I have a 1985 Bronco with a 5.8L engine, the transmission is the three speed auto (C-6). The truck has 140,000 miles on it. The transmission will not go into drive until the engine is at operating temperature. The truck goes into reverse when cold, just not drive. I replaced the transmission filter and changed the fluid. This did not help so I put a bottle of Barr's Transmission something in it. This help a little but the problem is still there. While the truck is warm it drives fine, shifts between gears fine, down shifts like it is supposed to. After I drive it and it sits for a while and cool down, it leaks transmission fluid, two 6" diameter puddles from near the bell housing. I check the fluid and add often, so it is not low transmission fluid levels that are causing the problem.

What is wrong with it? I have been told it has "morning sickness." I have heard the seals are old and shrunk, expand when warm and that is why it is good at operating temp. I have heard my front clutch packs are out. Before I pay $1,100 to have in rebuilt I thought I would check here first.

 

Welcome to FTE and the Big Bronco Forum.

That is a expensive rebuilt C6 price tag. I'd bet on the seals being the issue. Its the most likely reason for the pressure leaks. Without this tell-tale sign, it could be a more difficult diagnosis. Keep in mind that the C6 is vacuum regulated and poor vacuum supply to the regulator or even an old sticky regulator could be causing some of your problems. Might consider replacing it before rebuilding the entire transmission.

 

Yeah its worn out!! But 1100.00 now way!! Find a new shop unless 1100.00 is an out the door rice with install even then about 250.00 to high. These cost about 650.00 to rebuild at a shop or rebuild it yourself for about 300.00.

 

That is the price with dropping off the truck and picking it up with the transmission rebuilt with all sonnax parts and seals, new torque converter, new rear main seal, and 2 year 50,000 mile warranty

 

Ok, that is a bit better news. You had us all scared that you were going to do a bunch of work and the shop was still gonna charge you that much for just the rebuild.

 

There's some tiny o-ring (I think it's in the pump? that gets old and begins to leak when it's cold. I just talked to somebody about it a couple years ago. Ask the trans guy about it.