1mustang

i have an 86 mustang gt with 86k on it. it has an auto tranny with overdrive. the tranny seems kinda sluggish and when decellerating it clunks occasinally but feels more like a chug or something is loose from about 30 mph to a stop...i checked the u joints and they are fine...are there adjustments such as bands on these? any ideas would be great...thanks ..john

FLcracker9

It's sluggish because it's an AOD, and the 1st gear ratio sucks!. They do have a band, but it'snot externally adjustable. About the only thing adjustable is the TV pressure, but you probably don't want to screw with that. The clunk could be a number of things. Have you checked the transmission and motor mounts?

1mustang

checked all mounts and they arer good...any other ideas?

brentloftis

How did you check the u-joints?

Check the shaft balance.

Check for free play in the rear diff.

1mustang

checked the u joints by grabbing the driveshaft and twisting back and forth...very tight will have to jack up the back of the car to check for rear end play...how do you check shaft balance?

brentloftis

A drive train shopcan check the balance easier and safer than the home mechanic. Doingit home involves the vehicle up in the air rear wheels offthe ground but as close to level as possible and using the engine to spine the shaft at thespeed of vibration....oh and did I mention being under therewhile this is going on with a grease pencil on a jack stand to mark the heavy side.... anyway I am kind of doubtful it would be the shaft out of balance but call around, here it cost about 30 -40 bucks and the inspect everything including the yokes.

1mustang

thanks for the input..upon further investigation i think my motor mounts are shot...another question is whether there is a shift kit i could install to get firmer shifts...thanx again...

FLcracker9

Try Baumann Electronics, or Transgo

http://www.becontrols.com/

OneFine89Mustang

+1 on transgo shift kit

mjr46

if downshifts are delayed you could try to check tv pressure ..mine did sorta what you mention....and the valves were sticking inside the valve body...you could try a trans flush and install a conditioner in hopes of removing any varnish causing a valve to stick.. otherwise pull valve body down and clean it...that's to say that is even the problem