I need some advice on a new transmission (I think). This morning, I noticed that there was a noise coming from the tranny when it was in overdrive, so I just turned OD off. I made a trip to Lowes (5 miles) and the tranny went to crap. It seemed like it was not downshifting into first at stoplights, and I verified that it wasnt. I got to lowes and put the gear selector in 1 and there was a hard jerk and a bunch of noise (grinding). I did a bad thing and drove it home and it was grinding the whole way, but got progressively worse. I got home and it just stopped going forward.

With all that, I need options.

1. Should I trust a local tranny guy to rebuild it.
2. Should I buy a used one from the junk yard.
3. Should I get one from FORD.
4. Should I buy one from a trustworthy internet retailer.

I really am open to suggestions. I also need to know if I need/should replace the torque converter and cooler(s).

 

The tranny in my 01 screw did pretty much the same thing - almost exactly (at 80K miles). Options? I think only you can make that choice. With the exception of #2 - I think they are all viable. I went with the local rebuilder - cost $1800 - 3 year unlimited mile warranty. Was w/o truck for 5 days. Seems as good as new - maybe better.

Good Luck,

 

I went with a local guy for mine, asked around and got a really well recommended shop. Ended up being $1500+ tax, which included a new torque converter and planetary gearset. i was without my truck for 8 days, but they only worked on it for 2. they told me when i dropped it off that they probably wouldnt be able to work in it for 7 days because they were so busy. the next monday i called them and they said they had just got it, out, they called me the next day and said it was done.they had my tranny in, rebuilt, and out in 2 days. came with a warranty and free towservice.

 

is it a 4r70w or 4r100? i don't know much about the newer models but i found a guy down here that sells rebuilt tranny's with free shipping too. for a 4r70w i think was around $1300 for a stock replacement, and up to $1900 for a high performance. and includes torque converter... here's his Ebay link. i may consider him for when i have the cash to get mine done...

 

I am having the wrecker pick it up tomorrow to take it to the shop. I found a guy here in town that I have talked to and went and visited his shop just to look around. He was telling me about all of the things he does to the tranny for the rebuild and he seems like he knows what he is doing. Total bill of $1800.00 out the door. He said that that includes all new internals and torque converter. We will see how it turns out. Warranty for 2 years and a 3 day turn around time.

I did forget to mention that it is a 4R70W.

 

Sure enough, it was the transmission. The planetary gears were chewed all to pieces. The rebuilder said it was caused by a bearing failure.

Anyway, I got it fixed and am now driving it. Seems to be working fine. Has a good solid upshift from 1 to 2. I had the rebuilder fill it with royal purple tranny fluid. Probably overkill, but it makes me feel better. I have a 2 year 24k warranty on it so I should be in good shape.

Total cost $1916.85. OUCH!!!!!!