I have a 2006 F-150 5.4L 4x4 Lariat. She has 86k miles. I bought her from the dealership used with 47k miles and I have gotten every bit of service done on time at the dealership.

I was driving home on Friday and came to a red light, when I tried to take off it was as if I was in Neutral. My 'O/D Off' began flashing and the computer read 'Transmission Failure'. I was able to limp home, by driving it like a manual trans, starting off in 1 and shifting up from there.

I took it back to the dealership to take a look at, and the preliminary results aren't looking good. They want $700-800 (8 hours) to drop the trannie and take a look. they told me that it has a Trans Fault code, and what they also think is a 'Forward Clutch Failure'. The dealership is guessing that I'm looking at $2500-$3000, if i'm lucky.

1. Am I getting robbed by the dealership (who never in any service visit, which i do every 3k miles religiously, has ever mentioned getting a transmission flush or service)?

2. Does anyone know of a good Ford and/or Transmission shop in North Atlanta that they would recommend?

3. I have seen alot of similar posts in the past and it seems like the consensus was to buy a new 'used' transmission and have it installed, for much cheaper than allowing Ford to rebuild/repair the original. Any thoughts? Or does anyone know where to look to buy a used transmission?

 

Does manual 1st still work properly though? Because unless I'm wrong the forward clutch is used as well as the reverse band to achieve manual 1st gear.

So if 1st still works correctly in manual it makes no sense that the forward clutch doesn't work anywhere but there.

- Erik

 

1st will let me slowly start rolling, 2nd seems non-existent, then 'Drive' allows me to sustain about 25 mph up to 50mph, but heaven forbid i have to slow way down or stop. So does the problem sound familiar? do you think the dealership is possibly adding on unnecessary repairs?

 

If you need a rebuilt tranny, check this place out:

http://www.monstertransmissions.com/

When my tranny gives up the ghost, I am buying from here.

Good Luck!

 

Yeah, the forward clutch is used in all forward gears except OD, including manual 1st and 2nd. So forward clutch failure is possible.

If it's not working properly in all forward gears then yeah, it sounds like that would be your problem as its the only thing all of the gears have in common.

You probably need a rebuild, in which case look around and see what you can find. Maybe get estimates around town at local shops.

- Erik

 

Kinda pricey for what they are in my opinion. Never seen any of their stuff in high power vehicles either.

Darrin

 

I spoke with Jason at StreetSmart Transmissions

www.streetsmarttransatlanta.com

They offer a $888 rebuild, which includes teardown, rebuild, clutches, etc. I believe it comes with a 12mos-12k mile guarantee, but have option to double that for a fee. They also offer free towing if they do the work. This group seems to be a site sponsor/advertiser, so I would imagine they are pretty reputable. Turnaround time is 2-3 days.

Has anyone ever used one of their shops? Anything I need to ask before commiting?

Thanks for your help guys.

 

I know exactly nothing about them at all. Which, being that they have been in business that long, might not be a bad thing.

I would start by looking on the internet for feedback. You can also check the BBB records for their area.

Darrin

 

There's always a Ford crate reman, which comes with a 3 year/100k mile warranty. That's probably going to be 3 grand though.

 

Check this place out: http://www.fordreman.com/ . The sell motorcraft rebuilds for $1600.00 includes shipping. 3 year 100k Warranty, no other dealer can match this price.

 

i work at a shop in marietta if you want me to get a price for you. i would say 18-24 would be about what it would cost tho for a rebuild. pm me if you want more info

 

I was told that I need a new input drum, they have to replace the torque converter, replace the forward sprag, and a washer kit.

All and all including labor he is quoting me $1947.

Any suggestions?

 

Honestly about an average price for a quality stock rebuild including a torque converter and labor. Who is this that would be doing the work?

Darrin

 

Actually it would be the ad below...

Ads by Google
Transmission Rebuild $888
Free Rental Car / $888 and up 4 Atlanta Locations / Family Owned
StreetSmartTransAtlanta. com


It's more than I was hoping to spend, but it's still considerably less than the Ford dealership quoted me.

 

When the price gets up that high, I'd seriously consider the Ford crate reman to get a much longer warranty.