Guys, I just completed restorying the rear end of my maverick (i.e. suspension, differential, brakes...). I have had a vibration in my car for quite some time now and I have narrowed it down to what I believe is the flexplate. I dont have a cherry picker so I have decided to get to the flexplate by removing the transmission. Positives to this method are I dont have a cherry picker, and I need to replace the seals on the transmission/inspect for a possible rebuild anyways. So...my questions are... 1.) Is removing the transmission an easy task? For anyone who has done it by not removing the engine, did you run into anything unforseen? 2.) Is replacing the flexplate a huge ordeal? I have read a good bit about it and it seems like something that could be done from underneath the vehicle. Maybe I am wrong? 3.) How costly would a transmission rebuild be if I took the transmission myself to a shop or should I rebuild it myself? I am pretty scared of all the parts... Thanks for the time guys, I am looking forward to getting to drive her. I feel close! oh, she is a 1972 Ford Maverick with a 302. Clay
First off, are you sure it's not any of these problems? Bad driveshaft u-joints, imbalanced driveshaft, bad torque-converter, bad harmonic balancer, engine misfire due to plugs/wires/distributor cap/rotor, bad A/F mix in the carb, exhaust drone or even just a bent wheel? I went thru something similar with my '71 Mav recently after taking it to a shop for a transmission rebuild. It cost me $750 for the C4 transmission rebuild and after getting it back, it had a bad vibration between 2000-2500 RPM. Took it back and he said everything was installed properly, proper parts were used, etc. and that he thought my carb was the problem. Two days later, my motor threw a rod. Not sure where the problem was, but I think it could have been the wrong flexplate, an improperly balanced flexplate or torque converter or the harmonic balancer slipped...but it could have been coincidence with something just failing inside the motor...I don't know. Either way, now I'm forced to get a completely new motor (302) because mine was destroyed but luckily covered under the motor rebuilder's warranty. I guess what I'm getting at is...be sure you go somewhere that is reputable (not always the cheapest) if you're not going to do the work yourself. If you do try this on your own, be sure you get the right parts for the job from a reputable source that will allow you to return any questionable parts if you think they might have a problem. You'll also want to be sure that the motor is either the original or if it was replaced with a different year because that will affect which parts you'll need. As for how difficult it will be to remove the transmission...mine was apparently not very easy due to the exhaust being in the way. The shop I took mine to had a lift so it wasn't as bad as it could have been if I was doing it myself. With the proper knowledge and tools and some time, I think you can do it yourself if you know that the flexplate is the problem. Good luck with whichever option you choose!
Jory, It isnt the u-joints or the driveshaft. I removed the driveshaft from the equation and reved the engine wihtout the driveshaft and the vibrations remained. That made me think it was either the flexplate, engine mounts or something else I dont know... Flexplate is the next in line of things i think I can do myself before I have to get professional help. The Engine is not the origional so I am hoping the flexplate was missmatched... fingers crossed
if doing this on the ground, you will have to jack the car way up to get the transmission from under the car...be careful...Good luck
I am going to try and work on it this weekend. Fingers crossed on the flexplate though, I will let you guys know what I find out...
what year engine is in it...They are all 28 oz imbalance till 1981 (302s' that is) Are you certain its not the harmonic balancer??? It will cause bad vibrations if the outer ring has slipped...
Hmmm, Ill have to check. Is the engine date on the information stamp? Because the engine is not origional to the car.
