Bought a 97 F150 4x4 with broken 4.6L, going to replace. Truck has 213K on it. Should I pull the tranny (automatic) and have it gone through since I'm in that deep? How many miles is this tranny good for? Pulled dip stick, fluid looks great, no heat marks on dip stick.

 

If it was me, and I had the money, I would have it gone through just to be safe. That is quite a few miles on it.

 

I was leaning that way but wasnt sure how many miles these transmissions are good for? Money puts me behind on project, had budget for engine
! Tires and dual exhaust. Guessing another grand for tranny?

 

I'd take a chance and leave the tranny alone. It's no big deal pulling it back out later for a rebuild if necessary. I've seen them last a lot longer than that if well maintained.

 

Chances are that it has been rebuilt at some time. If money is tight, I suggest giving it a try and see if it works ok.

 

I might roll the dice and leave it alone ? Pulled dipstick, fluid looks good, no burnt smell or any signs of heat on the stick. Not sure if any of these things are solid enough to make the call on? Time will tell. Thanks for all the input! I'm sure this is just the begining of questions, first time in this deep on a ford.

 

If a new tranny costs "X" and you're gonna spend even 25% (if not 40% or more) to have it taken out and gone through, I'd just leave it alone. Each truck, engine, and transmission is different and it very likely could not even be the original, so by number crunching alone, I'd leave it.

 

Cant argue with the math! Thanks for the feedback.

 

I hope the truck is good to you once you get her all patched up and in service

 

Thanks! First time I bought anything I couldn't test drive or at least hear it run?

 

Haha I'm sure you were a bit skeptical, but that's how ya got a good deal on it (or so I hope!). Long live the man that takes on some extra work to save a buck

 

Thanks! If all goes well with the engine (basic rebuild I hope), new tires and exhaust. I will be under 3 grand. Which is about 2 grand less then anything I found with 180, 000 plus and lots of rust or tons of body work.

 

Oh dang, that's pretty darn good! I've got my fingers crossed for ya

 

If you haven replaced engine yet I would consider a 5.4 swap.

 

What all would I have to change to go with 5.4? Other then more hp what would the plus be? Im fairly new to ford so open to sugestions. Is the 5.4 a better long term, what kind of mpg.