'99 Eddie Bauer 4x4 - Advice Needed
 

All,

I picked up a "new to me" 1999 Eddie Bauer 4x4 with 70K miles on it. Truck is in great shape.

Just got back from the mechanic. Here is what they found:
Everything looked really good under the truck and on top of the truck. There was some minor leaking from the rear speed sensor on transfer case. That was really about it - rear brakes were low. They did recommend the following:
1. Transmission Service (flush and fill) (~$220)
2. Transfer Case Drain and Fill (~$85)
3. Front and Rear Diff Drain and Fill (~$120 / ~$185)
4. Rear Brakes (~$200)

The bad: There is a torque converter shudder... thought is try to do the trans flush and fill, add an additive, and then see if the shudder is due to the clutches needing to be lubed up (truck did sit some). If that does not work, looking at $1000 or so for a new torque converter... :doh2: - so much for saving money on a used car...

Anyone have any thoughts on this??? How easy is it for me to do the transfer case and diffs (I think the rear diff has to have the cover removed)...

HELP!

Hammer

PS. Sorry for such a dramatic first post.

The shudder could be a missfire. Did the mechanic check for codes?

All the work you describe can be done by yourself in a day and you'll feel better that you did it and got acquainted with your new truck.

Get a cheap bucket similar to this Sterilite 16-qt. Storage Box Lapis Set of 12 : Target and 10 feet of clear tubing and you can do the trans flush yourself for the cost of fluid, about $85 and an hour of your time.

Plenty of info on the site for diff oil replacement. I suggest a coolant replacement as well.

Another thing to check: I have the 99 EB as well and was getting a shudder or "slip" under hard acceleration along with an intermittent anti skid dash light. To fix the anti skid my local shop replaced the rear differential speed sensor. Fixed the anti skid AND the acceleration shudder with one shot!

As you mentioned the rear diff leak at this sensor position, and it is a known failure item and not very expensive it may be worth replacing.

Have had my Expy since new, love it. Also check the front anti sway bar links. Another cheap to fix known issue if your steering feels loose.