Howdy y'all,
I'm still looking for a 7.3 and I found a really nice one. It's a 96 and its got 226k miles. I won't be able to get my eyes on it until Thursday morning, but one thing I am wondering is what kind of transmission problems start happening around that mileage? I'm well aware that the engine won't (or at least shouldn't) have problems at that mileage. I also know the E40D is an expensive unit to repair/rebuild, so I'd appreciate some input. If it means anything, he's got Banks TransCommand installed, as well as a few other Banks upgrades I believe. Other than that, all stock. Thanks for any advice.

 

E4OD is not too bad to rebuild- a little common sense & good parts availability, and it is pretty easy... You can even build the "special" tools rather easily...

I just rebuilt mine, and it was no problem... First auto trans I ever rebuilt. I do recommend a TransGo "Tugger" kit, as well as a good overhaul kit...

Scott



Scott

 

How much did it end up costing you total? Also, did you have to pull the whole trans out, or were you able to do so with it still attached? I've never built/rebuilt a trans before, so forgive my ignorance

 

I did a full overhaul- I replaced things like the overdrive, forward & reverse planetary gear sets, etc, which a 96 should already have the upgraded versions of... The rebuild kit itself, with all the clutches, gaskets, small parts, etc. was around $200, and the TransGo kit another $100 or so... I did a bit of E-bay buying, and also Rock Auto purchases, so I saved where I could. And I did a full teardown, so I did have to pull the transmission: pretty simple, actually... I only used ramps & a Harbor Freight tranny jack to get it out. I haven't put it back yet as i am still rebuilding my engine.

Scott

 

Do you think a pre-purchase inspection would catch that? I plan on getting it inspected first before buying, but I'm curious to know if they would be able to see any tell-tale signs of failure

 

Drive it and see if it feels like its slipping or not.

If it goes into each gear positively, and you feel the torque converter lock up, it's probably fine.

 

The best thing you can do is check how the truck shifts when properly warmed up.
Does it shift smoothly? Too harsh? Is there any rpm flare between shifts?
Does the torque converter lockup smooth and without any shuddering? Tc lockup is occurs at 43 mph, note how it engages and disengages.
When in park, note how long it takes the truck to shift to reverse, and also from park to drive. It shouldn't take more than a 1-2 seconds
Pull the dipstick. Is the fluid red? Does it smell burnt at all?