i have been kicking around different threads about trans mission problems and am thinking about going the rebuilding route by a shop. the question is how to keep them honest and tell if they replaced everything that they say or just fix what s broken and screw me?..Its hard to tell if the shops ive been to are honest. any body have any advice ?.. i feel like its gambling and i am not a big gambler even when its big money at stake?. i can get a used trans for $500 plus $500 for install, pay $2700 for new ford unit plus $500 for install or $2000 plus tax for rebuild.I feel like i should just trade this truck in for a new one but the economy suxs and works slow.Thanks

 

From my personal experience, I'm not certain you can keep them honest. I had the tranny rebuilt on my '97 Dodge 1500 a few years ago. It was a regional transmission shop, several locations in Tucson, and they were recommended by my mechanic. I paid almost $4K for a "complete" rebuild with heavy duty torque converter. They had the truck 2 weeks before I got it back. The first time it failed was at 2400 miles, 45 miles south of the border in Mexico. I had a devil of a time getting it back across the border and of course the tranny shop wouldn't cover any of the expenses I incurred. They told me a seal in the pump failed, the first they had seen in 30 years.
The second time it failed it was around 11000 miles and was still under warranty. They wouldn't tell me what broke, but the technician said he went through three new torque converters before he got a good one.
The transmission failed a third time while under warranty. I had it fixed and sold the truck.
This may be a worse than usual horror story, but my belief is they do not replace all the parts, just the parts involved in the original failure. I wish I had gone to the dealer and had a new transmission installed, as you are considering. The price would have been no more than I paid anyway, it would have been a brand new transmission with a factory warranty. That is the choice I would make in your position.

 

You are probably right. Soft parts replaced (frictions, seals, thrust washers), hard parts check and replaced if needed, sometimes at additional cost since most are usually ok.

 

You can get a low miles transmission from salvage yards for around $1200. If it were me I would do that, then I would take my time and rebuild my original with some upgrades and keep it for a spare.

 

Do it yourself.
JL

 

If cash is a concern, then pick up a Salvage yard tranny. I got my replacement 7.3 motor for 2400 with a warrenty from a Salvage yard. I would imagine you could pick up a tranny cheaper. In the meantime I would start saving a little bit at a time for a New or rebuilt trans. is it the 4r100 or the torqueshift?

 

i ended up finding a "guy" that my brother in law recomended to rebuild it.he works at a trans shop as a regular job but has his own shop for side work.the price is right and sad to say hes the most honest guy ive found and talked to.Hes showed me all the parts hes replacing and i hope when its done tommorow thats everything works out good.ive also asked to have all replaced parts so i can try to be sure evrthing that needs to be replaced is done .thanks to all as this has been a very nerve racking experience.parting words to all flush all your fluids regulary ,preventive maintenence is always the cheapest route.

 

with a 2x4 with a rusty nail in the end of it....thats how to keep them honest

 

You won't keep them honest....the best way is to find an honest builder....drop your truck off and pick it up when it's fixed correctly. Where you at? Members of the board might know of a good tranny guy in your area......word of mouth is usually safe to go by.

 

or u can just do it ye self...heck not like ur drivin a honda,get out there in the driveway,work on it....might take u a time or two but ull get it and save. And ull have pride too

 

Unless you are going to stand there and look over their shoulder, there is no way to keep them honest. There is no way you will know if they replaced the parts or not. Good luck deciding on what to do.

 

when it comes to something like a auto trans personaly i'd rather take it to the Ford dealer, so long as its a big enuf service dept. to have a fulltime Trans specialist..

price might be higher but teh work and warrenty after is worth it for the peace of mind..

hopefully your trans gets sorted thou..