48RE Band Adjustment

[MojaveJoe]

First time adjusting the front and rear bands on my 48RE.

Wondering how critical the adjuster torque setting is?... . since it is backed off a certain number of turns anyway. I adjusted mine to 72 in/lbs per the manual. The problem is I used a Harbor Freight in/lb torque wrench. In fact, I have 2 of those HF torque wrenches. I used the one that was slightly weaker than the other. How much? Max 5 in/lbs.

Wondering if the adjuster was set 5 in/lbs loose would it make a significant difference or damage the transmission?
Iam about to do a cross country tow with my fiver, so what should I be watching for if something is going south?

Last adjusted about 2 years and 15000 towing miles ago by dealer. So I figured it was due.

Any and all advice and experiences welcome.

(About 145K on truck and front adjuster had 1-2 threads showing after adjustment. )

 

[JJPage]

since it is backed off a certain number of turns anyway. I adjusted mine to 72 in/lbs per the manual



Did you back it off two turns?(front) If so, You should be good to go. I have several " pound torque wrenches, they are not equal... I always back the tension off the tool when finished, even my insulated " pound wrench is not calibrated the same as my other ones...



Not sure on the rear band, when I had my filter out, seems I backed it off 3 turns, someone else is sure to know.



When the stud has less than two threads left showing, I have been told it's time to do more than adjusting.



Have a nice trip.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Yes I backed off the front adjuster 1. 75 turns per the FSM.

It's the lack of threads showing Im most concerned about (after reading on another thread here 1-2 means upcoming trouble with the front band). It had maybe 4 threads showing before this adjustment and seemed to tow my fiver fine a week ago like that.

 

[sag2]

I'm not saying it is right, but I have seen more than a few transmission techs adjust the bands by pulling down on the band lever to "measure" the free play. I would still go with the torque -x turns method, as that is the way it was built, and I know it will work for a long time that way. But to answer your question, 5 in/lb is not going to make a big difference. You probably have that much error in backing off the adjuster and holding it in the same spot while you tighten the lock nut.

If you want to try an experiment, adjust to 60 in/lb, then to 65 and 70 and see how much of a turn difference there is.

 

[MojaveJoe]

Id have to agree with you sag2. After reading how some people adjust the lever without using a torque wrench, Can't imagine how even 1/4 turn of the adjuster one way or the other would make a significant difference. When I get back home with my 12K fiver after a 6K trip I'll know for sure

 

[cerberusiam]

It's the lack of threads showing Im most concerned about (after reading on another thread here 1-2 means upcoming trouble with the front band).

Definitely cause for concern given all the pieces in the system are true. The OE band struts will bend and the band mounts deflect and cause slack which is why some builders check the free play on the lever. Could just be some wear on the linkage.

 

[Tinman]

Yes I backed off the front adjuster 1. 75 turns per the FSM.

IIRC, my FSM states to back off 1. 5 for diesel and 1. 75 for hemi. I did 72in/lbs - 1. 5 turns.