As shipped Tremec toubles

[Blitzboy54]

Public Service Announcement on new TKX

I purchased a brand new TKX from Mike Forte. I received it this summer and it was in a factory sealed box. I did a quick inspection and noticed an orange plug in the tail shaft was malformed. This looks like it was mushed from behind. The transmission sits in the box semi free in heavy cardboard. I would imagine from the factory it gets put down hard and slides back and forth a bit. the plug probably got hit/pushed on quite a bit.

Fast forward and I am now prepping my drive train and attempted to remove the plug. The handle portion just broke off so I grabbed some needle nose. I also noticed at this point the bottom of the tail seal was kind of damaged too. The real problem here is Tremec uses the softest plastic imaginable. It's practically wax. So the pliers simply push through the plastic and make a mess. You can't get a enough of a grip without chewing it up. There are a number of other builders that have had this issue as well. Just an FYI if your new transmission looks like this just bite the bullet and order a new tail seal. Be careful not to score the inner face of the tail shaft when removing. I spent the better part of 4 hours messing around with it before I finally gave up and took it apart. Very frustrating.

Pics came in upside down but you can see what I am talking about.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208175&d=1735478837

No way not to destroy the seal in the removal process. FYI it is replaced with National 710431.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208176&d=1735478837

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=208177&d=1735478837

[tonywy]

Be careful of that National Seal, just because it was a direct crossover doesn't mean it's correct. Make sure it has the same lip material as the Tremec seal. Some applications require a certain material and temp rating. Unless of course it was supplied by Tremec.

[cv2065]

Be careful of that National Seal, just because it was a direct crossover doesn't mean it's correct. Make sure it has the same lip material as the Tremec seal. Some applications require a certain material and temp rating. Unless of course it was supplied by Tremec.

Tremec recommends the National part when you call them for replacement unless they send you one directly.

[gbranham]

My orange cap was also cracked, but fortunately it came out with pliers.

Greg

[Jim Doak]

I had the same issue a couple of days ago. In fact, I plan on installing a new tailshaft seal today.

I called Silver Sport Transmissions and they're sending me a new seal; however, I went ahead and ordered a new $10 Timken seal from Amazon which arrived yesterday.

[Mike.Bray]

Jeez, all of these issues with Tremec shipping plugs, I was upset that mine was merely cracked but at least it came right out. Guess I was a lucky one for once.

[PNWTim]

What a mess! I put a TKO 600 in my Camaro about 4 years ago and I recall that plug but my tranny was packed pretty tightly and it wasn't damaged. Even with UP arrows on the box (which I seem to remember) I wonder if FedEx or UPS stands these on end to make better use of floor space? I would also double check that it shifts through it's gears as rough handling can impede that as well. If I recall, not a big deal to correct but easier to do out of the car than in.

[Blitzboy54]

What a mess! I put a TKO 600 in my Camaro about 4 years ago and I recall that plug but my tranny was packed pretty tightly and it wasn't damaged. Even with UP arrows on the box (which I seem to remember) I wonder if FedEx or UPS stands these on end to make better use of floor space? I would also double check that it shifts through it's gears as rough handling can impede that as well. If I recall, not a big deal to correct but easier to do out of the car than in.


Yes, I had the same thought. I did in fact check all the gears. Shifts nice.

[danmas]

Reading this thread and thought I should take a look at mine. I got my tkx from summit and it was packed well. No orange shipping plug. Mine was black rubber and relatively easy to convince it to come out. However... I noticed that there was a bunch of debris on the plug. It doesnt feel like sand but it looks like it. Might even be solidified grease. Brown and pebbly. Anyone think I should do something about that? I also figured I should check my drive shaft and it slid in super easy.

Not letting me upload a picture right now.

[cv2065]

I spoke to Mike Forte about it at one point. He said that when he ships his transmissions he always straps them to a pallet to avoid this damage. Great reason to buy through Mike.

[Jim Doak]

If I had known about this somewhat common problem, I would have ordered my TKX from American Powertrain instead of Summit. They have a video showing how they protect the tailshaft seal during shipment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv4lkEbEx0U&t=1s

[jengum]

Thanks Jesse. Another one for my lessons learned notes.

[fauxbra5.0]

If I had known about this somewhat common problem, I would have ordered my TKX from American Powertrain instead of Summit. They have a video showing how they protect the tailshaft seal during shipment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv4lkEbEx0U&t=1s

thats a really cool bit of kit right there!

[Justin]

I got mine from SilverSport last year and was lucky enough not to have issues. They did double box it though. And the outside box is more like 3 boxes in one. I still have my box as a just in case and I'm pretty sure it weights 15-20 pounds alone. :D