Hi, I've now checked the end play and it's way more than 1/8" and there is some radial play also. Not the best news but thank you for sending me down the route to this check. I see now why you suspect a bushing. Please see video
Now there is vibration issue with the car that may well be connected to the trans, now that I've seen the slop in the direct clutch / sun gear shell region. I bought the car last summer and there is a harsh vibration at ~55mph, bad enough that I back off to 50mph to be fairly smooth again. I've been checking out the driveshaft and axle, I was suspicious of the Ford 9" with wedges on the spring mounts for diff inclination. Can a loose TF shake at cruise speed, I'm guessing so?
It is now time to take the trans out for a rebuild, for sure. Is it likely that there is damage over and above that replaced by a master rebuild kit?
The torque converter is under suspicion, TrailBeast mentioned earlier also. I don't have much opportunity for shops with TF torque converter remanufacturing experience nearby, can you suggest a brand of TC to buy mail order for street/strip (Dart/360ci/3.5:1 9" axle)?
Don't think I have ever run across a trans so bad it was out of balance and cause a vibration, but converters yes.
However, I don't think the converter is a problem here.
TF transmissions commonly had lot of end play, so I wouldn't sweat that too much either.
End play is caused by thrust washers more than bushings.
Not saying it couldn't benefit from a rebuild, but I sure wouldn't pull it going on what I have seen so far.
Personally, if that trans were my own I'd put the Transgo stage 2 kit in the valve body and see how it acts.
If it had already been out I would have pulled the pump and check the two main clutch packs.
The front clutch pack is the one closest to the pump, easiest to get to and is also the one that tends to go.
Especially when there has been some screwy things going on with the TP and it's adjustments.
Some people like to see others scatter their stuff all over the work bench, but I'd rather see you drive it.:D
It can always be scattered all over the bench later if need be.
