How can you tell if you need a new one? Can you drive if one is bad? how hard are they to replace and how much do they cost?

 

In my experience a torque converter has never gone bad. If the TC is a locking-type, then a slipping TC clutch would be a clue that failure was imminent. Running in 3rd or OD, slippage can be detected by an increase in rpm when light to medium throttle is applied.....but slippage can also be attributed to low system fluid pressure in the tranny.

Changing out the TC is no major job outside of the need to back the transmission away from the engine far enough to get access and room to remove the TC.

The price of a TC can be found at any Genuine Ford Parts site. Just get online to one and start the drill-down. I'd recommend against aftermarket converters unless they're from outfits such as TCI or other reputable tranny rebuilders.

 

it can be all kinds of issues...from sounding like a card in the spokes of a bicycle to shuttering to well no stall speed...best to have a trany shop look at it to be sure...

if the fins shred...they trany is toast and the stuff gets in the fluid and gets stuck in the valve body...I have roached a few....

 

Maybe someone can help me I have a 99 ford f150 with a 4.6 v8 2 wd with a sorta new trans but when I give my truck trottle it's began a jerking forward and backwards motion and if I drive normally it's fine and the fuild is still a pretty pink but it smells a lil burnt and I don't think the Tc was replaced when the trans was built