by Kwagon2 » Tue Oct 10, 2017 11:56 am
Hi
The transmission is a 3 speed Torqueflite either an A-413 (2.2 engine) or an A-470 (2.6engine) Either way transmission operation is identical. The problem for no "Drive" or no forward range is the Rear or Forward Clutch as reverse is activated by the application of the Front or Direct clutch with the Low-reverse band.
The remedy will no doubt require removal of the Transmission and inspection of the Clutch to determine the failure, the reason I say this is the shift mechanism , cable and valve body are fairly reliable and unless something serious has happened to the manual lever on the valve body itself the failure will no doubt be the clutch .....you can go through the motions of draining the trans and removing the oil pan and the valve body in order to do whats known as an "Air pressure test" where you utilize a 35 to 40 psi dry air source to "apply" the individual elements of the transmission by directing this air into the individual ports of each element. This will confirm the failure of the clutch if nothing else as with this test you should hear a dull "thud" with the application of the air if the clutch is still functional. I think I did this once with the first front drive Torqueflite I encountered but future failures always resulted in transmission removal.
You inquire about cost... To repair your trans at the very least you will require a seal and clutch disc kit and depending on the level of failure "hard" parts as required (I specify a Master overhaul kit as once opened you do all the clutches) If the failure has resulted in clutch material contaminating the overall trans (generally the case) the entire transmission will require disassembly and full cleaning including the valve body and the trans cooler in the radiator. The Torque converter will require replacement or rebuilding as nobody "power flushes" them anymore so the only way to remove the contaminants is to cut open the converter etc. In an equipped shop one of these "baby" Torqueflites can easily be done in a day and change so consider a full day and a bit labour and parts which can vary in price somewhat. So worst case scenario....
A "master" overhaul kit includes clutch friction discs , clutch steel plates, sealing rings, lip and running seals, gaskets , can run you about $150 & replace All of the snap rings (another $25-$45) , The bands are inspected but if the budget is tight they can be reused of not worn or burnt. The Torque converter (custom rebuilt) can run about $200approx and as I mentioned labour , no idea what your mech charges if he does Automatics...