[QUOTE=landyacht318;3088722]Do you have an accurate inch pound torque wrench?
QUOTE]
Yea I have a decent craftsmen twist handle.

 

So I dropped the pan today,installed drain plug, adjusted both bands, changed filter, and three quarts of atf 4. The magnet was full of alot of sludge but nothing big or worrisome. Now I can tell it is definitely slipping but can't tell if it is the torque converter or the tranny.
I played with the TVC adjustment on the throttle linkage but it never stoped slipping. Only really noticeable when taking off from stand still and entering second gear.
If it is the tranny is it easy to change the bands myself? If it is the converter is there a way to test it?

 

How do I test to see if the tranny is slipping or the torque converter? I know I read something on here awhile ago but I can't find it now.

 

Sorry, don't have answers to your questions.

Is it slipping worse than before the fluid and filter change?

 

Yes it is slipping worse after partial change and band adjustment. Reverse is strong but slipping in first and second noticeably under acceleration. I'm afraid to pull the drain plug and change more fluid.

 

Did I mention the tranny fluid was probably the original with a 120k and looked like mud!

 

The average lifespan of a van transmission is about 130k miles.

I would not put any more money into this one short of a rebuild. Band tightenings and fluid changes are not going to help at this point. It was worth a shot, but if it made it worse( assuming you adjusted the bands correctly) then start saving shopping for the rebuild/reman'd transmission to install.

My experiences with Aamco have all been bad, but I have about 70k miles on their rebuild and no issues since I got the bulk dexron outta there at 10k miles.

Your 3 speed will be much less expensive than an overdrive transmission to r/r

 

basically, put the van in D, press the brake as hard as you can and then give it 1/2 gas...

If the engine revves over 1000 rpm your tranny is slipping...

 

stick a fork in it - it is done

 

Do you guys have knowledge on swapping tranny for a 4 speed or 5 speed? Can I just bolt one up and change PCM or somthing? I really don't like this three speed. If you do know anything about it let me know what years would be best or easiest to swap.
Thanks