Replacing the springs in the valve body

[ele1432]

Hey guys,
First off thanks for letting join the site. I love it and I love my LS. I brought my 2001 LS V8 Sport for under a 1000 bucks with a catch. I have to fix it. I believe the ever popular 4-3 Pre-stroke spring has failed. I'm getting Pressure in solenoid C error code. I have no 4 or 5 gear unless I put the tranny in SST mode and with several push to forward I can get 4th gear. The previous owner (thanks Dad) had the solenoid pack replaced and the problem still remains. Reading your post and forums plus google has lead me to believe that spring is at fault. I found a couple of post of how to replace the spring however does anyone have any details on how its done. For instance no post or forums didn't suggest the seals or gaskets need or should be replace. Can anyone offer any advice on this ?? Also, what type or size is the bolt for rear fill plug in the back of the tranny ? And lastly, I have the option of taking the car to the dealership and having just the spring replace for under $300. Would you perform the repair yourself (I'm a decent mechanic) or would you have the dealership do it ?? Thanks again for the site. And they are some really great rides on here.

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

There was a member that did an entire write up with picks I think it was for the solenoid and valve body, I'll see if I can find it

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

Here this might help

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=80761

 

[ele1432]

Thanks 2002_lincolnLS. I have this page already bookmark and it was a great forum. How hard is to put the fluid back in the tranny ?? I know about the rear plug and the method to tell how to see if you have achieve the correct fluid level. Which brings up the "cheapo" question of the night. Since the tranny fluid has less then 10k miles on it, would change it or just put it back in ??

 

[2002_lincolnLS]

To be honest I would use new, never know if it has any contaminants in it from draining or anything else. It's not so expensive that its not worth it besides I really doubt you want to pull this thing apart again, so why chance dirt or anything else getting back in there.