TD6 reliability gear box

Oh, and one more thing:
If there was an easy conversion to ZF , I'd take that as my preference to a Gm box!
Probably my distant Kraut ancestry?

Don
As you said plug and play is a big attraction.
As you could compare both boxes would the following ideas be practicable ?

Did you ever consider just using the complete 5L50E and just swapping the rear casing and having the output shaft and gear replaced so as to match the transfer case ?
When I was looking at auto options the company below was making a HD replacement output shaft !

http://www.jpat.co.uk/5L40E%20Shafts.pdf

If you could get this gear and shaft made with the 5L50E gear profile, it should save a lot of work ??
This way you also have the benefit of the case hardened and strengthened shafts and gearsets. I would also go with a HD converter, the difference one made to my old Td5 made it a no-brainer

Laurie

I looked hard and long at this area.
The RR output shaft ( mine mimimal/no wear) didn't quite fit in the 5L50; yes, the splines same, 114 T, and it did slide in, but not far enough to fit the circlip, nor the rear housing.
The RR one is flat, as per your link; my 5L50 is cupped ( for the extra length planetary gear set ).
I thought of modifying this , but then would need a spacer between box and output housing; then moving the needle bearing; etc; etc.
That went out the door!

The GM boxes are relatively easy to dismantle/work on/reassemble, but you need a SUPERSIZE circlip pliers! I couldn't find one to suit at any local automatic repair shops nor tool suppliers.
I had a huge old pair that just missed the mark, so some judicial oxy heating/bending and presto, they fit! The auto shops sheepishly admitted to using screwdrivers/ punches/ butchery!

And my particular new/ zero miles Caddy T/C and 5L50E; that was pure good luck; the gearbox/T/C I bought was rear, diff mounted version, so had a SAME diameter T/C as RR/BMW ( fit ok in RR bell housing); those that mount direct to engine are considerably bigger in diameter.

Lads I have got a reply from Austra Torque Engineering Pty. Ltd about the upgraded torque converter ( Below ) so if we can have someone from VIC who is starting to have problem with there gearbox here is a chance to help these people make a stronger transmission.

Cheers Deco : twisted::twisted:

Reply from Austra Torque Engineering Pty. Ltd.


Gday Declan, apologies for the delay in getting back to you.
We have finally finished developing the replacement Converter for the TD6 with the 5L40 trans.
We have replaced the front cover with a billet cover. The lock up plate has been replaced with a billet plate that is 20% thicker and we have used a high carbon lock up material with an extra 20% surface area,
The billet cover and billet plate will reduce the amount the lock up deflects under load and will increase torque holding capacity of the lock up.
Needless to say the unit will be full furnace brazed with hardened steel splines.
We will be able to do a standard stall unit on a change over basis, we are also looking at doing a low stall version, but need to find someone willing to test the unit for us.
I am trying to get together with some trans rebuilders and am currently investigating what upgrades are available for the trans so I can work out a package deal.
I will pop this info on the aulro website in the next week or so
Cost for either unit would be $750+GST, and I am willing to work out a deal for someone that is willing to test the low stall for us.
Thanks
Luca Fogliadini
Managing Director

Austra Torque Engineering Pty. Ltd.
353A Settlement Road (Corner Temple Drive)
Thomastown,
Victoria, 3074.
Phone: 61 3 9466 1563
FAX: 61 3 9466 2952
Mobile: 0417 519 522
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That's almost as much as original purchase price of Caddy heavier duty T/C AND brand new 5L50E gearbox!
Of course then there was plus freight, fork lift charges in US ( too heavy for them to lift!) packaging, draining of fluid, bank charges, GST here, etc.

I know donrover0 it may be near the same price you paid ,but it would be good to have a Australian company come up with help on these transmission, it just means if you have a problem your are not trying to get in touch with some one on the other side of the world, also if they come up with a good package deal I am sure we will have a lot of people off this forum ( including myself when it happens to my transmission ) going to them to fix it up with stronger gear.

Cheers Deco :twisted::twisted::twisted:

Hi Deco,
IF I had the time I'd be looking at importing some more of these new gearboxes/Tc's and offering the conversion, but now with new job away from home, I seem to be lucky to get away 2 days a fortnight; then there's too many home jobs to do!!!!
When I first started this exercise, I was working FROM home, so could have fitted this in afterhours, etc, but now------- no.
rgds,
Don

Don
Could you please advise on your transmission ID number, so any enquiries can be made for the right box. It seems they had 3 variants of the 5L50E in Caddy's.

Laurie

All very worrying for a prospective RR buyer like myself.... In summary am I right in thinking, if I'm looking at buying an 03/04 model, if under 200km I need to make sure the box has been rebuilt and if so expect that it will need doing again before 400km.... If at 200km it hasn't been rebuilt, expect a $7k bill within a short time frame.... Is the rebuilding of the transmitting a DIY job or not?? I've rebuilt manuals before but never auto's.. If not anyone got a good recommendation for a transition specialist in South Sydney?

Cheers
Daryl

Daryl,
If you feel comfortable rebuilding a manual box, then these are relatively easy to work on. Much simpler than early autos, with bands/pistons, etc.
Just lay all out in sequence when dismantling, right side up, then all will "fall" into place.
You may have to make a few tools for clutch/piston disassembly, but otherwise straight forward.
I don't know how the "experts" warrant a $7K charge, but I suspect its because of that "RR" badge on the car.
Buy your parts directly from USA; complete gbox rebuild kits are inexpensive; make sure you buy a repair manual. Can also buy complete new valve blocks too from US.