I believe this is the right spot for this question.
Looking at picking up a 97 7.3 + Auto RCLB 4x4. Guy says it wont shift out of second once it gets hot.
Do y’all think it needs a Speed sensor, Solenoid pack or does it need a whole transmission. Truck is offered at 5700. I am a 15yr old on a limited budget so hoping it doesn’t need a whole trans and is just a speed sensor or solenoid pack.
Thanks.

 

My guess is it is a bad seal in the direct clutch. If I'm right, when it loses third and fourth it also will lose reverse.

 

Well, it sure is not worth that much needing a transmission
Have him discount the price about 4000.00 and it is a buy

 

Is the truck a diesel? Personally I wouldn't go down that path. Diesel engines cost a pretty penny to repair and maintain and unless you're pulling heavy trailers every week the benefits aren't going to be that great. I've known several people who have went down that path and ended up regretting they ever got one in the first place. Personally I'd look for a 5.8 truck because they're good engines and not as much of a gas hog as a 7.5. That's just me though and maybe only me.

 

Don't buy it. For one everyone is right about operating expenses. If you can't afford a trans you can't afford the maintenance and repair on a 7.3. That trans is probably due for a rebuild. If I had to guess the drive sprag has fallen apart and is no longer locking the gear packs to the input shaft

 

I don't know what type of work you use trucks for but if I were someone your age with a limited budget I'd look for a 94-96 F150-250-350 with a 5.8. 96 is better because it has OBD2 so it'll be a bit easier to diagnose a problem and nothing older than 94 because of the 5.0 and 5.8 getting a more reliable roller cam. It's not that the pre 94 wasn't good it just wasn't as reliable as the roller cam engine. Anyone know if the 460 had a roller cam? I don't think so but haven't been around many. Know how to drive a stick? I would also look for a ZF5 spd manual truck. Yes, people will disagree and agree with that. Reason I say that is the E4OD can be a bit of a pain with the problems it brings. My 94 F150 (specs under signature) has had major tranny issues twice causing it to not be safe to drive anymore and it was all because I had a sensor that was bad and I also add that I had no trouble codes AT ALL. Not saying to not get an E4OD just saying they can be a pain at times especially if it wasn't regularly maintained. Another thing to consider is how cold it gets in your area. Any old diesel engines are going to be a living hell to start in anything under freezing. My dad use to have an 01 SD with a 7.3 PS and when we had 0 degree nights it jelled up and we couldn't get it started for three straight days after using every propane heater we had to try to loosen things up. Break downs start at 200 dollars at least. More complex parts so don't think just anyone can get in there and work their magic on finding the problem.

FYI...not saying to not get the truck. By all means it's your money, not ours, but definitely worth more research. I'm sure if you're in the market for a truck and wish to know more if you start your own thread on this you'll get all kinds of input on all those question marks.

Good luck to ya!!!