I got a 1997 F-250HD. The O.D. went out last week and today the transmission lost gearing, as if it was in neutral. I heard what sounded like a bunch of steel ***** being tossed around inside it, didn't matter what gear it was in. Just need to know if the whole transmission is toast or can it be repaired.

 

I'm sure it can be repaired. Are you asking because you are thinking about getting a used transmission instead or???



D

 

This will be my 3rd transmission. 1st one was new from Ford, lasted for maybe 100, 000 miles. Then I had it rebuilt at 1/2 the cost.
I had a new 7.5 liter motor installed 6 mos. ago so money is tight. I've even been thinking about getting one from pick-a-part. I've got about 385, 000 miles on my truck. If it can be repaired, what do you think broke?

 

Can't tell you for sure what broke. Going to tell you that it probably isn't going to be an inexpensive rebuild though because something obviously did break and I'm sure it caused further damage.

My opinion is that your transmission is a core and I don't disagree with a used transmission here.

For example, lets say that I would charge you maybe $700 to rebuild your transmission that just needed standard rebuild parts. having to replace hard pars is going to make that price jump exponentially pretty quickly.

I would find a large reputable company that offers a good warranty on their parts. They aren't the cheapest, but I have used LKQ for this a lot and have never gotten anything but great parts from them.

What engine is in your truck and is it 2 or 4wd?

D

 

I'd just get a salvage yard transmission and scrap the blown up one. Or use the case to make a table lamp for the garage.

When my automatic dies it's getting replaced with a ZF.

 

It's 2wd with BFG All Terrian tires. Has a fresh 460 engine w/less than 8, 000 miles on it. Exhaust is a 3.5" cat back Magna Flow system.
Is the E40D the only transmission I can match up, and was it on other vehicle models as well? I have had a hard time finding parts I need due to the lack of trucks like mine at salvage yards.

 

You could install a C6, but you lose overdrive and the lockup converter. Expect a 4-5 MPG loss.

The same E4OD was also used in E-series vans. You must get one that was mated to a 460. Nothing else will bolt up.

 

Ok thanks, since I only get 8-10mpg now, think I'll stick with same model.

 

To the OP, you could always just drain some tranny fluid out, and see if any metal fragments come out. Sure fire way to figure out if the internals fragged or not!

Was there squealing when you put the clutch to the floor in neutral? Warning sign's or symptoms? Plenty of fluid in the Hydraulic resovoir? Clutch master, hydraulic line, and slave are free of leaks? Stiff clutch pressure, not loose or sloppy? Are you putting out more torque than the tranny can handle?

I heard screaming when I put the clutch to the floor in my Audi, then I lost my tranny completely. luckily it was just the throwout bearing. It fragged into about 8 pieces and ball bearings went everywhere when I dropped the transmission. I drove it for a few days before this happened though. Take the shift plate off the transmission and see if any of your clutch forks are done. Sounds to me though like your synchro's went, or the carrier bearings if you are hearing "pinging". But it's weird that those would just fail out of the blue with no warning though. That's about all I can figure when it comes to tranny diagnosis without taking it all apart. Best of luck!

 

No clutch to put to the floor with an automatic transmission.

D

 

Oops. My bad. I have been driving standard for so long, I forget there are automatic's!

 

So I had truck towed to transmission shop and they ran a test for codes. Nothing came up so they pulled the pan. There was broken gear fragments. Thanks for everybody's advice and tips. Think I have this one rebuilt again.

 

you could replace the truck for less at this point though friend.she's a 2wd gas job with 400k miles.it's 2-3k for a reman trans.less for a truck with lower miles.i would toss a used trans at it or look for another truck.

edit,ah crap.i just see you had the engine reman already so now your pretty much committed.as for what broke,it sounds like perhaps the converter let go.

you might find a decent used E40D for 700 in the yard.your not going to get anything for a reman starting under 2k worth buying.

i wouldn't go to ford for a E40D/4R100 reman.find yourself a good local trans shop who are well versed with these trans.you'll get something much better than what a ford reman will be.it might cost a bit more,but be worth it.
Dave Cameron in Brewer ME is well versed for those up my way.

 

How would a broken converter get gear fragments in the pan? There are no gears in a torque converter.

 

I've got too much sunk in this truck already, it's a keeper. Rebuilding my transmission is $1600.00 parts & labor, it's only $600.00 more than putting a salvage transmission w/90 day warranty.