I have a 1989 F250 with a 3 speed automatic transmission.

Recently, I have begun having a problem with the tranny slipping, normally when it's trying to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. This truck has about 130000 miles on it and I expect that a repair shop will tell me that I need a costly overhaul.

Instead of going that route, I am wondering if it would make sense to buy a used tranny from a junk yard and install it. I am also wondering if it would be possible to replace the 3 speed with a 4 speed/overdrive. This truck has a 351 Windsor in it.

Has anyone else gone this route? Is this engine/transmission combination pretty much cookie cutter, or will I need to do some modifications to make it work?

This is our third vehicle and I put less than 2000 miles on it yearly.

Thanks.

 

Your best bet, since it seems that it isn't used much yearly, is to find another C6 from the pick n' pull.

An AOD transmission would be nice, but you'd have to get one of the non-electronic ones from the early 80's. Also, if I remember correctly, they're not all that stout...

As far as an electronic E4OD from a newer F-250 or what have you, it would work as long as you had the donor truck, I'm sure. You'd have to swap over the electricals and all. Although, I'm not sure on the speedometer... I believe the speedometers in E4OD-equipped trucks are all electronic.

Someone will have to clarify all of that...

Most likely though, your best bet is to just got with a good C6 unit, just like what you have.

Good luck either way you go!

Nightrain

 

The AOD didn't go electronic until '92, I think (my '90 wasn't). But you sure don't want to put that behind a 351. The easiest would be to repair or replace the C6 you have. Second best options would be to go manual or convert to an E4OD, but that would be ALOT of switching stuff over--electronics and all, plus the speedo, which reads off the VSS in the rear axle. Your current one probably reads off a gear in the rear of the tranny.

A C6 should be relatively cheap to rebuild, not like a lot of electronic OD trannies that can be $2500+.

Jason

 

I thought that they went electronic way before then, but I could be wrong. Maybe it's the Mustangs I'm thinking about??

Anyway, I wouldn't figure it to cost an arm and a leg to fix yours, either. Probably be easier than a junkyard pull, too. Plus, you'll get some type of warranty, whereas you most likely won't with a junkyard tranny.

My 4R70W cost a little over $1,600 to rebuild 3 years ago. Also, the previous owner got a standard 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. Not to mention, she's still going strong.

Keep us posted!

Nightrain

 

I did a Jasper search on their website for your tranny, and here's what I found:

1989 F-250 351W 3-Speed Automatic (C6) 2WD: $1,225.00

If your F-250 is a 4x4, the price for a rebuilt C6 is: $1,292.00

That's just a price comparison for you. Jasper Engines, Inc. remanufactures gas and diesel engines, transmissions, axles, etc.

Nightrain

 

i had the C6 for my 88 diesel completely rebuilt, using the best of the best heavy duty parts by a local trans man that is highly regarded by everyone. total cost, including new torque converter and new planatery drum was $1200

 

Thanks for the info guys. That's what I needed to know. I'll check into having this one fixed.

 

No problem, bud! That's what we're here 'fer!

Let us know how you turn out!

Nightrain

 

Check the band adjustment first, I've worked on many that just need this. This is an extermely tough transmission that will go over 200,000 with good maintainence. I also once found the intermediate accumulator spring broken in my valve body, symptoms were soft 2-3 shift and hard engagement when moving lever to reverse or drive.

Mike