TRANSMISSION DIED! I had a day to replace it.

[@raustadt]

Hi Guys ! Better days are definitely ahead. Cheers.

[@jlisehrl]

The look on your face and the laughter from Ester when you showed that tiny bolt, priceless. Get yourself another icecream for doing such a good job on the transmission. Sending love to you both and the dogs from Germany.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Yesss ice cream is my weakness haha thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it!

[@travelfrog888]

Guys, how you rebound from all of these mechanical issues is just impressive. I loved the "see these street dogs!" Both of them seem very calm and respectful when you are both busy. I used to love to work on my cars and trucks. I even remember falling asleep under a car as it was very zen and relaxing. Now in my 60's, just getting under the car to change the oil, I pay the price and feel pain for the next few days. BTW, these shepherd's pies look amazing. I can almost smell them... Take good care.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Haha taking a nap under the car actually sounds pretty nice! It’s cool, it’s dark, it’s quite…. Glad the swap is done now, I can relax until the next thing breaks. Thanks for the nice comment!

[@natebaird]

Congrats on the new transmission 😃 Thanks again for sharing this side of van life too!

[@randallsmodernlife]

No worries, thanks for watching!

[@MrRiorust]

You were very fortunate to find a good transmission, you had a well equipped shop nearby, a place to change it with out getting run off, got it done without getting hurt, that you could manage doing the work yourself. and you had ice cream and Shepard's pie. I would venture to say, you had a good day! I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

[@randallsmodernlife]

When you put it like that, it was a great day! I feel accomplished now haha

[@markquinn9655]

Some hard work you did there Ryan. Love watching the videos, nice to hear you guys are doing OK. Keep on keepin’ on. 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@randallsmodernlife]

Glad it’s all done now haha thanks mate!

[@georgemurphy9910]

I think it holds the dipstick strap up🎉🎉 Good job

[@MrRiorust]

I second that.

[@randallsmodernlife]

I’ll double check!

[@leeweaver7289]

Hi, so sorry to hear about your hard times. Hope you are both okay. Sending best wishes from the U.K Liverpool. Stay positive and enjoy your Van Life. X

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks ❤️

[@mickeymouse6894]

I'm Glad Things Are Going Better, And That You Both Work Together, And Appreciate Each Other Give Your Pups A Hug For Me!! Hugs To All Of You!!!

[@randallsmodernlife]

The dogs will take your hugs all day long, especially Ru haha

[@johnsimpson8198]

You guys are good people,thank you for inviting us in!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you for watching! 💙 - Esther

[@rouseyournicholls]

I just came across your channel today. Thank you for sharing your journey and seeking a simple free life to give rest to your soul. People like you have inspired me to begin my journey. I am currently documenting on my youtube channel. Many blessings to you.😊

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad we can be of some inspiration! It’s a weird lifestyle to get used to, but packs a ton of adventure ❤️

[@sandollarj504]

Thank you for all the two of you do hugs 🤗.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks 😊

[@BusAMove6694]

I watch your videos over and over. It's just so relaxing and give me hope of one day I will be traveling. Keep making those videos.❤❤🙏 🙏

[@randallsmodernlife]

I’m glad to hear that! I hope our zen rubs off on people and spreads through this beautiful world.

[@georgemurphy9910]

Sorry to hear about your loss and Astor Hope you’re feeling much better. 👍👍guys keep rocking on?

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks mate, rocking on, we shall!

[@Keeganshero13]

The art and Zen of mini camper van maintenance

[@randallsmodernlife]

I do motorcycles too! 😂

[@simonsimon5985]

Hats off to you guys for dealing with that transmission. Keep building your channel guys. Very well done! Great words at the end.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks mate, glad it’s done now.

[@kenbryant5952]

Thank you for sharing all these videos

[@randallsmodernlife]

No worries! Thank you for the comments!

[@markrobertson9015]

I'm glad to see you guys are doing better and your trans is finished. Yes Esther is right it's always good to talk about everything it closes one door and opens a new one Take care you two and safe travels. And the pups too.

[@randallsmodernlife]

I’m glad it’s done too haha I can breath a sigh of relief! And I can keep the wheels rolling for my little family.

[@acidreign0911]

I don't know you two personally, but I know you are two awesome humans.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Why thank you 🥰

[@russelltaylor140]

Good people never knew you were on camping in the desert my thing I’ll check you out be safe out there rasorrat

[@51actual]

I didn't realize that this happened to you two. I am very sorry for your loss.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you ❤️

[@MelissaJohnson-s7k]

Really love you both ❤ And I love the videos just the way they are 😊 Thanks for sharing ❤😊

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you ❤️ will keep them coming!

[@kimhastie5440]

So glad Esther is feeling better. Sorry for your loss. I just recently started following you guys. Larry from Work Less Enjoy Life More watches your channel and mentioned it in his last video. I just want to say you guys are the cutest couple. You both are down to earth and seem to be very humble and kind.❤

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you! That’s a really kind comment. Esther reads these too and she loves hearing this. And Larry is a legend, I can’t believe he mentioned us! That’s really cool haha

[@kimhastie5440]

I love watching Larry's channel. Love his little dog, Maso, too. You keep your chin up in regards to your channel growing. Larry said it was really slow at first for him, thought his channel would ever grow and it's really taken off in the past several months. I've got my notifications set for ne videos for when you post new but still working my way through all of them.. I scrolled through was looking for one when you went to Quartzsite. I'm in Las Vegas, NV. I've never been to Canada but is on my bucket list.:_

[@randallsmodernlife]

Canada is a beautiful spot to spend the summer! In winter, the desert is much better 😄 we’ll see where this channel goes, we are having fun with the videos. It’s easy because it’s just our normal lives haha

[@howard7172]

Yup that’s the problem…. The little bolt. Is missing someplace, in the transmission, knocking out the balance… 😀😂😀😂

[@Rogue.Primate]

Nice to have the skills and tools to tackle a transmission swap. And a supportive partner. ❤

[@randallsmodernlife]

I’m certainly glad that Ryan can fix most things !! He has saved us a lot of $$ over the years and all I have to do is feed him food lol. Good trade I think!! - Esther

[@carlbloomquist708]

Good on ya… Swapping a transmission on your back, on the concrete is zero fun. Been there, done that. Glad Esther is feeling better! Y’all hang in there! AAnd for the record… I am not worried about your microphone. I am used to Randalls voice, it is calming. I like listening to it.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you 🙏 I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully no more transmission swaps for a while.

[@Roadghost88]

Man, I've done this job in my driveway so many times. Bones and muscles ache from wrestling with everything.

[@randallsmodernlife]

I have muscles hurting in my back so deep I didn’t even know they were there. I was basically a cripple for 2 days after haha

[@terry3193]

I always enjoy your videos….very laidback and no drama. I look forward to them. You and Esther are such a real and sweet couple. I’ve been married for 35 years and one of my rules has always been to talk about everything…holding it in is just bad on many levels. It’s great that you have those mechanic skills as paying someone to do everything would kill your budget. I used to do a lot of wrenching, back in the day, and enjoyed it but no longer possible which is a bummer. I hope the rv runs good tomorrow when tested…fingers crossed as I wouldn’t want to have to take that thing out and back in again! Quite the PITA! Take care!👍

[@randallsmodernlife]

Always a nice comment from you Terry, I like hearing about your rules for marriage. We’ve been together for 10 years now and the first 5-7 we’re very ‘fierce and hot headed’. And now we are as you see in the videos. Pretty cool and happy to be with each other. And knowing how to do your own mechanical work really opens up a lot of doors. I wouldn’t be able to live this lifestyle without it, it would be to expensive!

[@miketee8415]

I love how you make this huge job seem like no big deal, just totally chill. I'm heading off on an indefinite van adventure this week, beer is on me if we ever meet!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Sounds good to me! We’ll be in coastal BC for the summer, give us a shout if you roll by. Wishing you many trouble free miles on your adventure.

[@BlindmanExcursions]

Wait, a new trumpet!? lol that was hilarious

[@randallsmodernlife]

Haha 😂

[@dino-2379]

Came across your channel a few months ago and subscribed, and have been following you👍 Awesome job on the transmission that is very impressive that you have the skills and knowledge and ability to undertake a repair like that. I am retired and live full-time in my 1994 class B RV camper van and if I have such a mechanical problem, I must pay someone to repair it for me. Good to hear. Esther is doing well. that girl is soooo cute - her smile makes me smile 😂😂 Keep on keeping on👍

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks for watching! It was a big job! I didn’t really know how to do it, but I have no option but to do it myself to keep costs down. I’m glad it worked out haha Esther got all shy from your comment. I agree, she has the best smile. like this: 😊

[@ke4tud]

I would have replaced the 2 piece rear main seal and put in a new oil pump.. You are already there.. Great video !

[@randallsmodernlife]

I ordered the seal so I could do it as part of the job. But I just ran out of time and had to make the call to skip. If I had a secure place to park it for a while, I’d do a much deeper job. But that would probably lead to an entire engine swap haha

[@lindadavidson1910]

glad you are feeling better. glad you are able to do the work. thanks for sharing the tips may help some one one day.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks!

[@thomasmurray4407]

Stay true to yourselves keep it real and it is not always easy. A honest telling of YOUR storey is always the best way to show your life as it unfolds. Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border

[@randallsmodernlife]

Staying true and honest is very important and one of our core beliefs. Thanks Tom!

[@waynekarnold]

Hello from the philippines love watching your videos

[@randallsmodernlife]

Hi there! Thanks for watching!

[@j.b.a.124]

Hi Ryan & Esther. Congrats on the new trans. Happy to know the future is looking brighter for y’all. Cheers from Jerome & family in Florida🍻

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks Jerome! The future is looking bright and we’ll be shifting smoothly through the gears, into the sunset 😂

[@catc6188]

I am glad the transmission is fixed!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Me too haha

[@ExploreLifeForever]

You put some serious time into switching out that transmission. Congrats! you finally finished after a few setbacks and adjustments. Loved the look on your face holding the missing bolt. Priceless! Yeah, you've got a great boss to let you park and work on your RV in front of his business. And there's no doubt he thinks highly of you, so that good to see. Always great to see a smile of Esther's face and you guys sitting down for a good meal while share your journey. Thanks for being candid and genuine with sharing the ups and downs of your RV life together. Good to see your subscribers grow! Congrats on that too! Take care!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks Odell, it was a big job. I look at it like a job, the hours I work I’m paying to myself by keeping the money in my pocket and not paying someone else! And the last bolt… it’s a cosmic joke from the universe, you gotta just laugh at them haha The channel is growing slowly, and I’m enjoying making the videos, I’m interested to see what comes of it. And my boss, he’s a legend. It would be a real struggle without the hood people in our lives.

[@ExploreLifeForever]

@@randallsmodernlife I may have missed it, but what did Esther make for dinner? Was that Shepherd's pie? It looked pretty tasty.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Yep, shepherds pie, she gets better at it each time. It was so good!

[@ATouchOfCharmed]

Bless you my mates from NZ xx

[@randallsmodernlife]

Bless you my friend ❤️

[@ATouchOfCharmed]

@@randallsmodernlife 🥰

[@terry4265]

Hey guys. In a world right now, that seems completely out of control with crime & violence. It's nice to know there's nice people like you all out there and watching that will always be kind and helpful. Your all's down to earth life is very encouraging in a world that seems to think that material goods make you a success but in my opinion you two are a success. Great video and Thanks :) Enjoy your Dinner Date.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks mate! We aren’t rich with money but we are rich in life. By choice. We were lucky enough to ‘wake up’ in our 20’s and realize the true nature of this reality, and, decided to live a more meaningful life. And the world is a weird place, and only getting worse. The best we can do is spread the love and zen, it does make a difference! Thanks again!

[@CountryComesToTown]

You’re both still in my thoughts! That turned out to be a big transmission project. You’ve saved a fortune by being able to do the work yourself! Hope it all works and runs perfectly.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks haha it’s the only way to keep this thing going because being vintage it needs so thing fixed every month it seems!

[@mattca353]

As long you have each other's, you'll get through anything 😊. Van wise, it must have been a PITA. I had no idea that transmission were balanced like this. Little by little, with all the repairs, your little van is getting better!

[@randallsmodernlife]

I had no idea either! But I learn along the way. I’ll be a certified mechanic by the time I’m done with this van haha Thank you for the nice comment! ❤️

[@Thesaltymedic36]

No rear main or pan gasket replacement? Prime opportunity to hit that. Now I have to wait to see if the vibration goes away 😂

[@randallsmodernlife]

I know haha I had them ready, just ran out of time. It remains on the to do list now. Hopefully one day I’ll have a place to park it for extended period of time to do more work. And yes! The weight worked and vibrations are gone!

[@dustyroads834]

Best wishes to you both from Vermont.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks mate!

[@falitosis]

I love your life, I love your videos

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you!

[@user-sd5vi1bt6b]

I'm new to your channel and I just adore you two. Thank you for being real and authentic. I was looking at other videos of yours and I seen you were having a hard time but you'll get there and I know that feeling. Do you got patreon?

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thank you! Yes we do have patreon I think? Esther is setting it up so I’ll check with her.

[@YouTubeMaster1611]

I think that’s the most I’ve ever hear Ester talk! Still waiting on a he video about y’all’s back story!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Haha, it is called Randall’s modern life, he is the main character! I’m only the supporting clown 🤡 😂 we will post a story soon! - Esther

[@ivanleelivingston4902]

A couople just retired and bought the nicest looing RV for $ 450,000. Nothing works,water leaks a complete piece of crap. They should have bought an RV like yours and enjoyed life and afforded any repairs.

[@randallsmodernlife]

I feel sorry for those people! It must be hard knowing how much money they spent only for all these problems to happen. I can’t imagine ever spending 450k on a vehicle though. Seems like an alternate universe to me haha

[@RollOnBusin]

"Coffee for Papa."

[@randallsmodernlife]

Hahah she’s cute hey? Thanks for the coffee mate!

[@JessicaWilliams573]

Love y’all so much… cook me some of the that shepherds pie ❤ 😂 ,,

[@randallsmodernlife]

It’s so good! I don’t want to share haha but Esther will, she’s very kind and giving.

[@Snarfimus]

Bro just slammed a transmission in like it was no issue at all! Awesome job my man!!! I gotta say it is important to talk to each other about the sad things, being vulnerable is a strong thing and only makes things better. Cya in your next episode, Oh do you guys have a discord or something? It might be a fun place to talk to people and also have people share recipes for ya guys to try, just spitballin over haha ok take care!

[@randallsmodernlife]

Haha was defiantly not nothing! But I’m glad it’s done. Esther is actually looking into a discord. She’s a really good writer and photographer so hopefully she’ll be getting that underway soon!

[@randyholly2594]

great video! just did subscribe.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks mate! Glad you enjoyed it, was a hard day haha

[@robertabrams8562]

You know, the one positive thing about older rigs is that, you can roll up your sleeves, and get cracking with your DIY skills! Me personally, I couldn’t fix a bar straw if it was bent, so it’s def very cool to see that you’re mechanically inclined 👍🏼 I was wondering if you guys had a Patreon Acct? This way I can send you guys a few $$’s every month…I don’t do PayPal, or any other kind of pay service, but I don’t mind helping you out as a Patron! Always my best to you four 🤩😎🥰

[@randallsmodernlife]

Hahah that’s funny! The skills do come in very handy, plus I enjoy learning hands on. We don’t have Patreon (yet) but maybe I can get Esther to look into it. She covers all the tech side of this channel (and our lives), I’m just the muscle with the tools.

[@robertabrams8562]

@@randallsmodernlife Copy that 👍🏼….please keep us informed

[@martingindulis5310]

I'm glad you got it done a good job.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks! I’m so glad it’s done haha

[@vantimevanlife1068]

Shepard's pie my fav

[@randallsmodernlife]

Could eat it every day 🤤

[@timestamp.]

Good luck to you guy’s❤❤🐾🐾

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks you ❤️🙏

[@waynekarnold]

The speedometer cable retainer

[@randallsmodernlife]

Checked that already 😂

[@VanInhalin]

ive found the 2nd time you put in a transmission in 2 days is always easier

[@randallsmodernlife]

It was defiantly easier the second time 😅

[@Wv8675]

I've been there put abs engine in and have one bolt left I usally throw it so it's off my mind

[@randallsmodernlife]

That is true wisdom nana I threw mine away too 😂

[@thomasmurray4407]

Hi Ryan hopefully if there was any issues with the torque converter you are replacing it as well . If this is a 727 with no lockup on the torque then they last a long time compared to the newer lockup style where the friction band wears out and necitates the replacement of the torque converter. My 1989 Dodge b250 has the a500 4 spd overdrive . I think the torque on the 360 does need a weighted torque. Yor are likely correct to try the weld on balance weight. A test drive will show the truth. Have a nice day . Tom in the Maritimes at the NB-NS border

[@Thesaltymedic36]

That A500 would burn up the overdrive units. When I worked for Dodge we did a lot of them. The old 727 don’t have a lock up converter if I remember correctly

[@randallsmodernlife]

Yeah, it’s a non lock up 727, externally balanced 360. Unfortunately I found out the hard way. First test drive a lot of vibration, then I realized the new torque converted was unweighted 😶 so off came the trans again to weld on the correct weight. Learnt the hard way but no vibrations anymore. I would so love to have an overdrive, for highway speeds. But as salty said, it would probably burn up from the weight?

[@ripley8aliensmom72]

You guys are cute ❤❤

[@randallsmodernlife]

Thanks haha 😆

[@bambihargrove6499]

❤😊❤😊

[@randallsmodernlife]

❤️❤️

[@Wv8675]

Good music means Classic Rock lol hopefully

[@randallsmodernlife]

Yes sir! But not anything with a copywrite unfortunately haha

[@livinginavwvan207]

Converter must have been for a steel / forged crank motor, probably a 340 if it was a 727 torqueflight transmission. The 360's were cast crank external balance 1971 on.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

That was my thought. That’s a 727

[@livinginavwvan207]

@@Thesaltymedic36 Its a beefier transmission than the 904 he replaced it with. He scored too, muscle car era 68-71 small block torqueflite for a 340 can pull a few bucks to the right people. Its a 340 swinger or duster 340 automatic.

[@randallsmodernlife]

The fella I bought it off had a beautiful challenger in the garage. Don’t know what it was running though. And the new trans is shifting like butter! I’m glad, you never know when buying used. And yeah, my 360 is external balanced, which I didn’t realize until after I had test drive and felt all the vibration. Then I welded the 120g weight on to suit the 360 and now it’s smooth.

[@livinginavwvan207]

@@randallsmodernlife Nice, it probably came out of his challenger. They had 340's too. Might be a good idea to replace the filter, it is 50+ years old and who knows.... Easy to do.

[@randallsmodernlife]

Yep, it got a new filter, pan gasket and a flush.

[@coastalkev3776]

Nice job site. I'm picturing in my head that when transmission time comes....I'll be on the side of the road , laying in the gravel for a few days. " Excuse me Mr. farmer , can you give me a ride into town. I'm missing one bolt ?" Hope not but it's part of the ' adventure'. Happy trails to you.

[@randallsmodernlife]

That’s what I was thinking the whole way driving back from Arizona. ‘Just please get us back to BC so I don’t have to do this on the side of the road’

[@jerrymerryfield6551]

Did they give you a torque converter for a 360 and not a 318

[@randallsmodernlife]

Mine is a 360, the new torque was for 318. But the fox was easy, just cut the weight off and weld it to the new one in the specified location.

[@frankchapman7916]

Where is your acsent from bro..?

[@randallsmodernlife]

Cairns, Queensland, Australia. 🇦🇺

[@jeanineacree6355]

Lol

[@jadebercier1682]

If you need help join BC Whiskey Wizards. Superlative group of people dedicated to going above and beyond the call.

[@randallsmodernlife]

I’ll look into it, thanks!