I have two transmissions with seemingly 2 different converters. The one is from a 90 RRC. The other is from a 98 Disco. There seems to be a significant difference in the two. Are these differences because of the engine management systems? Can I use this early trans with the later converter?

Also any way to tell if a converter is bad? I lost all forward movement from the 98 but not reverse. But that clunked into gear pretty hard. I assumed the trans had internal failure. Fluid was clean.


This is the 98



This is the 90

 

You hit the nail on the head. The differences in the torque convertors is related to the engine management systems. I don't think you'll be able to use the earlier style with a GEMS engine. As usual with these trucks it's easier to go backwards with parts instead of forward. By that I mean, if you wanted to use the torque convertor from the GEMS truck on the RRC engine I would advise you to use the entire flex plate assembly from the GEMS truck as well. The problem with going forward, using the torque convertor and flex plate assembly from the RRC in the DI is that there would be no way for the crank sensor to work. The sensor takes its reading from the serrated ring found on the gear ring.

You can always remove both flex plate assemblies and see if you can mix and match parts to get the gear ring from the DI to mate with the rest of the RRC flex plate at roughly the same overall depth so you can use the earlier torque convertor. I've never tried this. That's why I said I don't think you can do it.

BTW, I always get a kick out of seeing West Germany on old RRC parts. I can't believe it's been 25 years since the reunification of Germany. A lot of people on this board weren't even born when it happened. Man, I'm getting old.

 

Time marches on.

Our parents remember a time when there wasn't a West or East Germany. China is our number one business partner, Vietnam is a tourist destination for Aussie's, we're negotiating with Iran, Cuba we've restored diplomatic relations...... and Russia still has a dictator........ some things don't change. Let's see when North Korea's lil Kim starts talking like Porky Pig. That's all folks!

 

Thanks Paul. So is it possible to use the D1 converter out of the bad trans, in the RRC donor trans to go in to the D1?


Lil Kim. Lol

 

Ni-i-i-ice.

 

Yes, you can get the DI torque convertor to work on the RRC transmission. The only question I have is, are you certain the problem with the transmission was in no way related to an issue with the torque convertor?

 

No I'm not entirely sure. That's why I was asking if there was any way to tell if a converter is bad or not.

My only clue is that I had zero forward movement at any RPM but a very hard engagement of reverse. I guess I assumed if the converter was the issue it wouldn't work at all. Nothing changes with the converter when the transmission goes into reverse correct?