Lockup converter question

318MoparGuy said

Hi Charrlie_S,
First of all just wanted to say thanks for always sharing your knowledge on A/C and slant6 engines with all of us on FABO. Always enjoy reading your posts on those subject areas. Concerning your question on lockup’s... I have a 1983 A998 hydraulic lockup in my 318 1973 Dart Swinger and it works great, mine’s just a cruiser. Chrysler started using RH (hydraulic) lockup’s in 1978 and continued until 1985....in 1986 changeover was made to RE (electronic lockup’s). There’s a great article at allpar.com concerning lockup’s history. Hope this helps...thanks again for all your help to everyone.
Take Care,
Greg

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I have no problem sharing what I know. That is how we all learn. I will check out the artical on Alpar. I have heard differing statements on the lockup function.
Just an FYI, my trans is a 88 Diplomat 318 small trans (not sure if 904 or 998) with lockup. It is the hydraulic control, not electric. There is no electric connection on the trans for that. Been awhile since I looked under the car, but I think there is a wire in the area that should be for lockup connection (but not sure). This is how the car came from the factory, as I purchased new in 1988, and the trans is original. I am getting a "shudder" at about 45 MPH (at lock up) if I am in the throttle, a little. Also if I get in the throttle hard while in lockup, I get a shudder. I am trying to determine, if the problem might be just the converter (spring apply- pressure release) or possibly the trans (pressure apply- spring release) due to low fluid pressure. Pretty sure the converter clutch is going to need replacement either way, but just a one day job, or trans work also, which will take longer.
PS: It is definately a converter problem, not engine related.
PPS:Was lean burn, converted to HEI several years ago.