radjxf

I've got an 02 GT Automatic that was previously wrecked, hit in the back, driveshaft slightly bent and trans mount broken. I've got a pretty significant vibration at 60-70mph. I pulled out the driveshaft to have someone check the balance. Noticed the tailshaft has quite a bit of "slop".
You can grab the tailshaft and rotate it in a circle about 1/4" in all directions, maybe more!
Is this normal or is there some sort of bearing/bushing in there that's been damaged?
If so, how does one repair it?? TIA.

radjxf

Bump....anybody? Perhaps this is the wrong forum?

jjandascog

1/4" of movement is way to much and it probably the cause of the vibrations. Mine did the same thing (not b/c of a wreck) and the way I found out is that the tail shaft seal started to leak. The problem is that the bushing in the tail shaft wears out causing the shaft to move around, and the wreck could have caused the bushing to break or something to that effect. To fix the problem you have to change the extension housing, that is the only way to get the bushing it is only sold together. It is very easy to change but the part is not cheap ~150.00 plus a gasket. It took me about I hour to change.
Just remove the drive shaft, remove the tranny mount and let the transmission hang down and you will see the bolts that hold the extension housing on the transmission. Remove those bolts and the housing slids out, then reverse the process to install the new one.

radjxf

Thanks a lot for the advice. Where did you find an extension housing?
Since this post, I've called around to various trans shops. So far, they all said they could replace the bushing. Most have quoted around $150-175 to replace the bushing and replace filter and refill with whatever tranny fluid this thing takes.
IF I could locate the correct bushing, and IF I can figure out how to get it out and the new one in, I bet I could do it for less than $50. A lot of IF's I know.....

jjandascog

I got my extension housing from a Ford Dealership. If you tranny fluid is not due for a change you will only have to add about 2 qts after you R&R the extension housing. But to make it a lot less messy for somebody on their back I would drain the fluid in the pan.
I never called a shop but 150-170 sounds like a great deal.

rossn

I blew my auto trans in my 2000 GT and put a differenttrans in. I could part it out or sell the whole thing. It blew a band shifting when it hit 80mph. The trans didn't leak any oil. It's just taking up space in the corner of my garage.