Removing a tensioner spring in the tranny?

[JeffTheJerk]

Ok so I am about to go out of state to check out a GS300 with a 2jzgte swap it has a supra automatic tranny and the rear end is 4.27 from a Lexus LS I believe. The owner says that he removed tensioner spring in the tranny so when in automatic mode it will start in 2nd gear as opposed to 1st because he is unable to get any traction in 1st gear. I have never heard of anything like this before and it sounds kinda off. He says that you can manually put it in to 1st and it works fine its just useless cuz everything just goes up in smoke due to no traction. ANybody have any feedback on something like this?

 

[toyotanos]

There is a 1-way bearing (called a sprag) that holds in 1st gear when in D mode, but its very very very very hard to remove. I would guess the trans failed and he's saying it was an upgrade to mitigate the negative effects. When you manually select 1st gear, a brake clutch is engaged which locks the sprag so you can get engine braking (sprag freewheels during attempted engine braking).

 

[JeffTheJerk]

How hard/expensive is it to replace something like that? He says it has no affect on driveablity and it still is running a 12 second quarter mile.

 

[JeffTheJerk]

How bad is this? Im picking it up for 8k seems like a steal so if it isnt that bad then I may still pick it up...I already got a plane ticket to fly out and meet up with him but I wanna make sure it will make back the 12 hour drive. Is it something I can live with for a while?

 

[toyotanos]

To remove/replace the sprag requires total disassembly of the transmission. In most cases you're better off with a new/reman/rebuilt transmission due to possible damage that caused it to fail.

As for reliability- I have no idea. It could fail now, it could fail later- ya never know.

 

[JeffTheJerk]

Yeah...that sucks...I got my hopes all up but I may have to err on the side of caution an cut my losses on the plane ticket...What are some of the more reliable vendors for transmissions? I can check prices at least and then maybe chance it if the tranny isnt too much...

 

[JeffTheJerk]

I can see in a way why it would make some sense since the rear end is a 4.27 so it extremely torquey and would probably render 1st gear useless. I jus spoke with the owner and he assured me it was a new tranny out of a supra and that he was gong to contact his toyota tech friend who basically built the car for him who could clarify this mod further.

 

[IJ.]

LMAO @ the magic spring... :nono:

 

[JeffTheJerk]

LMAO @ the magic spring... :nono:

Care to elaborate? I know cars pretty well but I fail when it comes to transmissions.

 

[IBoughtASupra]

Trailer it back with a one way UHaul. Done.

It is not expensive since you will only go one way. Ten foot truck is the smallest and you want an Auto transport, not a two wheeler.

I have done this for EVERY SUPRA I have bought since all of them were out of state. I bought one from a member on here, drove 5 hours to go see it Sunday and came back home which is another 5 hours. Then went back the next day, Monday, and got it. So 20 hours in two days.

If you are wondering why I didn't get it the first time I went, I didn't have enough money since the bank isn't open on Sunday and I had to go put a deposit to hold the car since another member was planning to go.

It's worth the drive if you think the car is a steal.

 

[IJ.]

Care to elaborate? I know cars pretty well but I fail when it comes to transmissions.

There is no magic spring

 

[JeffTheJerk]

There is no magic spring

LMAO I figured as much....I am now thinkin of ditchin the tickets and callinit a loss cuz I just found a waaaaay cleaner one for the same price and its all stock and looks to be done very well. Its basically the swap from a clip and nothing else but exhaust and fp. I would rather start from stock then get something already molested even though I would have probably done the same mods myself...I am kinda torn but I am leanin towards the more stock one due to the fact I can go with whatever direction I feel like with it.

 

[JeffTheJerk]

Trailer it back with a one way UHaul. Done.

It is not expensive since you will only go one way. Ten foot truck is the smallest and you want an Auto transport, not a two wheeler.

I have done this for EVERY SUPRA I have bought since all of them were out of state. I bought one from a member on here, drove 5 hours to go see it Sunday and came back home which is another 5 hours. Then went back the next day, Monday, and got it. So 20 hours in two days.

If you are wondering why I didn't get it the first time I went, I didn't have enough money since the bank isn't open on Sunday and I had to go put a deposit to hold the car since another member was planning to go.

It's worth the drive if you think the car is a steal.

I don't blame you I am completely obsessed with owning something with a 2jz its totally worth it for me to do extra driving and purchase extra airline tickets just to get one in my possesion lol I may be leanin towards a different aristo clone now...one with out any tranny issues 8) ahhhh the possibilities

 

[Typhoon]

The 2 range solenoid can play up and cause a no drop into low when slowing to a stop. It could be a simple problem, puling trans codes would show it up.