Transmissions are just about the only thing I will not touch on my truck (or any vehicle.) Although the time has come for it to be fixed. The torque converter for sure is gone, but second gear is obviously a problem. My truck kinda goes when you start giving it a moderate amount of throttle, it goes pretty well when you floor it. When it hits second gear, the classic "my car revs but don't go nowhurr" situation occurs. I'm not sure about 3rd+ gears because I don't take it up there anymore... why put the lighter to the dynamite again when it's already lit?

I am mechanically inclined, but I have never really worked on a transmission and am stuck between 3 options, I won't even consider the 4th. I can:

1. Pay extra money to diagnose and fix the problem at a shop
2. Buy a new/refurbished transmission from a reputable source and install or have it installed for a bit more cash dollars
3. Get a used transmission from eBay or junkyard (bad idea, yes)
4. Get rid of the truck (why'd i even mention this? it's not gonna happen)

What is the best course of action in this situation? Are automatic transmissions THAT hard to fix if you mostly know what you're doing? I have another vehicle to tide me through until I fix this problem, but I want to fix it soon, and I really don't want/have the money right yet to spend on someone else doing the work.

My best thought of what to do is this: Take it to a good tranny shop, have them charge me the $200 or so to remove, diagnose and Maybe re-install the transmission... when they tell me what's wrong, I would have a better understanding of what I need to fix (as long as they tell me the truth....) Is that a good idea?

It's a 1991 4.9L I6 w/E40D tranny and thanks in advance for at least reading the entire post, thanks x2 for any responses (even the ones that tell me my mother doesn't love me anymore, etc.)

 

rebuilt- no question about it just do it. get one with a decent warranty and dont forget to replace the oil to air cooler and flush the lines.

 

x2 on rebuilt. my local shop here has great deals on rebuilt trannys that come with some pretty nice warranties.

 

check jasper engines and transmissions
they have a 3 year/100k miles warranty coast to coast and pay full labor
on warranty repairs or exchanges.
they cost alittle more than other national chains that
only offer a 12 month/12k miles warranty

http://www.jasperengines.com/

your tranny list out at 2207.00
and a dealer cost of 1766.00

so try to find a jasper dealer/ installer in your area that will give you his price or knock off a couple of hundred off list...

i have installed hundreds of their motors and transmissions ..they have gr8 products and always stand behind them if you have a problem.. not that you will but its nice to know if you do they will stand behind it