First, is the fluid level full? Sounds silly but a buddy installed a tranny and towed it to have them tell him it was about 6 qts low (new trans install). hahahahaa
If that's good consider changing the filter (screen), drain the converter, and most of the ATF. Fill 'er back up and
Do you have/have access to an Ohm meter? If so shoot me an email and I'll attach the way to test the solenoids in the tranny. I believe there are 4 of them (shift 1, shift 2, converter lockup, converter coast). Should take ya about an hour.
$1700 to run through an E4OD isn't totally off base but I've seen quality builds for $1000 locally...I scooped up one from a '92 E150 for $50 (yes $50) that's got 6K on it since rebuild.
I still am looking for a few extra 4x4 E4OD cores!
The E4OD isn't the best of trannies stock but can be a bad motha' when worked up by the proper person...
Keep your eyes peeled for deals, they are out there.
