Well, I'm not going to say anything that you already haven't heard, so here it is, nice video, very well presented and edited. At no point do you explain which end of the socket goes on to the wrench, and which end goes on to the fastener. So many videos get caught up in telling you which end of the screw driver goes in to the screw, that it fails to actually give you the information that you need.
Perhaps if one doesn't know what end of the socket goes into the nut...or wrench .. perhaps auto mechanics are not their thing and maybe should take up another hobby. Round pegs do not go into square holes. Have you ever seen that children's wooden game? Sorry I will never dumb down my videos to a kindergarten level. Also is it a VIDEO, NOT A BOOK. If one cannot have the attention span to actually watch what I am doing then that person needs to think about another hobby. Skill is achieved through practice.
Paul, I'm a 68 year old shade tree mechanic that has done most of my own repairs for 40 years. I purchased a TKO 600 used and put it in my latest project (87 Cutlass). This trans worked well but leaked like a new puppy. I have changed transmissions and clutches but always had a pro repair or rebuild my trans. After watching this video, I dismantled the TKO and resealed with anaerobic sealer and replaced the input and tailshaft seals. I'm happy to report that this was a success! No leaks and it still works! I followed your video to the letter and had no problems. Thank you for your how to videos.
Peter I know this dude is spot-on isn't he I'm with you I don't know much about it but it brings me back to my childhood my friends and I changing each other's transmissions and motor work lying in our parents driveway or right out front in the street holding lights for one another listening to Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd The Doors etc.... we had great cars 1971 Chevy Camaros 1969 Chevelles with 396 Big Block Hurst Shifters we didn't know how good we had it
The best 1 hour video that I have ever watched! Thank you for posting this. I watched it on my ipad, paused it, took a piece apart, un-paused it, and watched more...before I knew it, my TKO-600 was apart!
Seven months later and my TKO-600 is running and shifting smoothly thanks to this video. No leaks! I can't thank you enough for posting this. My TKO crapped out while I was driving my 428 powered Mustang in Korea. There were no shops that I could drop it off at so I pulled the tranny and fixed it myself in a spare bed room. I ordered a new 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear as well as some new synchronizers. I was also able to swap out a lower (higher) 5th gear so that I can now cruise at a higher speed with lower RPMs. I had some help from a TKO shop in Michigan to ship my parts out to Korea. I went step by step, took the recommendations on lube, sealant and even the dreaded ring pliers! Your tips on needle bearings; I was able to do it right the first time! Thank you! James Musnicki
When I was in manual transmission class, I shared this video with my professor and everyone in the class loved your explanation, Paul. Thank you for inspiring our generation. It was an honor to have you in our classroom just listening to your video and learning.
In around 2002 or 2003 I changed out the .68 5th gear for the .83 overdrive in one of these. That was one of my most favorite car projects ever and watching this brought back some good memories. Thanks!
I replaced the TH 400 automatic trans. with a Tremec TKO 500 in my '73 Vette. The co. I bought the Tremec from said that they set up the shifter tight so that it wouldn't be loose after it broke in. It was atrociously notchy at first, but it has become fairly smooth after a couple thousand miles. Thanks for your very interesting videos!
That is a GREAT swap. Way more fun to drive a Vette with a 5-speed that can handle the power of the modem V8 builds. My dad had owned Corvettes from 63-05, including a 91 ZR1 with the OHC engine. He always said that he would never own a Vette with an auto. The 69 he kept until he died in 2014 went from the Muncie 4-speed to the TKO in 2007, he LOVED that change.
Thank you for making this video. You showed me how easy this transmission is to work on and helped me be comfortable with replacing the main shaft on my TKO 600. No press needed! It's videos like this that help others do new things and I hope the views and likes help you.
It's amazing how much knowledge you have on the rebuilding process. You are able to just throw parts on your bench in no order what so ever, and you still know exactly how they go back together. Even the smallest of parts, shims and bolt lengths, you know exactly where and how they go back together. That's pretty impressive. I have respect for your work, well done.
I really hope that making these videos are worth your while somehow income wise. Because they are an amazing resource for those of us who are visual learners. Seeing something done step by step, I won't forget it, but learning from scratch from a manual has always never been easy. Thanks again for taking the time to put these together for all future viewers like myself.
Changed the synchro's out on my 3550-2 after watching your video, It made the rebuild straight forward with no problems. Love the video's that you do, it helps us shady tree mechanics save a ton of money.
Hi Paul. I am glad to see you gave the tip to unglaze the gear cone. You gave me that tip some years ago when I could not understand why 5th gear on my WC T5 would grind with a new synchro ring. The deglazing tip was the solution.
Hello Paul, I'm a 63 year old gear head in Western Canada eh. Have done lots of mechanical work, engine builds and a few muscle car resto mod builds but have never worked on a manual transmission in my life other than r and r jobs. I bought a TKO 5 speed with a broken 5th gear and shift rail from a buddy. He injured the trans behind a turbo LS engine so he went with a 4L80E instead. When I got the TKO trans it was in a box completely disassembled. It was a .80 OD unit and I wanted the .64 OD so I ordered the parts necessary to do the repairs, and also got the improved carbon fiber synchro rings, along with the different main shaft I needed in order to change the OD gear ratio. I used this video exclusively to accomplish the re-assembly of the trans. I could nitpick a couple of things where I had to change the assembly order sequence a little bit for my application but it was no big deal at all. Paul you did a great job on this video and your instruction was excellent. It took me two evenings on the work bench at home to get it all back together and operational. I feel a lot more confident now working on a manual transmission and have a much greater understanding of their inner workings. Thanks for taking the time to do this it is really appreciated. What type of oil do you recommend in this transmission? Cheers!
Great lesson on the TKO. That hint on standing the case for the reverse shaft install is priceless for my patience. The 5th gear needle bearing install can be done similarly, assemble the parts then drop the bearings in one by one and manipulated with a zip tie into position as needed. For me its much easier than tempting fate trying to insert the clucth cone through the bearings greased into the hub. I'm clumsy that way.
Thank you for sharing this! What we did in the aircraft repair industry was draw an outline of the panel on a piece of cardboard, then make small holes for the screws/bolts in the same pattern as the panel, but on the cardboard...with an awl or small screwdriver, then punch the bolts through. Same pattern; helps ensure you put different length bolts in the right spots.
Thank you very much for making and posting this video! I’ve got a TKO 3550 with a cracked case at the trans fluid drain opening. Note: Be very careful NOT to over tighten the drain plug!
sounds kinda weird, but I usualy have music playing in the shop... but for the last two day the backround sound has been paul and his smooth explanations … I think im learning subconsciously as Im getting stuff done..
Great video. I used to enjoy watching my uncle rebuilding transmissions as a kid. Keep things in order, that covers inexperience to some extent he said.
I’d like to say thanks for this video. Helped me out a ton when I bought my tko600 broken as a basket case. I also had to transfer parts to a new case along with some new gears. It is faceplated, so not a big worry on the synchros. It’s been together for years now behind my 626hp sbf. Hundreds of passes. I happen to love theses things, lol. I’d also like to mention that lower bearing race in the front for the cluster shaft is different on a tko600. It goes in from the front and the cluster will not go in with the one you have in the case there. My new case came with the race like you have there already installed and it took me a while to figure out what was going on there being my first time having one apart.
Yes the TKO 600 is different with that bearing. Problem is because of the assembly people have to be careful because of leaks. Usually I will pre assemble the lower end with the front retainer, case and tail and set my preload of the cluster gear, then remove the race and apply aneorobic sealant to that bearing race and bore
@17:55 you showed the 5th gear anti rotation ball. When I replaced my internal speedo gear I made the mistake of moving that shaft by hand. I had just enough slop to allow that ball to fall out on the bench I was working on. After I recovered from my mini stroke I was able to figure out where it came from but I was not a happy camper when I watched the mystery ball hit the bench.
Excellent video! Very thorough narrations and provided lots of tips. Great job on the editing too! That makes a big difference when watching stuff like this. Now I know what to expect when I pull my TKO500 apart to install carbon blocking rings. Thanks for all your hard work on making this!
After I load the needles in a gear or counter shaft I put them in the fridge for 10 or 15 minutes and it firms up the trans gel so you dont get drop out.
great video man, buying a used tko600 this week and now I'm not afraid of a rebuild with your great video with detailed instructions...i know you said they aren't great transmissions but I'm tired of 3k at 70mph in my super t10 equipped 81 Camaro!!! thanks again for the video, definitely subscribing
Great video, actually watched DIY twice! After watching I searched the web for tko that needed rebuilt for a project to no avail :(...keep up the good work
The HS is Memorial HS in a town called West New York... but that is located in NJ, 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge. You can see NYC one block from the school. Anyway here is a link to my students work. mrgrosingersclass.blogspot.com/
Absolutely! You would be a great influence on the kids. Feel free to give me a shout anytime. email me and I'll send you my number. ron.grosinger@gmail.com. plus I keep an Instagram with updates on the students work. MRGSWORKSHOP
Please do a complete tear-down & rebuild of a TR-3650!! No one out there has had any good videos regarding the TR-3650. I'm getting ready to do a ground-up refresh on my 2001 Bullitt (135,000 miles), and having a go at the transmission is one area that I'd like to address (in particular, the syncro's). As the original owner, I am also trying to keep the Bullitt as original as possible, so upgrading to a different trans is out of the question for me. It'd be great to see your take on this and to know where the problem areas lie with this transmission so that I could address them with any updated parts. Btw, loved your collaboration with Eric the Car Guy a while back!
Well Paul, I have to say I think I've learned more about gearbox operation and layout from these videos than just about any other source I've ever come across! At some point I need to man up and do a rebuild on my Porsche 901 side-shifter transmission from my old 914 (all the joys of a super small 5 speed with the added joy of it also including a differential!) I wish they were as ubiquitous and simple looking to work on as the Muncies and Borg-Warner/TREMECs are. (Well, as simple as you make them look at least.)
GearBoxVideo It's not too bad, I'll probably get a few more thousand miles out of it before I decide to tear it down since I JUST got the car on the road, biggest issues with it is a very, very upset/worn 2nd gear synchro, needs to be either double-clutched or very slowly shifted from 1st to 2nd. Other than that a general tendency to be slower/more effort to get into/out of the other gears once it's warmed up, I'm blaming those on synchros and possibly the wrong type of oil. It sat for years though with an unknown service history, so I'll tear into it eventually!
I watched the video and called Paul and got his synchros. I have heard a lot about the carbon fiber lined synchros but figure I’ll trust a guy that has this many years of experience and go with what he recommends. I just put it all back together and hope to get it back in the car next weekend. Between this video and the Tremec service manual it’s idiot-proof. $65 for 5 new synchros was amazing too when you’re used to $105 each(!) for Porsche 915/930 boxes.
@@GearBoxVideo I am curious to know why use your forged rings instead of the aftermarket carbon fiber lined ones. I just learned about them when I watched a guy's video redo his tko and used those carbon fiber lined ones. Also, his tko had PLASTIC shift fork pads and they were in pieces. My tko is about the same age as his but mine has only 3k miles. I'm thinking it also has those plastic pads.
The carbon ring is a Lined ring glued onto a cast machined brass ring. So you've basically machined down and weakened the structure of the ring and bonded friction material to it. The rings just balloon open. The intellegent way as designed in the T5 and T56 is to use a steel shell and bond a lining to that
I have owned 5 TKO500/600 units and only had to repair one of them due to bad 3-4 shift. In Mustangs with T-5, I will nuke the T-5 upon anything requiring removal of the trans. The one TKO that needed repair became my "practice" trans I used to disassemble and reassemble many times. Honestly, I have never found sloppy workmanship in a TKO I bought new but have seen some half-assed repair work on used ones. I bought my first one in 2005 when the T-5 decided to literally explode with housing parts lying on the ground. Yep, right at the tree, it hooked and BOOM, the track guys were furious as I rendered the right lane useless for around an hour on a test/tune night. 😂 No more T-5, "World Class" or not. These days we only have 1 drag car and that is a PA Pro Mod C4. Just too many issues at important times. Great video for someone not wanting to spend another 2500 on a new TKO. 😂
I have to say I have had a good experience so far with my tko600 in my foxbody after having my t5 blow up on me I also did a really long brake in on the transmission I babied it for almost 5000 miles and I changed the transmission fluid 2 or 3 times during the brake in I don’t know it I got lucky or it’s how I broke the transmission in but it shifts smoother than my t5 and I haven’t missed a gear bang shifting or driving it normally I have really enjoyed it
BTY and for your info...When you buy eggs save the carton they make great thing to put things in and you can mark them with a black marker as what they go for.
Great video. I remember the Pokémon Go hype. At least it got teenagers off their phones and out of their bedrooms. Then they got out walking while on their phones.
I’m in the market for a transmission right now but I’m running into some issues. I have a beautiful 85 mustang notch with 37k garage kept miles and just built a 347 for it. The motor is supposed to rev to 6500 rpm per cam specs but realistically I would say from 5800-6200 rpm. Tremec is saying the tkos shouldn’t be shifted above 6k rpm. I sought of had my mind set on the tko. My motor should make around 450 hp. Any suggestions??? I could use some help. The 6 speed tremec is pretty expensive with bellhousing and all. You’re very knowledgeable. People are lucky to have you and TH-cam around for help.
Excellent video. My 600 is noisy - more so in OD, since new. Would the rear countershaft bearing having the wrong shim thickness cause this? I know Tremec had issues with incorrect input shaft preload Thanks
GearBoxVideo Even though viewers might not get as much content, it's good! Wouldn't wish you having no work! Gearboxes are truly the last parts of a car that I had yet to even fathom how they worked. Your videos make it extremely simple to visualize! Ever thought about doing something more european related, like some ZF's, or your scope is only usdm? I't a niche video segment for sure. But thanks for your videos!
I'll do a video on anything I can get my hands on!. People just need to understand that rebuildable cores cost money. If some job worthy of a video comes my way, I take it. The idea of me purchasing transmissions and parts to create FREE CONTENT with a loss of time and wages from real work has to be understood. I get requests all the time for a wide variety of transmissions to do videos on and I have rebuilt many non US transmissions. Haven't had one person yet send a unit. So as the jobs roll in, I will do them.
I've watch this for video a few times I'd love to see you take apart a T56 so We can see the guts send the inner workings to compare it to a Muncie Richmond or Tko Design Wise
Another great video Paul. I learned how to rebuild a Muncie M21 from you and now a TKO600. Very gratifying. Question - Before installing a new TKO600...are there any pre-checks that should be done besides running through the gears and spinning the input shaft?
My tko 500 was shifting fine when I took it out, but when I put it back in after changing the throwout bearing to a hydraulic one, I now have a grind going into 4th gear when shifting quickly. I also changed the fluid. And ideas of what I screwed up? Great video by the way
Very nice video. I sent a tr3550 out to local shop for popping out of reverse. Installed "rebuilt transmission" and does the same thing. I took the transmission apart myself after watching you video and everything looks to be installed correctly. Only thing I see is the reverse collar and reverse gear look slightly worn where they engage. Any other ideas?
I need to replace just the 4th gear synchro. From your video it looks like I don't need to remove the tail housings to remove it. Can you confirm that? Thank you, get video. Very informative.
Yes you can pull the input from the front but point the transmission down while doing that so none of the needles fall into the transmission I have rings in stock. Best using OEM rings
Got my transmission all back together thanks to your video. Awesome for including all torgue specs. Would like to donate a couple bucks to charity of your choice. Let me know a favorite charity if you got one.
Hello everyone!!! I need some advice and feedback please. I have a 67 Mustang gt S-code that came with a 390 4 speed originally. Was built to race car, built 460 Ford Big Block with a Built C-6 Manual valve body. I want to go back to a manual 4 or 5 speed behind the 460. Any suggestions what would handle 500hp and 700 on spray? The torque is way up there too. Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions. Cheers from Motown.
Great video! Thank you for the detail, it helped me with my Tremec. I may have missed it, but did you provide any information about the upgraded synchronizer rings?
Question….looking to convert my Ford TKO600 from a .82 to a .68 are the GM and Ford parts interchangeable for such a job. I’m assuming I need the main shaft and the 5th gear?
I really enjoyed the video, very informative. On the reverse lock out I have gone in to reverse going from 4th gear while rolling! Is there a problem my reverse lock out? any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
do you think it would be better to buy a tremec tko or just rebuild a t5 world class with gforce gear set because i was interested in a too till I heard about there sloppy shifting
thanks for the information I trust your judgement I'm getting ready to pull my motor I thinking about buying your cluster bearing retanier while I have the trans out couldn't hurt for the 60 dollar price . My car already has a steal pilot bearing sleeve but I doubt the jack leg former owner put it in right but I definitely will not buy anything Chinese lmao I appreciate your videos and look forward to learning from you whenever possible thanks Paul and God bless
Question: How common are needle bearing issues on the 3550? I have a 3550 behind at mildly modified 5.0 with probably 50k+ miles on the transmission (purchased in ~1997). I seem to have a vibration that changes depending on which gear I'm in. Not consistent with rpm or speed. 1st has some vibes, 2nd has more, 3rd is smoother and 4th and 5th are smooth. No odd sounds or issues shifting. In 2nd gear, mostly noticeable under load. New tailshaft bushing and ujoints on the driveshaft. I've had the trans behind 3 different engines and doesnt seem to have changed, which leads me to believe it's in the transmission.
Usually vibrations maybe due to ancillary items attached to the engine . Unless the transmission's end play is out of wack and the extension housing bushing is wasted, usually look elewhere
@GearBoxVideo thanks for the input. One more question, can endplay be measured with transmission in the car? (89 Mustang). Not sure how you could pry the input/output shaft backward without access to the input shaft.
Paul, a few years ago, I used a bellhousing that had an input hole too large. It let the GM TKO 5 speed bolt at an incorrect angle. A noise developed in the tranny. What would I look for. Thanks, Robert.
So i rebuilt my tko using this video everything went well i thought until I put the top cover on with the shift rails. Without the cover the main shaft spun freely and smooth. With the cover on the main shaft was very hard to turn and I could only get it in 5th and reverse, It would not go into any other gear. I also replaced the 1st and 2nd shift rail and spring because one came in the shift upgrade kit i bought. It functions fine when not mounted to gear box. Ive taken it apart and put it back together twice now, and I'm not seeing my mistake. Everything looks good. Any advice?
would it be possible to get a part number on the upgraded synchros you used in this build. I'm going to rebuild my 3550 and want to deff use the better ones. thanks!
This video is excellent exactly what I needed. I am rebuilding my tr3550 and now I have what I need to put the darn thing together. Just finished inspecting it. What is your view on using carbon fiber synchros?
Thank you sir! My rebuild is moving along but I am having trouble adjusting the countershaft endplay still have some play even after shimming .012 inch in addition to 3 shims installed. It was hard finding those shims. Any idea where I can get countershaft shims? Searched online and it seems no one has them. Thanks!
Hey Paul , Thanks for the vid. Definatley seems doable. My question...I have a 3550 and i hate the way it shifts...notchy compared to a t5 or t56 i owned in the past. Can i upgrade this trans myself or is this a trade secret that you cant mention lol.
I don't want to repeat anything but I haven't read all the comments yet. but what are the main differences between the 3550 500 and 600 boxes apart from gear ratio? also is dog syncro modifications sort the shifting issues you mention?
Hi I have a 3550 that’s in good shap however I’m dropping a Cleveland 408 CJ stroker in it …can this be built up to handle 500 plus hp/to 3.89 gear what would you do?
Great video as always. What you are saying from 12:15 was new to me at therefor particularly interesting. Same with 27:44 What do you suggest as an alternative? Richmond 4+1 has "only" 450 lb/ft torque rating and 4 speeds including M22 Z has not enough total spread from low gear to top gear. GV is expensive, heavy and bulky. Thanks.
Torque rating isn't everything because axle ratio plays a huge part in how the transmission gets loaded. 3.08 gears load up a trans more than 4.88. I don't quite understand what you mean total spread? Because most 4 speed Muncies and T10's have a better closer ratio spread that a TKO. 5th is overdrive. You essentially have a wide ratio 4 speed with an overdrive gear.
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Well, I'm not going to say anything that you already haven't heard, so here it is, nice video, very well presented and edited. At no point do you explain which end of the socket goes on to the wrench, and which end goes on to the fastener. So many videos get caught up in telling you which end of the screw driver goes in to the screw, that it fails to actually give you the information that you need.
Perhaps if one doesn't know what end of the socket goes into the nut...or wrench .. perhaps auto mechanics are not their thing and maybe should take up another hobby. Round pegs do not go into square holes. Have you ever seen that children's wooden game? Sorry I will never dumb down my videos to a kindergarten level. Also is it a VIDEO, NOT A BOOK. If one cannot have the attention span to actually watch what I am doing then that person needs to think about another hobby. Skill is achieved through practice.
? P
P
@@GearBoxVideo I think he was being sarcastic and praising your video for not dumbing it down.
I know that. I was just adding my reasoning
@@GearBoxVideo my bad, hard to gauge through text.
Paul, I'm a 68 year old shade tree mechanic that has done most of my own repairs for 40 years. I purchased a TKO 600 used and put it in my latest project (87 Cutlass). This trans worked well but leaked like a new puppy. I have changed transmissions and clutches but always had a pro repair or rebuild my trans. After watching this video, I dismantled the TKO and resealed with anaerobic sealer and replaced the input and tailshaft seals. I'm happy to report that this was a success! No leaks and it still works! I followed your video to the letter and had no problems. Thank you for your how to videos.
Glad it helped
I know nothing about this stuff, but I love watching this guy. Great job explaining it to us normal folks ;).
Thank you.
+gearbox video
Peter I know this dude is spot-on isn't he I'm with you I don't know much about it but it brings me back to my childhood my friends and I changing each other's transmissions and motor work lying in our parents driveway or right out front in the street holding lights for one another listening to Led Zeppelin Pink Floyd The Doors etc.... we had great cars 1971 Chevy Camaros 1969 Chevelles with 396 Big Block Hurst Shifters we didn't know how good we had it
Best education ever.
My 4th gear in my tko 500 seems like neutral what would cause that
The best 1 hour video that I have ever watched! Thank you for posting this. I watched it on my ipad, paused it, took a piece apart, un-paused it, and watched more...before I knew it, my TKO-600 was apart!
Seven months later and my TKO-600 is running and shifting smoothly thanks to this video. No leaks! I can't thank you enough for posting this. My TKO crapped out while I was driving my 428 powered Mustang in Korea. There were no shops that I could drop it off at so I pulled the tranny and fixed it myself in a spare bed room. I ordered a new 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear as well as some new synchronizers. I was also able to swap out a lower (higher) 5th gear so that I can now cruise at a higher speed with lower RPMs. I had some help from a TKO shop in Michigan to ship my parts out to Korea. I went step by step, took the recommendations on lube, sealant and even the dreaded ring pliers! Your tips on needle bearings; I was able to do it right the first time! Thank you! James Musnicki
When I was in manual transmission class, I shared this video with my professor and everyone in the class loved your explanation, Paul. Thank you for inspiring our generation. It was an honor to have you in our classroom just listening to your video and learning.
Much appreciated. What school are you attending?
Universal Technical Institute, sir.
Which city and state
Irving, Texas.
In around 2002 or 2003 I changed out the .68 5th gear for the .83 overdrive in one of these. That was one of my most favorite car projects ever and watching this brought back some good memories. Thanks!
I replaced the TH 400 automatic trans. with a Tremec TKO 500 in my '73 Vette. The co. I bought the Tremec from said that they set up the shifter tight so that it wouldn't be loose after it broke in. It was atrociously notchy at first, but it has become fairly smooth after a couple thousand miles. Thanks for your very interesting videos!
That is a GREAT swap. Way more fun to drive a Vette with a 5-speed that can handle the power of the modem V8 builds. My dad had owned Corvettes from 63-05, including a 91 ZR1 with the OHC engine. He always said that he would never own a Vette with an auto. The 69 he kept until he died in 2014 went from the Muncie 4-speed to the TKO in 2007, he LOVED that change.
Thanks for taking the time to show others how its done
Thank you for making this video. You showed me how easy this transmission is to work on and helped me be comfortable with replacing the main shaft on my TKO 600. No press needed! It's videos like this that help others do new things and I hope the views and likes help you.
Thank you
It's amazing how much knowledge you have on the rebuilding process. You are able to just throw parts on your bench in no order what so ever, and you still know exactly how they go back together. Even the smallest of parts, shims and bolt lengths, you know exactly where and how they go back together. That's pretty impressive. I have respect for your work, well done.
Thank you
I really hope that making these videos are worth your while somehow income wise. Because they are an amazing resource for those of us who are visual learners. Seeing something done step by step, I won't forget it, but learning from scratch from a manual has always never been easy. Thanks again for taking the time to put these together for all future viewers like myself.
I wish I had the time to do more.. Working on it.
Changed the synchro's out on my 3550-2 after watching your video, It made the rebuild straight forward with no problems. Love the video's that you do, it helps us shady tree mechanics save a ton of money.
That is great to hear.
Paul, you are the best teacher of these manual transmissions. thanks for taking the time to make these man. keep it up! thanks from Atlanta Georgia.
Thank you!
Appreciate that.
Hi Paul. I am glad to see you gave the tip to unglaze the gear cone. You gave me that tip some years ago when I could not understand why 5th gear on my WC T5 would grind with a new synchro ring. The deglazing tip was the solution.
Hello Paul,
I'm a 63 year old gear head in Western Canada eh. Have done lots of mechanical work, engine builds and a few muscle car resto mod builds but have never worked on a manual transmission in my life other than r and r jobs. I bought a TKO 5 speed with a broken 5th gear and shift rail from a buddy. He injured the trans behind a turbo LS engine so he went with a 4L80E instead. When I got the TKO trans it was in a box completely disassembled. It was a .80 OD unit and I wanted the .64 OD so I ordered the parts necessary to do the repairs, and also got the improved carbon fiber synchro rings, along with the different main shaft I needed in order to change the OD gear ratio. I used this video exclusively to accomplish the re-assembly of the trans. I could nitpick a couple of things where I had to change the assembly order sequence a little bit for my application but it was no big deal at all. Paul you did a great job on this video and your instruction was excellent. It took me two evenings on the work bench at home to get it all back together and operational. I feel a lot more confident now working on a manual transmission and have a much greater understanding of their inner workings. Thanks for taking the time to do this it is really appreciated.
What type of oil do you recommend in this transmission?
Cheers!
Thanks for the feedback. I would use Pennszoil synchromesh in the TKO when using the carbon fiber rings
You're the man Paul! your transmission videos are the best on the web!
Amazing the high quality of information available in any of Paul's videos! Thank you.
Great lesson on the TKO. That hint on standing the case for the reverse shaft install is priceless for my patience. The 5th gear needle bearing install can be done similarly, assemble the parts then drop the bearings in one by one and manipulated with a zip tie into position as needed. For me its much easier than tempting fate trying to insert the clucth cone through the bearings greased into the hub. I'm clumsy that way.
Thank you for sharing this! What we did in the aircraft repair industry was draw an outline of the panel on a piece of cardboard, then make small holes for the screws/bolts in the same pattern as the panel, but on the cardboard...with an awl or small screwdriver, then punch the bolts through. Same pattern; helps ensure you put different length bolts in the right spots.
Thank you very much for making and posting this video! I’ve got a TKO 3550 with a cracked case at the trans fluid drain opening.
Note: Be very careful NOT to over tighten the drain plug!
Pro rebuild. Thanks for taking the time to make the vid.
sounds kinda weird, but I usualy have music playing in the shop... but for the last two day the backround sound has been paul and his smooth explanations … I think im learning subconsciously as Im getting stuff done..
As usual another excellent how to video. Thanks again I can't wait for your next video.
I’ve had my tko 600 for 6 years no issues
This box looked way better after Paul touched it up all the bolts and cover were rusted Paul does awesome work Sir .
Hey Paul, Great video! I am still building transmissions on Long Island 40 years later!
Great to see you here Frank!
Paul does great work, detail oriented, good work never goes out of style. Still waiting on a T-56 video. ;)
I agree .
That walk at the beginning was so natural
Just sent a tko600 back to seller. 2nd gear grinds and third gear whines. Now I know what work is involved. They will repair and return.👍🇺🇸
Great video. I used to enjoy watching my uncle rebuilding transmissions as a kid. Keep things in order, that covers inexperience to some extent he said.
Great point!
I'm always afraid to take apart a transmission. Thank you very much for taking some of the spookiness out of it.
I’d like to say thanks for this video. Helped me out a ton when I bought my tko600 broken as a basket case. I also had to transfer parts to a new case along with some new gears. It is faceplated, so not a big worry on the synchros. It’s been together for years now behind my 626hp sbf. Hundreds of passes. I happen to love theses things, lol. I’d also like to mention that lower bearing race in the front for the cluster shaft is different on a tko600. It goes in from the front and the cluster will not go in with the one you have in the case there. My new case came with the race like you have there already installed and it took me a while to figure out what was going on there being my first time having one apart.
Yes the TKO 600 is different with that bearing. Problem is because of the assembly people have to be careful because of leaks. Usually I will pre assemble the lower end with the front retainer, case and tail and set my preload of the cluster gear, then remove the race and apply aneorobic sealant to that bearing race and bore
@17:55 you showed the 5th gear anti rotation ball. When I replaced my internal speedo gear I made the mistake of moving that shaft by hand. I had just enough slop to allow that ball to fall out on the bench I was working on. After I recovered from my mini stroke I was able to figure out where it came from but I was not a happy camper when I watched the mystery ball hit the bench.
Bing watching all of your videos. They're definitely coming in handy with my manual transmissions class. Thank you!
Great. If there is anyway I can help your class with books or anything contact me. Details in the about section of my channel.
Paul thanks for the shim kit I was able to acquire the zero endplay on the countershaft with just two thick shims. Appreciate it.
Thanks, glad it worked out.
Excellent video! Very thorough narrations and provided lots of tips. Great job on the editing too! That makes a big difference when watching stuff like this. Now I know what to expect when I pull my TKO500 apart to install carbon blocking rings. Thanks for all your hard work on making this!
Thanks for watching.
Learned quite a bit from watching you do this. Very detailed and precise. Great videos!
Thanks!
After I load the needles in a gear or counter shaft I put them in the fridge for 10 or 15 minutes and it firms up the trans gel so you dont get drop out.
They don't drop out with the proper assembly gel. So you shouldn't have to use a freezer. My shop is in Florida and never once have I had to do that.
great video man, buying a used tko600 this week and now I'm not afraid of a rebuild with your great video with detailed instructions...i know you said they aren't great transmissions but I'm tired of 3k at 70mph in my super t10 equipped 81 Camaro!!! thanks again for the video, definitely subscribing
Your welcome.
Great video, I have a tko 600 and would feel confident tearing it down after watching this! thanks!
Can't wait till you do a rebuild on the TKX.
Thanks for taking the time to make such an excellent video, Paul. That trans sure is stout inside. Must take a lot to break one.
Really don't see them break much.
enjoyed it.....detail was second to none.....thank you paul!
Great video, actually watched DIY twice! After watching I searched the web for tko that needed rebuilt for a project to no avail :(...keep up the good work
Thank you.
Great job now I know what to expect. Hopefully the new ones are better. Jeff 1971 C20 project.
I am 1/3 through the video and loving it. Thank you for doing this. I will share this with my students as well.
Awesome, what school?
The HS is Memorial HS in a town called West New York... but that is located in NJ, 10 minutes from the George Washington Bridge. You can see NYC one block from the school. Anyway here is a link to my students work. mrgrosingersclass.blogspot.com/
Amazing work these kids do. If I'm up that way I'd love to stop by.
Absolutely! You would be a great influence on the kids. Feel free to give me a shout anytime. email me and I'll send you my number. ron.grosinger@gmail.com. plus I keep an Instagram with updates on the students work. MRGSWORKSHOP
Great video, I was hoping Paul would do one like this on the TKO and now we have it! Thanks.
Hope you enjoyed it.
Please do a complete tear-down & rebuild of a TR-3650!! No one out there has had any good videos regarding the TR-3650. I'm getting ready to do a ground-up refresh on my 2001 Bullitt (135,000 miles), and having a go at the transmission is one area that I'd like to address (in particular, the syncro's). As the original owner, I am also trying to keep the Bullitt as original as possible, so upgrading to a different trans is out of the question for me.
It'd be great to see your take on this and to know where the problem areas lie with this transmission so that I could address them with any updated parts.
Btw, loved your collaboration with Eric the Car Guy a while back!
Well Paul, I have to say I think I've learned more about gearbox operation and layout from these videos than just about any other source I've ever come across!
At some point I need to man up and do a rebuild on my Porsche 901 side-shifter transmission from my old 914 (all the joys of a super small 5 speed with the added joy of it also including a differential!) I wish they were as ubiquitous and simple looking to work on as the Muncies and Borg-Warner/TREMECs are. (Well, as simple as you make them look at least.)
Those are not that hard actually.
GearBoxVideo It's not too bad, I'll probably get a few more thousand miles out of it before I decide to tear it down since I JUST got the car on the road, biggest issues with it is a very, very upset/worn 2nd gear synchro, needs to be either double-clutched or very slowly shifted from 1st to 2nd. Other than that a general tendency to be slower/more effort to get into/out of the other gears once it's warmed up, I'm blaming those on synchros and possibly the wrong type of oil. It sat for years though with an unknown service history, so I'll tear into it eventually!
mr. Paul, you make look like it's easy! I'm always impressed with your skills.
Thank you!
I watched the video and called Paul and got his synchros. I have heard a lot about the carbon fiber lined synchros but figure I’ll trust a guy that has this many years of experience and go with what he recommends. I just put it all back together and hope to get it back in the car next weekend. Between this video and the Tremec service manual it’s idiot-proof. $65 for 5 new synchros was amazing too when you’re used to $105 each(!) for Porsche 915/930 boxes.
I don't sell carbon lined rings for the TKO. I use my own forged rings which work better than the aftermarket rings.
@@GearBoxVideo Sorry if I wasn’t clear- I used your rings. Thanks again for the video and the parts!
Please keep us all here updated with the results
@@GearBoxVideo I am curious to know why use your forged rings instead of the aftermarket carbon fiber lined ones. I just learned about them when I watched a guy's video redo his tko and used those carbon fiber lined ones. Also, his tko had PLASTIC shift fork pads and they were in pieces. My tko is about the same age as his but mine has only 3k miles. I'm thinking it also has those plastic pads.
The carbon ring is a Lined ring glued onto a cast machined brass ring. So you've basically machined down and weakened the structure of the ring and bonded friction material to it. The rings just balloon open. The intellegent way as designed in the T5 and T56 is to use a steel shell and bond a lining to that
Whoa Rhonda is real!!! I thought she was just a part of the website ages ago. She always spoke highly of Paul back then!
She is very real...I have to deal with her crazyness everyday.
Man the new case is very nice.
I have owned 5 TKO500/600 units and only had to repair one of them due to bad 3-4 shift. In Mustangs with T-5, I will nuke the T-5 upon anything requiring removal of the trans. The one TKO that needed repair became my "practice" trans I used to disassemble and reassemble many times. Honestly, I have never found sloppy workmanship in a TKO I bought new but have seen some half-assed repair work on used ones. I bought my first one in 2005 when the T-5 decided to literally explode with housing parts lying on the ground. Yep, right at the tree, it hooked and BOOM, the track guys were furious as I rendered the right lane useless for around an hour on a test/tune night. 😂 No more T-5, "World Class" or not. These days we only have 1 drag car and that is a PA Pro Mod C4. Just too many issues at important times. Great video for someone not wanting to spend another 2500 on a new TKO. 😂
The T5 was never intended or designed for drag race use . It was only designed for the power levels that the stock applications had
I have to say I have had a good experience so far with my tko600 in my foxbody after having my t5 blow up on me I also did a really long brake in on the transmission I babied it for almost 5000 miles and I changed the transmission fluid 2 or 3 times during the brake in I don’t know it I got lucky or it’s how I broke the transmission in but it shifts smoother than my t5 and I haven’t missed a gear bang shifting or driving it normally I have really enjoyed it
I vote he who rebuilds gearboxes like this 'earns' their money.
BTY and for your info...When you buy eggs save the carton they make great thing to put things in and you can mark them with a black marker as what they go for.
cool idea
I can take one apart just like Paul and that's where the commonality ends. Then I have to throw it in the junk pile.
Great video. I remember the Pokémon Go hype. At least it got teenagers off their phones and out of their bedrooms. Then they got out walking while on their phones.
Hi, Paul another great video. Glad to see you back 😀, Keep up the great work.
Thanks!
I’m in the market for a transmission right now but I’m running into some issues. I have a beautiful 85 mustang notch with 37k garage kept miles and just built a 347 for it. The motor is supposed to rev to 6500 rpm per cam specs but realistically I would say from 5800-6200 rpm. Tremec is saying the tkos shouldn’t be shifted above 6k rpm. I sought of had my mind set on the tko. My motor should make around 450 hp. Any suggestions??? I could use some help. The 6 speed tremec is pretty expensive with bellhousing and all. You’re very knowledgeable. People are lucky to have you and TH-cam around for help.
Budget wise its hard to meet your requirements other than go back to a 4 speed Toploader
comprehensive and through, tnx a lot paul.
Thanks for watching. More parts drop this week.
I was holding my breath seeing you put the fifth speed ring shaft in at 45:39! haha!
Excellent video. My 600 is noisy - more so in OD, since new. Would the rear countershaft bearing having the wrong shim thickness cause this? I know Tremec had issues with incorrect input shaft preload
Thanks
Man excellent work I will be referring back to it often I'm sure , my 600 just stuck In 5th gear after a down shift :( thanks for posting
Ps. Any part# for those nice sycros u used ?
I sell them on my website
Glad to see some new content!
Working hard to get edits done. Been slammed with work.
GearBoxVideo Even though viewers might not get as much content, it's good! Wouldn't wish you having no work!
Gearboxes are truly the last parts of a car that I had yet to even fathom how they worked. Your videos make it extremely simple to visualize!
Ever thought about doing something more european related, like some ZF's, or your scope is only usdm?
I't a niche video segment for sure. But thanks for your videos!
I'll do a video on anything I can get my hands on!. People just need to understand that rebuildable cores cost money. If some job worthy of a video comes my way, I take it. The idea of me purchasing transmissions and parts to create FREE CONTENT with a loss of time and wages from real work has to be understood. I get requests all the time for a wide variety of transmissions to do videos on and I have rebuilt many non US transmissions. Haven't had one person yet send a unit. So as the jobs roll in, I will do them.
I've watch this for video a few times I'd love to see you take apart a T56 so We can see the guts send the inner workings to compare it to a Muncie Richmond or Tko Design Wise
When I can purchase a T56 core at a decent price, I'll do a video.
i know what you mean, people want crazy money for even high mileage units
Another great video Paul. I learned how to rebuild a Muncie M21 from you and now a TKO600. Very gratifying. Question - Before installing a new TKO600...are there any pre-checks that should be done besides running through the gears and spinning the input shaft?
My tko 500 was shifting fine when I took it out, but when I put it back in after changing the throwout bearing to a hydraulic one, I now have a grind going into 4th gear when shifting quickly. I also changed the fluid. And ideas of what I screwed up? Great video by the way
Your Hydraulics are not giving you a full clutch release.
Very nice video. I sent a tr3550 out to local shop for popping out of reverse. Installed "rebuilt transmission" and does the same thing. I took the transmission apart myself after watching you video and everything looks to be installed correctly. Only thing I see is the reverse collar and reverse gear look slightly worn where they engage. Any other ideas?
I need to replace just the 4th gear synchro. From your video it looks like I don't need to remove the tail housings to remove it. Can you confirm that?
Thank you, get video. Very informative.
Yes you can pull the input from the front but point the transmission down while doing that so none of the needles fall into the transmission I have rings in stock. Best using OEM rings
@@GearBoxVideo Awesome. Thank you very much for the quick reply. I hope to get the time to pull the transmission this weekend. Thanks against
Got my transmission all back together thanks to your video. Awesome for including all torgue specs. Would like to donate a couple bucks to charity of your choice. Let me know a favorite charity if you got one.
Hello everyone!!! I need some advice and feedback please. I have a 67 Mustang gt S-code that came with a 390 4 speed originally. Was built to race car, built 460 Ford Big Block with a Built C-6 Manual valve body. I want to go back to a manual 4 or 5 speed behind the 460. Any suggestions what would handle 500hp and 700 on spray? The torque is way up there too. Thanks so much in advance for any suggestions. Cheers from Motown.
Companies like Modern Driveline sell TKX 5 speed conversion kits. Look them up.
Great video! Thank you for the detail, it helped me with my Tremec. I may have missed it, but did you provide any information about the upgraded synchronizer rings?
I dont believe in them. Just using good quality bronze forged rings works just as good
Thank Paul another great one
Thanks for watching!
Great video, very helpful, Thanks for this.
Fantastic your explanation! Congratulations.
Glad it was helpful!
I like the way Rhonda is always in a pissed off mood Aha haa haa.......
Question….looking to convert my Ford TKO600 from a .82 to a .68 are the GM and Ford parts interchangeable for such a job. I’m assuming I need the main shaft and the 5th gear?
Yes you would need a mainshaft and 5th gear Try Modern Driveline.
What an amazing video sir! Thank you for doing this!!
Thanks for watching.
I really enjoyed the video, very informative. On the reverse lock out I have gone in to reverse going from 4th gear while rolling! Is there a problem my reverse lock out? any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
The spring for the lockout tab may be broken
I have a new TKO, can I get the whole trans cryo treated and then replace all the rubber seal/O-rings?
The gears get Cryo treated individually.
thanks for making this videos !!!! Very - very professional !!!!
Agreed, thank you.
That intro so just too funny!!!!!! She sure was a little cuttie!!!
do you think it would be better to buy a tremec tko or just rebuild a t5 world class with gforce gear set because i was interested in a too till I heard about there sloppy shifting
I'd take a TKO over any T5 even with G-Force gears.
thanks for the information I trust your judgement I'm getting ready to pull my motor I thinking about buying your cluster bearing retanier while I have the trans out couldn't hurt for the 60 dollar price . My car already has a steal pilot bearing sleeve but I doubt the jack leg former owner put it in right but I definitely will not buy anything Chinese lmao I appreciate your videos and look forward to learning from you whenever possible thanks Paul and God bless
Thanks for watching. Appreciate the feedback
Great job Paul Thank You.
Yah I’m out, no way will I try to tackle this. Great video!
Thanks for another great Video. You are awesome always do a great job at explaining everything once again thank you
thanks
Question: How common are needle bearing issues on the 3550? I have a 3550 behind at mildly modified 5.0 with probably 50k+ miles on the transmission (purchased in ~1997). I seem to have a vibration that changes depending on which gear I'm in. Not consistent with rpm or speed.
1st has some vibes, 2nd has more, 3rd is smoother and 4th and 5th are smooth. No odd sounds or issues shifting. In 2nd gear, mostly noticeable under load. New tailshaft bushing and ujoints on the driveshaft.
I've had the trans behind 3 different engines and doesnt seem to have changed, which leads me to believe it's in the transmission.
Usually vibrations maybe due to ancillary items attached to the engine . Unless the transmission's end play is out of wack and the extension housing bushing is wasted, usually look elewhere
@GearBoxVideo thanks for the input. One more question, can endplay be measured with transmission in the car? (89 Mustang). Not sure how you could pry the input/output shaft backward without access to the input shaft.
No it cannot
Hi Paul, do you happen to know which oil i can use for a tko600, i cannot find the GM or pennzoil synchromesh in Europe...looking for alternatives..
I was wondering what you would recommend for a 5 or 6 speed transmission to put in an early fbody? Something in the $2500.00 to $3000.00 range..
The GM version of the TKO 500 will actually fit an early Fbody with no cutting.
@@GearBoxVideo Thank you.
Paul, a few years ago, I used a bellhousing that had an input hole too large. It let the GM TKO 5 speed bolt at an incorrect angle. A noise developed in the tranny. What would I look for. Thanks, Robert.
The front bearing and pilot bushing and needles inside the input shaft
So i rebuilt my tko using this video everything went well i thought until I put the top cover on with the shift rails. Without the cover the main shaft spun freely and smooth. With the cover on the main shaft was very hard to turn and I could only get it in 5th and reverse, It would not go into any other gear. I also replaced the 1st and 2nd shift rail and spring because one came in the shift upgrade kit i bought. It functions fine when not mounted to gear box. Ive taken it apart and put it back together twice now, and I'm not seeing my mistake. Everything looks good. Any advice?
You need to speak to who ever sold you the upgrade kit. You also need all components in place, such as the tail and front cover.
would it be possible to get a part number on the upgraded synchros you used in this build. I'm going to rebuild my 3550 and want to deff use the better ones. thanks!
The rings are available by calling us. The part # is a generic # and not the same as what others sell. 561-743-5600
Thank you for making this video.
Thanks for watching
This video is excellent exactly what I needed. I am rebuilding my tr3550 and now I have what I need to put the darn thing together. Just finished inspecting it. What is your view on using carbon fiber synchros?
Never liked them. Don't need them The design of the aftermarket rings was poorly executed.
Thank you sir! My rebuild is moving along but I am having trouble adjusting the countershaft endplay still have some play even after shimming .012 inch in addition to 3 shims installed. It was hard finding those shims. Any idea where I can get countershaft shims? Searched online and it seems no one has them. Thanks!
Jimmy Acosta I stock shim kits for the TKO. Call me at 561-743-5600
Nice Spicoli button! What a pretty woman, too.
Hey Paul , Thanks for the vid. Definatley seems doable. My question...I have a 3550 and i hate the way it shifts...notchy compared to a t5 or t56 i owned in the past. Can i upgrade this trans myself or is this a trade secret that you cant mention lol.
Use the rings supply and do as I do in the video.
I don't want to repeat anything but I haven't read all the comments yet. but what are the main differences between the 3550 500 and 600 boxes apart from gear ratio? also is dog syncro modifications sort the shifting issues you mention?
Integrity and design of the gears. Early boxes had multi piece countergears that came apart and different alloys
Hi I have a 3550 that’s in good shap however I’m dropping a Cleveland 408 CJ stroker in it …can this be built up to handle 500 plus hp/to
3.89 gear what would you do?
I would swap out to a newer TKX and then sell that one to recoup some money
Great video as always. What you are saying from 12:15 was new to me at therefor particularly interesting. Same with 27:44 What do you suggest as an alternative? Richmond 4+1 has "only" 450 lb/ft torque rating and 4 speeds including M22 Z has not enough total spread from low gear to top gear. GV is expensive, heavy and bulky. Thanks.
Torque rating isn't everything because axle ratio plays a huge part in how the transmission gets loaded. 3.08 gears load up a trans more than 4.88. I don't quite understand what you mean total spread? Because most 4 speed Muncies and T10's have a better closer ratio spread that a TKO. 5th is overdrive. You essentially have a wide ratio 4 speed with an overdrive gear.