Need help with 87 automatic, anyone run on of these POS? also H20 pump bad?

[F-junker]

Anyone use this thing? It's the overdrive auto, It is a shifty freaky trans, the other day I was pushing it down the highway and my temp gauge shot through the roof. I let off the gas and it dropped pretty quickly, as the rpm dropped as well. I pulled off and checked the coolant, the overflow was empty and I added antifreeze. the top tank was only slightly empty. I let it run w/ cap off and added coolant until it was full. since then I did notice coolant flying out of the front, while jumping my chevy tahoe (damn chevy).

Problem is... this damn thing gets lousey gas milage, revs too high, of cousre probably needs a water pump now too.

what is a common problem with these transmissions? solutions other than gear driven double transfer with a 5 speed (this is what we all need).

I like having an automatic in this thing as I'm building a FJ-40 right now for heavy use and kkep this thing for DD.

Thanks Kenn

 

[KLF]

The way I understand it, these are very tough trannies, but once they start to go bad, they are really expensive to get repaired. I pulled one out once, they're pretty heavy. IMO, start looking for the parts to swap it over to a 5 speed.

Better get a leakdown test done, sounds to me like you maybe have a HG problem. But a water pump is very easy on that truck.