Toronado.org

I wanted to know if anything can be done without taking this apart and rebuilding it? When I shift it into reverse I hear like the drum/clutch engaging but nothing happens, engine just revs up. When in drive it goes fine in first (NO SLIPPING) and shifts nicely into second but no third gear. I have had this problem with another 66 toronado years ago and dont know what the problem is or how to fix it. Any external adjustments??? Also how hard is one of these trannys to rebuild? I am VERY VERY handy and can fix anything so my skill level is high!

A 425 rebuild is in your future.

I've used Lucas transmission restore to bring back a TH400 and limp a few more weeks of it. Third was gone in that too, the Lucas brought it back.... for a short while.

I have seen several automatics rebuilt now and might be willing to try one myself. HOT ROD and Car Craft both have articles on rebuilds. I say go for it, but make sure to buy a good manual on the TH400/425 before you do.

pr129tbird wrote:I wanted to know if anything can be done without taking this apart and rebuilding it? When I shift it into reverse I hear like the drum/clutch engaging but nothing happens, engine just revs up. When in drive it goes fine in first (NO SLIPPING) and shifts nicely into second but no third gear. I have had this problem with another 66 toronado years ago and dont know what the problem is or how to fix it. Any external adjustments??? Also how hard is one of these trannys to rebuild? I am VERY VERY handy and can fix anything so my skill level is high!

I learned to rebuild my TH400 from the factory service manual. A few special tools really
help. From there the TH425 is somewhat more difficult. Sometimes those old transmissions
have good hard parts; a $28 rubber seal kit is all it needs. Bruce Roe

do you think its a pressure problem?? Now that you mentioned it I had a 1965 thunderbird that when cold would NOT go into reverse and it didnt go into third until it warmed up. My toronado dosnt go into reverse or 3rd at all but it was shifting fine and didnt slip or anything. It seemed at the end that once in awhile I'd put it into reverse and then I thought I was crazy because it wouldnt catch, THen all of a sudden click and it was in reverse! I wonder what seal would cause a pressure loss and to where??

I recently bought a rebuilt trans from Manny Troveo of Manny's Tranny's. So far so good, although I did have to helicoil a mounting bolt hole.

He charged me about $1,250 including shipping which is a good deal. I went with a Switch Pitch which added about $300 or so to the cost.

Otherwise you can take it to a good local shop or if you are adventurous try rebuilding it yourself. That said, I am pretty advanced in mechanics but would never consider rebuilding it myself until I have a better shop.

Not trying to question your ability, but..., have you check the fluid in the trans? Is if full, does it have any foul smells or dirty coloring? That could be a big indicator of what is needed.