BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain T/A 235/75-16, new to market

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Yeah 14.5 in 3rd is about what I would expect for a worn out slipping tranny.

[LaGrasta]

I have a lead on a rebuilt 4L60e "K" from a 97 Camaro. Will this work for my 2wd '98? Only $300!

From my research, seems like no.

[LaGrasta]

Tomorrow, I drop off the Astro at a transmission rebuild place. I found the guy form a friend (good source) and he is charging me $1000 to remove, rebuild, reinstall and a 1 year, 12 month warranty. I should have it back by the weekend. Update to come.

[LaGrasta]

Due to pick up the van today with eh rebuilt tranny. The mechanic tells me yesterday he was amazed at how clean the inside was, only worn clutches/bands, no metal shavings and such, not a single broken part. I've flushed this four times int eh 176k so I'm glad to hear it worked.

One concern is he said he's not replacing any solenoids or the torque converter. He said they are not broken and don't need it. I stressed I don't want to open this thing back up in 50k to exchange the TQ and he said there is no reason to be concerned. Is this true?

[MountainManJoe]

It sounds like your slipping was caused by worn bands and clutches. The torque converter is a robust device. Solenoids can be replaced with the pan off. Makes sense to me. I'd be more worried about all the little seals, bearings, valves etc. stuff that wears out.

[LaGrasta]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, he specifically said he replaced all that stuff as well. Great, it sounds like I'm in good standing. I pick it up today around 3, I can't wait to drive it again.

[LaGrasta]

Well, I picked it up, $1000 later. Now I'm not confident I even needed a rebuild. I drove it home 30 freeway miles and I could hardly notice any difference. Trans temps were the same, I thought for sure they'd be lower. MPG were the same crappy ones too, about 14. He showed me the basket, clutches, band that were replaced, they looked fine to me. The band had a lot of "meat" on it in my opinion, not worn to the steel or anywhere near.

I'm confused as to what I should be expecting as I've changed so many major items as of late, 16" taller tires, 3.73 diff swap, new ac system and fan clutch and now a tranny. It just seems to me, when I step on it, it doesn't "move out" like it used too. I don't feel solid shifting and kick down, etc. It seems like it's screaming (new fan clutch is louder?) until it shifts.

[MountainManJoe]

Tire size makes a huge difference. Your configuration now matches mine in terms of wheel diameter and gearing, and yes I noticed my torque took a big hit going from stock wheel size. Your transmission is being forced to operate outside of its comfort zone too. Maybe the shop you went to can adjust your shift points.

[LaGrasta]

It's nice to hear from another similar set up and similar results. That makes me feel like this is the "new" drivability for this current set up and it's acting as expected.

I have a Jet Performance to adjust, so I'll borrow a GPS to dial in my speedo and hopefully correct the shift appoints in the process.

[LaGrasta]

Just returned from a 940 mile weekend trip, disappointed. I used to get roughly 20 mpg with my old differential (3.24) and wheel size. After installing these taller tires, but making up with the height with 3.73 gears, I thought I'd be back to at least OEM mpg predictions, 19 mpg freeway. Again, I got 14.5 mpg. Over $250 in fuel, this hurts. I spent more for gas than I did for two nights at a hotel.

[MountainManJoe]

OEM predictions aren't realistic for a new car, let alone one with that kind of mileage. If your tranny needed an overhaul, the motor probably isn't too far behind. 14.5 mpg isn't great, but not unexpected.

What is your tire pressure?

[LaGrasta]

40lbs.

[MountainManJoe]

Looks like you need to update your forum signature.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I have a feeling running a heavier tire is the culprit. If I had enough extra cash I would experiment by running the same tires with different wheels, aluminum and steel, as well as swapping the rear driveshaft out for an aluminum one and checking mileage over at least 8 - 10 tanks of fuel.

As a side note: in my quest for a little better mileage, I too am down. Before the electric fan swap and the 4.11 gears, I averaged just over 15 mpg. I swapped in the electric fan and am dow to under 15 mpg most of the time and now with the 4.11's in the rear, I find I am under full throttle more so I am down even more to just over 14 mpg. My 0 - 60 mph times are way down though!

[photo_van]

I'm (was) running 3.42s and 31x10.50 BFG AT. I average ~16-17 mpg on hilly highway driving if I drive slow ~60mph. The mileage drops by ~10% if I drive 70+. This is using a 1.12 multiplier for actual miles traveled (anyone know if that's about right for 31s?). I used to run 30x9.50 BFG and got ~10% better mileage. I keep the tires inflated to 50psi.

I just put in 4.10s this weekend (and front axle disconnect), will report back after a few 1000 miles. I also noticed everyone passing me on my test drive today. Anyone know what the actual multiplier is for my new setup (4.10 with 31's that actually seem to measure closer to 30)???