Transmission Rebuild - When/Where?

SierraHawk · 07-18-2010, 07:15 PM

I have an '03 SMB 4X4 with 27,000 mi. Drove over Tioga Pass and noticed some slipping when in 2nd.
Has anyone had to have a transmission rebuilt?
At how many miles?
Did you go to a dealer or a local transmission shop?
Any upgrades available on a rebuild that you would recommend?
What does it cost to have the transmission rebuilt?

Thanks for any info in advance.

Ford_6L_E350 · 07-18-2010, 07:21 PM

Tell us more about the slippage you noticed.

What happened? What were the conditions under which it happened?

Speed, uphill, downhill, rpm's, throttle and more if you can.

Mike

carringb · 07-18-2010, 07:39 PM

Are you sure it wasn't the torque converter locking and unlocking? Even when locked in 2nd, it's state will change depending on speed and throttle.

I have 288,000 miles on my 4r100, and did Tioga Pass last month, both ways, hauling close to 15,000 pounds in, on, and behind the van (over 22,000 altogether). No transmission problems ever.

**WVvan** · 07-18-2010, 08:03 PM

A lot of Ford vans get a transmission rebuild around 80,000 miles. 27,000 seems pretty early.

SierraHawk · 07-18-2010, 08:27 PM

Big apology...it is 127,000 mi

SierraHawk · 07-18-2010, 08:38 PM

carringb - Thanks for the info. When in 2nd or 3rd gear and under load there is a pitch change in the sound of the engine if the throttle is not open fully. I always switch the OD off when driving in the hills. At times we tow a trailer. So far the van runs OK. I really don't know whether it is the trans slipping or the torque converter. Anything I can do to determine if it is the torque converter or transmission and whether either needs to be repaired?

SierraHawk · 07-18-2010, 08:47 PM

Mike - I've noticed the sound change over the past several months. It only happens when I am going up a very steep grade. Generally I am in 2nd gear. If the throttle is wide open it won't do it until I am at mid to low RPM (sorry no tach). I do not feel the van either slow down or surge - I just hear a change in the sound (pitch - hi to low and then back to hi) of the engine. I don't think that it is the fan but I could be convinced otherwise.

Bones_GSXR · 07-19-2010, 01:06 AM

Had to do the trans in my Quigley at 67,000mi.

Ford_6L_E350 · 07-19-2010, 09:33 AM

You may not have a transmission problem.

I'd suggest you get a ScanGuage or similar and monitor RPM's, coolant and transmission temps. You may discover the RPM's don't change when you hear the pitch change (not a trans issue), it may happen at a specific coolant temp (my fan comes on at 215). Or, you may verify that you have a trans problem.

Good luck,

Mike

carringb · 07-19-2010, 10:19 AM

Your description very much sounds like the torque converter unlocking. Even at full throttle, it will unlock the torque converter below a preset speed (on my van is about 42 mph). Also the engine pitch will change as the AC compressor comes on and off.