I installed the TCI manual TC lockup kit a few years ago. But I only installed the internal parts (kinda rushed). Now it remains unlocked. Will this hurt the converter or transmission?

I only put on 3k miles a year at most, and do maybe 1000 miles of highway driving with it.

 

Heat generated by converter slippage at cruise when the engine rpm is near stall speed is the problem with unlocked converters. With your rear end gears you're probably cruising well above stall speed, especially if you still have the stock converter.

 

It will eventually hurt it.

 

the converter not locking up causes heat. In OD, your spining the output shaft faster than the input, thus creating much more load on the converter. This translates to more slippage and more heat.
- That's why gear-vendor doesn't go past a .75 OD ratio. Steeper ratios cause too much converter slippage and too much heat.

 

And in part of the crazyness of the 700R4, the '82-'84 MY do not flow to the cooler when the TCC is unlocked. The later MY 700R4's nearly halve the cooler flow when the TCC is unlocked (but there is flow).

So it is a double whammy. More heat generated from the TCC being unlocked, and reduced or no cooler flow at the same time.

RBob.

 

Well I guess I should finish that lockup switch kit then..