I am curious. There are multiple comments regarding transmission problems and clearly some folks are spending major dollars for transmissions assembled by specialty builders.

Clearly all transmissions can't be failing or at least failing prematurely. I wonder if Mark K or perhaps a tech based on experience has a sense of average lifespan. If half the 7.3s last beyond 300,000 miles without a major overhaul, what percentage of transmissions do the same?

Steve

 

I have no real data. From what I've observed I estimate that the average 4R100 lasts about 250,000 miles. Some less, some more.

 

One variable we need to clear up is what defines a "failure" are we classifying a failed grand (point of major haul or worse) at a state where it's complete failure or are we looking at tramsmissions that need a major part (think like torque converter) replaced? What is the definition of "failure your wanting as you might consider a failure as something different from me.

 

Mine went at 119 k. I know personally the dude I bought it from and he maintained it well (as logged).

My torque converter came apart and sent the message thru til death did it parts!!!

Denny

 

As long as we have Mark's attention?? What is your take on the "tugger" kit and Torque convo???

The surgeon told me that it was the best thing going so I opted for that upgrade. Was it an upgrade or did I just buy girl-scout cookies instead of making my own???

Thanx

Denny

 

I am approaching 245k on this truck and the tranny has never been dropped. Major tranny upgrade dollars are essential if you are running extra ponies and still want the durability. These transmissions behind a stock 7.3 are fairly bulletproof with good maintenance.

 

I don't know enough about either one to have an opinion.

 

For what it's worth my 02 is at 249,000 and still going strong, I carry heavy but do not tow heavy, I do a complete trans flush every 15,000 miles. Got my fingers & toes crossed.
Ed

 

That information would be difficult to extrapolate even if data could be compiled. The 4R100 gets a bad rap. What people miss most is there were somewhere around 2,000,000 7.3's put into circulation.

1. Let's just surmise about half were Automatics.

2. Consider that the 7.3L DIT has been one of the most longest lasting and mile consuming Engines put into a passenger Truck platform.

3. Realize the availability of Cores of the 4R100 are difficult to come by. And, it was the first of it's predecessors to be totally electronically controlled.

I would say the 4R100 is a workhorse that is still pushing the 7.3L down the road. The 4R100 is perhaps the longest lasting least failure rate of almost any other Transmission for it's application.

But, be that as it is, mechanical parts eventually wear out. Clutch surfaces eventually become bare, and if abused failure is a certainty rather than an exception.

 

2 in 16 years for me. 1 completely my fault, 1 a freak break covered under warranty.

 

The reason for my question is simply that it seems the standard manta is "the transmission is the weak sister of the 7.3 drive train". So I have often wondered is that true and if it is how weak is it.

I run stock and intend to continue to run stock. I tow, but not heavy. I tend to baby my equipment, and I change my fluid every two years or about 12,000 to 15,000 miles. I have a 6.0 cooler in place and watch my temps, which are never high.I invest n new parts before old ones break and was simply wondering how to gauge the likely lifespan of my transmission.

 

The only thing I have done to my truck was replace the TC that was rattling like a washing machine full of marbles, that was around 440,000 (don't remember exactly what the mileage was) as well as fluid and filter change

 

at the old job we had over 30 7.3 powered trucks that all had over 600,000 miles on them and only had fluid service at 30,000 miles.
there ts a guy down the street that never does trans service and never got over 90,000 miles out of a trans in his 01 powerstroke. after the third one went he traded the truck for a dodge.
that is now on it's 5th trans in 8 years.

 

The transmission in my truck was replaced/rebuilt at 120K miles (original owner). I bought the truck with 146K on the odometer and have done nothing but routine flushes to it since I've had it (okay, maybe I added a valve body too). I'm at almost 300K miles and the tranny has been trouble-free (knock on wood).

 

Mine is a mid '01 that was rebuilt at ~40K due to the "one way diode" failure, but now has 170K with no issues.