Opinions wanted - repair or replace truck

[rtimgray]

Thanks for the comments guys. I don't think I do enough pulling of hay trailers to either hurt the transmission or necessarily warrant a 3/4 ton - I would just kind of like one.

I just got back from a small car lot - they have a 1994 Ford F250 gas 4x4 extended cab, 14x,000 miles for $4,000. It is cosmetically the equivalent of my current truck - not perfect, not awful. Did not have a chance to hear it run - it had a dead battery. They will put a new battery on it this weekend and I can drive it on Monday. Any thoughts about how that would equate into this situation?

Thanks.

 

[imgone52]

An old time RVer told me that there are two important facts to keep in mind for automatic transmissions that work hard, keep the fluid as cool as possible and change fluid and filter frequently. I would be interested in knowing what your truck has for a transmission cooler and also at what interval you service the transmission.

 

[rtimgray]

It does have a cooler, that leaks just a little (less than a quart per year).

I have never had the transmission serviced (think that might be part of the problem?).

When I first bought the truck, it had a torque converter issue and the dealer I bought it from fixed that and serviced the transmission. After that, I did nothing until the tranny failed the first time.

Thanks.

 

[Jstpssng]

The last time I replaced a transmission I had a MR Goodwrench rebuild installed, with a 5yr or 50K mile warranty, for $1700. I'm not sure if Chrysler offers anything similar or not. Then again that Ford sounds like a good idea.


Newer trucks have a temp guage for the tranny fluid... an idea that's about 40 years overdue. I now know why I've gone through so many trannies over the years... it doesn't take much work to get it up over 200 degrees, which starts to break the fluid down.

 

[SandburRanch]

I just got back from a small car lot - they have a 1994 Ford F250 gas 4x4 extended cab, 14x,000 miles for $4,000. It is cosmetically the equivalent of my current truck - not perfect, not awful. Did not have a chance to hear it run - it had a dead battery. They will put a new battery on it this weekend and I can drive it on Monday. Any thoughts about how that would equate into this situation?

Thanks.

Bad idea. Not that ford is any worse or better than dodge but you would be heading back in the same direction as you started with your 97 and that, according to your OP, hasn't been a pleasant experience .

 

[rtimgray]

Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. The Dodge is the devil I know vs. the devil I don't.

 

[dodge man]

I agree, stay away from the Ford. It doesn't really sound any better than your current ride, other than the fact its a 3/4 ton.

 

[tech141]

My brother did this with his and they beefed the components up a bit; cost him a little more, but he felt it was worth it.

TripleR hit the nail on the head. Beefup the tranny rebuild, and maybe look into beefing up the suspension as well. That'll do ya.

 

[chucko]

"Newer trucks have a temp guage for the tranny fluid... "
make sure it is a real gauge. my 04 6.0 powerstroker has what looks like a gauge but after reading up on it I found it is really just like a light meaning if does not very with the temp. just goes to read when it gets hot

 

[crashz]

Have your transmission shop upgraded for towing like said above. Also, there is an upgrade to allow the pump to continue to re-circulate fluid while in park. This helps cool the fluid after a hot run. Or leave the truck in neutral and let it idle for a bit.

A deep pan with a drain plug, transmission temp gauge and a new aftermarket cooler is needed. Bypass the stock one, or get a new radiator and include the stock cooler. The previously failed transmissions have deposited bits of clutch, metal and other nastiness in the stock cooler, which may have lead to the failure of your rebuild. Don't forget the cooler lines as well, though these are easy to flush clean. The coolers do not flush clean.

When you use the truck, keep an eye on trans temps, check the fluid level and condition often and don't be afraid to change the fluid often either. With a drain plug on the pan, you can change out the pan contents (about 1/4 of the total amount) at each oil change. This help keep the fluid clean with fresh additives. As stated above, temps above 200 degrees will cause the fluid to form varnish. If you see temps above 200 on a regular basis, you cooling is insuficient. Occasional dips above 200 will be OK, but be sure to drain and fill the fluid often.