installing the HTOB means removing the existing TKX bearing retainer, so I'm going to need to know how to torque that.

It feels great to be moving on to new problems. Lol
 

v6buicks

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Ah tell em that this point you might as well call them now and tell them to throw the external throw out crap in the box with your transmission once they finish finally f****** making it. :angrys00ls:
I wish, but I already have that part. Coulda saved $400. Maybe I can get them to toss in a shifter though.
 

Bob Kazamakis

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Yeah, I still don't get why the measurement didn't change much with the pins backward, but I'll check for slop and stuff once I make a little more progress.

Now I hope I don't screw up the holes that hold the trans to the bell. Those still aren't started! I also hope the transmission comes with a bit of service information. Installing the HTOB means removing the existing TKX bearing retainer, so I'm going to need to know how to torque that.

It feels great to be moving on to new problems. Lol
Really? I figured it was like my m21 in that it’s just a stud that replaces a bolt to locate the bearing.

I was really under the impression I could reuse my hydraulic stuff.
 

v6buicks

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Really? I figured it was like my m21 in that it’s just a stud that replaces a bolt to locate the bearing.

I was really under the impression I could reuse my hydraulic stuff.
Yeah, that's typical for the older factory conversions, but I haven't seen that type for a TKX or TKO.

 

v6buicks

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Jegs has delayed my order for the last time. I gave them an ultimatum. They're going to give me a no bullshit guaranteed ship date, or my money back. After a wishy washy rep at McLeod said twice that my order would be ready by the end of July, I got notice that I was delayed until 8/16. The last time I was in contact with Jegs, I was told by the end of June. Obviously, I have a major disconnect somewhere between me and Tremec, and I want to know why I've been stiffed $3k.

I've been pretty patient given all the circumstances, but you can only blame COVID, slow shipping, and the industrial shortage for so long without further explanation. I'm also incredibly irritated by the fact that I'm finding so many other hotrodders getting their TKXs in two months or less. Where's mine? Was I skipped?

As for the car, I don't know what I'm going to do, but I'm completely over it. If Jegs can't follow though, I might shove another T5 in and list it. Maybe I'll find something else that works. I'm not sure yet. One thing is for damn sure though. It's not sitting on jack stands in my garage for another three months.
 

v6buicks

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I'm not convinced that an AR5 is a sustainable solution for a full weight F-body and the gear ratios are pretty terrible. Like I said, I don't know yet. I spent a ton of time figuring out which trans was best before buying one and now I can't get one.

It might just get a T5 and a for sale sign. Then Ill do 3800 stuff again when TKXs are on the used market. I need my garage back.
 

v6buicks

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So I finally got mad enough that I decided to sit in the ~45 minute call que. That's no exaggeration. That's how backed up their phones have been. Anyway, I just did other shit while Jessica by the Allman Brothers played on repeat through the phone. o_O Apparently that's the Jegs' theme song. The chick said they hadn't had an update from McLeod since 6/27 which is odd because their website has updated the date twice since then. ?‍♂️ She then said that she would need to put me on hold while she calls McLeod. Fine. After 15 minutes she gets back to me, says that they hung up on her, and that she will have to email me with the update tomorrow. :cautious:
 
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v6buicks

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I got an email back from Jegs.

The website displays a very conservative representation of shipping times and is not accurate unless the item is in stock. The vendors told her that it would ship by 7/30. This is all coming from the lady I spoke on the phone with last night. I'm a lot more calm now that Jegs and Mcleod finally seem to share the same stories with each other and themselves.

I'll be interested to see if I get a response to my email now. lol
 

v6buicks

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I'm throwing a Hail Mary. In preparation for Jegs to once again delay my order, I started searching for alternatives like Pro Motion T5s and used TKO600 units. Of course the first item to show up on ebay is a brand new TKX. I almost scrolled right past it, but then I saw my part number and "ships today! Get by Jul, 23"

Intriguing. :unsure:

I see that it's Speedway Motors who gets them directly from Tremec with no other middle men and I'm thinking, "No friggen way. These mofos just have these sitting around?" I had to ask them what's up.
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I gave Jegs/McLeod plenty of time, so I asked if I could cancel my order. They said that it is processing, and I will get a confirmation email once it is confirmed.

So I guess my place "in line" is now gone. Let's hope nobody scoops up the Speedway units before Jegs is done dragging their asses. ?

Patiently...

Waiting.

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