Hi Group; Without going into a long rant about a chain auto repair store that just tried to rip me off, kept my truck for a MONTH, etc. etc. I hope someone can help (please).... Anyhow, the vehicle is an '82 Ford dual-tank longbed pickup w/ 300 inline six, and had a 3 speed plus "granny" gear transmission. The clutch began slipping slightly, and just a day later, went completely. I had it towed to this franchise store because until this time, they were excellent; in quickness, charges, courtesy, honesty, etc. While getting ready to do a clutch change and flywheel re-surfacing, they said the tranny needed replacing. I had never noticed any problems, etc, but after a few haggles agreed to it. The flywheel was also replaced. They had trouble locating a suitable identical transmission (it's a TRUCK and this is GEORGIA), but they got a "T-4" (???) It's in now, but as soon as I drove it from the shop, I didn't like it. This is what's worrying me:
It shifts very nicely, precisely, with no noise, and much shorter lever travel. It's not a rowing machine anymore, and that's good. However - the cluch pedal, though it seems to have the right travel before engaging, has a notchy feeling about 3 inches from the floor. The truck begins to move, but, even with a stomping, or a firm foot on the gas, won't completely take off in gear until there's a loud "THUD!", and the clutch pedal is fully released. Most noticable in 1st gear, and the truck is a really slow dog in 2nd gear from start. It just seems to be IN/OUT with no smoothness between the two. Okay. I figure it's new, and will smooth out after a while, but ohyes, there's more. Along with a loud "Thud", the wonderful odor of cluch burning is pronounced, and not what I need right now. I only drove it home, about 15 miles from the shop, and smelled this twice. I'm 54, and have been driving 40 years. I have NEVER burned a cluch out, "cept the first manual I drove (@14 - my brther's Sunbeam Imp. I "borrowed his keys one morning, and must have kept my foot on the clutch in panic, but that's another story... Sooo, I don't burn clutches, and have owned about 40 cars with sticks... I went back to the shop because they hadn't given me my towing rebate coupon (see???), and they assured me the thud, smell will go away in a few days... when I got home, I saw that the license plate is gone from the back, so I had to talk to cops, and I'll call the shop and ask about that and the clutch, but need input/experiences... A burning smell is NOT normal to me, and I don't want the truck in another shop, but this isn't right... THANKS!! :+)
They also said the pattern is a typical 1-2-3-4, with reverse down and to the right.... Has anyone heard of a T4 tranny? I think it's not adjusted right ??? I may have to get a real trans. shop look at it>>>
ANY help greatly appreciated!
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thanks, K.