Hello,
Since my wings are going to be clipped for a whole month this summer (student, current lease expires in August + new lease doesn't start until September), I'm planning to do some upgrades on my 1996 2WD 4 dr X which I bought used w/ 110000 mi. Right now, the trans seems kind of weak in reverse, and it takes a good 4-7 seconds to shift into R. First, is this normal? I've never had a vehicle that took so long to shift into reverse. I might note that when I got the vehicle I changed the trans fluid (routine) and the previous owner didn't appear to have changed it ever. The fluid was like coffee.
So I have the idea of rebuilding the transmission this summer, since I won't need it for a month anyway. Has anyone done this before, and does anyone know of a good supplier for high quality parts? Ideally, I'd like to put the best parts I can get in there and not have to use multiple suppliers. The Ranger Station says I should get these parts as well: forward one-way clutch (always), overdrive drum (stamped tin, replace if out of round or heat damaged), pump (Ford only, rebuilds are prone to failure), and the converter (get the better converter). How much are we talking about here? Thanks!