Here's the deal. We're talking about a stock automatic transmission for a '96 Z-28. My transmission just began to give a lot of shutter and vibration when switching from 1st to 2nd gear right at 10mph. If I just let off the gas and let it engage itself into 2nd gear then resume throttle there seems to be no problem. One person tells me it could be the tranny mount, but that doesn't make sense to me. Wouldn't it affect all gears and not just 1st-2nd if it was the mount? I took it to be looked at by a transmission shop and the guy told me it would cost $1,000 to rebuild. Now I know the whole transmission's not bad because after I get into 2nd gear everything works great, but how do I pinpoint the cause of this? Has anybody ever dealt with this problem before who can clue me in on exactly what I need to fix in the transmission?

 

Though it is possible its a mount since second does grab a bit harder than 3rd or 4th , To me it sounds more like the band has become burned or badly heat glazed, That would explain the shudder during the shift under power. Now once its holding the drum it would stop since keeping the drum still is easier than stopping it, What does the fluid look and smell like and how many miles on the car ?

 

The car has 194k miles on it. The transmission was serviced just a couple of months ago. Just to start I changed the fluid, filter and gasket. Sounds like I was just putting a band aid on a shotgun wound. I wasn't aware there were bands in the transmission. If it is the band between 1st and 2nd could I just change that and go from there? ....and if so, how would I go about all that. I have access to all the tools and equipment I should need for the job, just haven't really ever messed with a tranny before.

 

the fluid was a very dark brown, almost blackish. I figured it would have helped changing that, but the problem still exists. Also, just occasionally (when gassing from stop or gassing coming out of reverse) the transmission slips trying to get into 1st. If I let it idle itself forward then there is no problem just like if i let 2nd gear engage itself. Could these 2 be related?

 

Sounds like the trans is basically worn out I dont think you could get by with anything less than a rebuild

 

194k is the problem, replaceing the band is much like replaceing the air in a flat tire, if you don't fix the leak the tire will go flat again.

Replaceing the band may just work ....... for awhile, maybe a couple of days depends on how far you drive.

You'll more than likely find that the check ball is smashed into the spacer plate.

Answering your question. No replaceing your band won't work.

At the mileage your running a complete overhaul is in order, weather your capable of doing this or not remains to be seen. Check your board for some really good sponsors Dana @ Probuilt Builds a hellva strong unit he also has all the good stuff ( parts and tech ) if you chose to do it youself. Hope this helps ...Dave

 

As already stated, it sounds like the 2-4 band has gone. There are many things we do in our units to prevent band issues in the future.
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Thanks,
Frank
CPT