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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 01:32 PM
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Trans problems

okay just picked up a 96 ford f250 XL from a local town cop for 300 dollars. the 5.8 runs great 4wd kicks right in. it only has 84,000 miles it used to be a local schools truck. i am having a problem with the transmission however. i noticed that the fluid was way down when i first brought the truck home. so i put about a gallon of fluid in it. it shifts right into reverse and drive but it wont shift out of first. im hoping its not the transmission itself but something electrical. what should i check? i need to let him know if i want to buy the plow but if the transmission is bad im not jumping on the plow. heres a pic of the truck. thank you

ford by jreamer93, on Flickr
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:06 PM
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Too much transmission fluid is bad for it, same as too little. Damn good looking truck for $300.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:18 PM
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Personally for $300 with a plow I would buy it even if the trans is bad and the rest of the truck is in decent shape.

Matt
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:23 PM
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What trans is it? If OD button on shifter then E4OD, if not then C6.
If E4OD will probably need to get the trouble codes.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:24 PM
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with the gallon of fluid its pefect now. sorry i didnt clarify if i want the plow i can have it for 700. i know him pretty well and he lives down the road from me so i just brought it home with the truck
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:25 PM
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there is no od on the shifter is the c6 more desireble
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:40 PM
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I would say for a beater plow truck I would rather have the C6. Not to mention from looking around a quality replacement C6 trans cost less than the E4OD.

Matt
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 02:51 PM
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i was hoping i could put it on the road though and maybe make some money plowing
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 03:00 PM
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If it is shifting then you should be able to do that. For instance I use my F250 for hauling my truck camper which involves more long distance driving, so the Overdrive helps with mileage.

If Ihad a deal around here like you have found I would buy it, even though we do not get a ton of snow around here.

Like I said the C6 is cheaper to replace if you do have a failure. So buy it change all of tghe fluids and drive the crap out of it, and make a few dollars plowing

matt
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 03:08 PM
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it will go in reverse pop into nuetral but when i put it in drive it will only stay in 1st so im hoping the transmission isnt bad. i hope it will free up if i drive it around the yard or its loose wiring
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 03:20 PM
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Even if the trans is bad it is probably still worth it if the rest of the truck is in good shape.

Looking at Summitracing real quick a C6 can be had for $1069 plus shipping, an E4OD $2250 plus shipping.

So if it has a C6 and you put in a new trans for less than 2 grans you have a solid plow truck that you will make your money back in 1 or 2 seasons, maybe 3 depending on where you are at.

Transmissions can be had for less than what you pay at Summit, it is just the easiest way to get quick prices.

Did you check the trans level after you put in the fluid?

Matt
 
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Old Jul 19, 2012 | 06:35 PM
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Either the vacuum line going to the transmission's vacuum modulator, or the vacuum modulator on the transmission itself has gone bad.

 
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Old Jul 20, 2012 | 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Lead Head
Either the vacuum line going to the transmission's vacuum modulator, or the vacuum modulator on the transmission itself has gone bad.

THAT! its leaking all sorts of fluid out of it. i also have a guy on wait with a c6 out of a 87 for $150 but i dont think it would fit.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2012 | 10:56 AM
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Just replace the governor/modulator. It's a $20-30 part, and make sure you get a new seal with it.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2012 | 11:14 AM
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okay the line is rusted out too i need to find the rest of the vacum line. heres a pic.
 
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