Rebuid or trade up? transmission advice needed

bluedog225 · 11-30-2010, 08:49 PM

I'd appreciate some advice.

I've got a 1995 E250, 2wd, pop top, with about 110,000 miles. The transmission is starting to slip pretty badly. The engine seems strong (5.8) and doesn't eat oil. I've got a new alternator, water pump, plugs, wires (etc), and new radiator. I've repainted, installed sway bars, underfloor storage, a nice rack, side ladder, and am pretty happy with the overall rig.

I am looking for some opinions on whether to drop some money on this van or trade up to a newer model (about 2005) and move all the SMB stuff over.

Specifically, I am thinking of a tranny rebuild. (I may also get quotes on a limited slip or locking differential and replacing with a full floater.

I had a coworker just go through a rear differential rebuild on his 1995 suburban. After 3 tries, they got it right but it was so discouraging and pricey for him that he sold the car.

I don't know much about transmission rebuilds and want to avoid a bad experience. Other than just saying "rebuild it" are there items/parts I can specify that would give me better service? I hear about "bullet proof" rebuilds but don't know the particulars of what to ask for.

Does anyone know what specifics to ask for? I hate to be at the complete mercy of the shop and I'd like to shop around for bids using the correct terminology.

Or is 110,000 enough to ask of this old soldier? I've seen several van ads that read "new transmission, engine dead."

Many thanks.

Tom

**BroncoHauler** · 11-30-2010, 08:53 PM

My only advice is to avoid Aamco like the plague!

spurious · 11-30-2010, 09:10 PM

The transmission is the weak link in the vans. Nothing is saying you get a new van and don't have a trans issue?. At least you know what you have. I have done two transmissions in two months in both my vans.

I wouldn't give up on what you got it sounds solid otherwise!

Nomadcat · 11-30-2010, 09:26 PM

There are two places I am looking at - far ahead, hopefully - to pre-emptively rebuild my tranny one day.

1. http://www.phoenixtrans.com/ they just got a writeup in Off-Road Magazine

2. http://www.atsdiesel.com/ats2/index.asp? this is for diesel vehicles, but they got a great writeup in another magazine. Too bad I'm a gasser.

bluedog225 · 12-01-2010, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

My only advice is to avoid Aamco like the plague!

Willing to share any specifics? One decision is whether to go with a national chain for the national warranty work availability or with someone local. I was thinking of an amco type shop. Curious how they messed up.

Thanks

yvrr · 12-01-2010, 07:41 AM

Do a Google search for "aamco attorney general" and you will turn up a number of problems such as:

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-4659906.html

carringb · 12-01-2010, 07:59 AM

I would also suggest avoiding Aamco.

I actually recommend getting a Ford reman. The price is competitive, and comes with warranty, and will be built with all the 4R100 upgrades.

No matter which shop you use, be sure it does get the upgrades done.

I had my '94 trans rebuilt by a local shop. It did let the rear seal go while off-roading in about 3' of snow about 6 months later, but the Ford dealer it was towed to just replaced the seal, and I never has a problem after that.

**WVvan** · 12-01-2010, 09:43 AM

I did some research on this topic before I bought my van. I don't have specific numbers but it's not unusual for Ford van's to get replacement transmissions after 80,000 miles. My van was over that when I bought it and sure enough it had a rebuilt transmission. So your transmission lasted longer that a lot of other vans.

If everything else on the van is OK I'd just replace/repair/rebuilt it. Then you should be good for at least another 80,000 miles. The main thing is to find a shop that has a good rep.

My limited slip differential thread: http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...php?f=5&t=3822

bluedog225 · 12-01-2010, 12:12 PM

Thanks everyone.

Just FYI. I had several people in another forum strongly recommend a rebuilt Jasper transmission.

Silver350 · 12-01-2010, 01:49 PM

I certainly would not start with another used van at this point unless yours is badly rusted. A new transmission now or even a new motor down the road is nothing in comparison to 30% depreciation once you drive a new one off the lot or fixing a rusted used one or buying another used one not knowing what you have.

Buy a quality rebuild and make sure you change the fluid regularly.