its the front band anchor, my band lever is completely loose and probably the reason for my 1-2 shift problem.

here is the pic:
http://www.transmissioncenter.net/OLD_IDENTIFY.jpg

 

It just kinda all *sits* in place, and when adjusted properly, that holds everything together. If you don't have a factory service manual, download the one for your truck from here. Go to the trans section, and have a look at the nifty diagrams. They should show where everything goes. (I don't think it's that much different than the other strut/anchor either, those are still in place, right?)

 

yes sir, the rear band is still in place. Looks like i have to lower the valve body to put the front band back together. I just dont know what exactly to do to get it down properly.... (something with the lever shaft on the exterior of the housing...) does the truck have to be in nuetral, bcause right now its in park with no oil in the pan?

 

Shouldn't matter what gear it is in.

I think the adjuster for that one is actually inside the trans? (haven't been in mine yet.) I don't have a real clear idea on this one, so, have a look, and do what ya gotta do.

 

Got the valve body down... The front band strut wasn't broken, it was still there. Guess the band just became a little loose and that little piece fell out. Anyway, I had to put the shifter into 1 to get to the e-clip spring on the parking rod. On the spring and actuator on top of the valve body, there was only one spring. I thought there was supposed to be another skinnier spring that goes into the top part of it? How does my band look?

 

How much friction material was left on it? (can't see that in the pic)

Some transmissions only had the one actuator spring...... no clue what the reasoning was.

 

thanks, I'll snap better pics when I get back in there to finish the job...

 

New slip-in front band, borg warner solenoid, transducer, thicker 3-4 accumulator spring, speed sensor, heavy duty front band strut, filter and oil done today and the truck is shifting perfect.

Only drove it a few miles so i dont want to jinx anything, but i think were good to go here!