6th Transmission

richwashko · #1 12-10-2002, 04:51 PM

I have a 1997 F150 Lariat 4.6l automatic with 96000 miles. The truck is all stock. The trans failed with 82000 miles. Took it to local cottman and had it rebuilt. It lasted 11000 miles. Since then they had it out 5 more times. It is in there right now. I'm getting tired of not having a vehicle. Anyway, looked for a source for a remanufactured trans. Apparently jegs no longer supplies one. Anyone have any suggestions to get a good transmission. Cottman fixes it for free but that don't help when you lose your vehicle for 6 weeks a year.

I can install a trans myself just need a source before I drive my truck through the front window of the trans shop.

Register today or sign-in to remove these ads!

f150intally · #2 12-10-2002, 05:41 PM

Try Art Carr. They will custom build you one to suit your needs. They are supposedly one of the best builders. And reasonably priced.

P.S., Cottman recently rebuilt my transmission and I've had no problems. Do you think they (at your local shop) don't know what they are doing or what?

Mark Kovalsky · #3 12-10-2002, 08:22 PM

Did they replace the transmission coolers? With six failures the coolers are probably plugged with transmission debris. I'll bet ANY transmission you install with those coolers is going to fail.

richwashko · #4 12-10-2002, 10:25 PM

I suggested things to the tranny shop they look at me like I am an Idiot. Another cottman told me about the cooler (tried taking it there but wasn't allowed to to be covered under warranty). If they don't want to lsten they will just keep fixing it. Its about out of warranty so thats why I am looking for a good replacement. (heard bad things about ford reman)
Also theyuse a universal ATF. maybe it really needs the mercon??

Mark Kovalsky · #5 12-10-2002, 11:59 PM

For that transmission you want to use MERCON V, but most universal ATFs have a MERCON V rating, so that should be fine.

But if the coolers are plugged, or are sending debris back into the new transmission it doesn't matter what fluid you use. It will fail.

Flushing the cooler is better than not flushing them, but it cannot get everything out.

JBRIII · #6 12-11-2002, 09:34 AM

Mark,

Is this where an external filter after the cooler would be beneficial?

John

Mark Kovalsky · #7 12-11-2002, 12:07 PM

Yes, unless there is enough junk in the cooler to plug it. If the flow is still good, and there is a test in the shop manual for that, an inline filer in the return line is VERY important.

JBRIII · #8 12-11-2002, 12:29 PM

Is there a way for the owner to test and see if there's a blockage? I don't have a shop manual, but the Chilton doesn't say anything about it.

Thanks,

John

AB · #9 12-11-2002, 01:08 PM

just for fun:

1. http://search.ebay.com/search/search...rt&query=4R70W

2. http://www.transonline.com/ "Auto transmissions" on the left pane

3. http://www.netgearhead.com/

4. http://www.txchange.com/trans.htm

Alex.

Mark Kovalsky · #10 12-11-2002, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JBRIII
Is there a way for the owner to test and see if there's a blockage? I don't have a shop manual, but the Chilton doesn't say anything about it.

I don't have a copy of the manual, either. The test involves removing a cooler line and measuring the flow in a specified time. Chilton's is too basic of a manual to have this test.

richwashko · #11 12-11-2002, 03:43 PM

Interesting. Thanks AB didn't even think of ebay. Looks like when I get my truck (been a week and a half) back I will check the cooler and install a in line filter. Plan on keeping the truck for a while yet so this is a small investment.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

Dias3 · #12 12-12-2002, 12:40 PM

Try www.jasperengines.com

spaceman12321 · #13 12-13-2002, 03:49 AM

Don't know who to recomend for a rebuilt tranny. Personally I think aamco, cottman etc sucks. Anybody smart enough to put a tranny together right wont be working at a chain place like that, they have thier own shop. Ask around and find a good reputable independent shop that has been in business for years. They should have to whipe their hands clean before they take your keys if they know what they are doing.

richwashko · #14 12-13-2002, 10:18 AM

It continues, Got a call from them this morning and they said they are going to have to charge me since they think it is electronic and that is not covered by the warranty. They "think" it is the solenoids. I will know a price later on today. Monday I start my third week without a truck.

The reason I chose cottman is I just moved to the area and didn't know of any reputable small shops. Unfortunately about a week after I got my truck back for the first time I heard on the radio a local shop that gives a lifetime warranty on their transmissions.

As for now Jasper is looking the best as soon as my warranty is up and the tranny goes I think I will go that route. Simply since I have so much money in it now between the origional rebuild, the extended warranty, and then theres a $100.00 deductable.

JBRIII · #15 12-13-2002, 11:26 AM

There may be some other options, although Jasper has a great warranty nad the price looks good. I had to have the tranny done in the taurus I had before the F150. Should've gone with Jasper. The extra $500 would've been easily worth it. 6k into the rebuild my case developed a crack. It was a nightmare, no one taking responsibilty and it would've cost me 2k in legqal fees to get 3k back. Cold weld and a trade in.

You may also want to check out the following as they are great Perormance Tranny's. A little pricier, but you know they know how to build em.

www.performanceautomatic.com
www.lentechautomatics.com

I have the valve body from PA in mine and I love it.

Just wanted to throw in a few more options.