I talked to a couple shops today and found that I can get the transmission rebuilt for $23-2500 or I can have Ford put in a re-manufactured unit for $3100. All the shops had a warranty of around 12 months and 12k miles while the Ford unit has their 3 year unlimited warranty. There doesn't seem to be any Jasper transmission installers anywhere near me (I'll call sometime later to verify), otherwise I would go that route. I would love a BTS or equivalent but the cost puts that out of the picture. I won't tow often but I do plan to get 285/70/18 KM2's so it will have more tire weight than stock. Which is the best option? Are there alternatives I haven't thought of?

 

Cheapest may be a salvage, best is something like this;

Level 10 PTS Valvebody E4OD,4R100,5R110 TORQUE SHIFT,5R55E,5R55S,5R55W,AOD,AODE,4R7OW,4R75W

 

Is that for the reman unit installed or just the trans with you putting it in?

 

That's for parts and installation of the trans, tc, and a new cooler along with flushing the lines. The parts from ford came to right under $2200 so for the extra $900 I'd let them install it.

 

See if you can get them to help you out a little on it. If you're realistic about it you may get a better deal. It makes way more business sense to make 200 less profit than to let the job go somewhere else altogether. I would see if they would be willing to adjust labor rate or give you wholesale parts price and get the cost to around $2800. I know the manager at the dealership here in town will work with people on bigger jobs like that.

 

I talked to Jasper and one of their recommended installers. I can get the Jasper transmission for $2045 shipped, $139.99 for a tru-cool trans cooler then $900 for installation. I'm leaning toward this over rebuilt or ford.

 

Is the Jasper warranty better than Ford?

 

Essentially the same, Jasper has 3 years or 100k, Ford has 3 years unlimited miles. Both cover labor but I won't drive 100k in 3 years.

 

honestly, i would go with Ford's. i dont trust anything with the Jasper name attached to them. i have heard nothing but bad about them

 

I have no experience with Jasper but would trust the Ford more as well. Especially if an issue was to arise. I would have more confidence in the warranty from Ford.

 

I am not sure where you live but I had mine rebuilt @ quality transmission in Tupelo, MS for $1500. Comes with a 12mo 12k mile warranty. I think your price is a little on the high side.

 

I think that the $900 to install sounds high. I have done a 98' 2WD a few times now and can do the job with help easily in 4 hours plus fluid. Seems like the job should be closer to $450-$500 Can anyone else comment here? Am i missing something or is this really a 8-9 hour job?

 

Most of the shops I talked to about just installation or who mentioned it were around $900. The only thing I can think of is all included changing the cooler and flushing the lines. It's also a 4x4 so there is the transfer case to deal with.

 

I stand corrected. If several shops quote the same ballpark this must be a more involved job than my experience i did not replace cooler and did not have a transfer case to contend with. The three I've done have all been 2wd and straight forward. I agree with CB_13 on going the Ford factory rebuild route. I would think you would be covered at any dealership, for at least parts, if your on the road out of town and you have a problem. Last time I went with Ford for a rebuilt tranny on my 98' it was priced close to most aftermarket rebuilds. Mine came with an inline filter that needed to be installed in order to validate warranty. Good Luck!

 

Parts and labor at any dealership through the ford warranty. I don't think they require the inline filter anymore on most trans. There is a new heated flush machine that supposedly makes it not necessary. Unsure of the exact details on that though.