HCJ
Silver Member
UGH. I remember those days. I feel your pain. I spent over $10,000 in the 90's rebuilding Ford transmissions. My advice would be to go to someone like BTS, Suncoast, monsterbox, etc. and get a better transmission from them. They make custom built trannies for guys that have Ford diesels that tow heavier loads. You may not want to hear this, but stock ford transmissions were junk and that's why there's dozens of Ford aftermarket transmissions companies. Don't go to Ford, you'll get a reman that'll puke again in 25-50K miles. My mason lost his trans in his '97 F-350 at 70K. He got a reman and that took a dump at ~100K miles.
The difference with the aftermarket guys are that they can install heavy billet converters, with more clutch material, a deeper pan for more fluid capacity and a shift kit to get rid of that long slipping shift pattern.
They don't cost much more, usually about the same as a ford reman stock trans.
Once I equipped my Fords with aftermarket transmissions built by people who know the difference between a diesel truck transmission and a passenger car transmission, I had no problems. I think once you get a quality built trans, you like the way your truck drives a lot more and save a lot of money compared to buying a new (used) truck.
Interesting. I just did a search for these aftermarket transmissions and learned a lot. I never had any idea that my transmission mechanic had any other choice but to "fix" my Ford transmission. The Suncoast looks pretty promising. I will talk to my shop tomorrow and see what he has to say. He was breaking down the trans today, said he found excessive metal inside, and did not like the way the shift into third was snapping. He did not think it was electrical but a mechanical issue. I will post what he has to offer. And yes, I have two names since I post from home and office, but they are both me. I know that's a no/no but I can't seem to be able to change it. And thanks, guys, for talking me out of looking for a new truck. It does make sense to fix this one, especially considering an aftermarket transmission would probably be better than what I had. Out of curiousity, what would a remanufactured engine (7.3 powerstroke) set me back? The advice about restoring the entire drivetrain rather than buy another used truck makes sense. I guess there is no advantage doing this now as long as my engine is functional.
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