[updated:LAST EDITED ON 12-Jul-02 AT 08:34 PM (EST)]Oh man, this is bad. Right after I bought Aero#2 (93 AWD shorty), Aero#1 (93 AWD extended, 110K) started acting funny while towing (per my other "strange tranny problem post"). I have had Aero #1 since new and when I started to tow, changed fluid often and installed a B&M tranny cooler. The heaviest I tow is 2800 lb and I previously had a lighter boat and I still have a 1500 lb. tent trailer. So...I took Aero#1 to have the tranny looked at. The "free diagnosis" said it didn't sound too bad for a rebuild since I caught the problem before major failure (probably around $1500). Now I get the call...$2700!!! This is for either their rebuild or Fords reman. Man, there is no way in hell I am putting that much money into a $3000 vehicle (I feel it's worth the same on the marked w/ a rebuild or used tranny). This guy says I shouldn't tow more that 1500 lbs with it so I guess I need a new vehicle. I'm not even sure why I'm writing this except that I bought Aero#2 sepcifically for towing and I still want to use it but now I'm not so sure. Well, I guess here are my questions:

1. Can anyone give me a "success story" that these vans will deal with this kind of towing over the long haul (miles & years). With the 2800 lb. boat, I sometimes do a 2-3 hours trip over mountain passes. I try not to push it. Usually it's 30-60 minute drives with minimal hills.

2. Can anyone give me a success story on buying a rebuild from a national rebuilder (not a local shop). Some of these people sell for about $900 w/ shipping both ways (return your core).

3. I'm tempted to have the thing towed home (I would be in it about $225 with the towing) and stick in a used tranny and sell it. I have pulled a few engines and trannys in my day, it this one easy enough to do?

Thanks for letting me vent and appreciate the help,
Mark

 

I would try to find a lower mile used one (they are out there) and install it. Don't give up on the van because of some ridiculous labor price quoted. There is always a cheaper way to do things.

 

Scott, that's probably what I will end up doing, but I did find a rebuilder that quoted $855 INCLUDING shipping with a 12-month warranty. Supposedly dyno tested, 12/12 warranty, blah blah blah. Sounds pretty good anyway, if someone's interested I can post the email or send me an email.

Mark

 

Don't give up. This might be an isolated incident as I tow with no problems (knock on wood!)Where are you located? The going price of a Ford reman in Oregon a year ago was $2200 installed. If you keep the van, I think this is the way to go. Ford replaces all parts, not just the worn/bad ones. That way you don't have new strong parts to weaken the older ones. If that's the only thing wrong with this van and a tranny would fix it, wouldn't that be cheaper than what would you pay for a different vehicle? And what problems would you inherit with it? Just me two bits.

 

That was supposed to be the absolute maximum this would go, with or without a Ford reman tranny. It really upset me that he's got it up to $2700, I personally feel "baited". The shop I'm dealing with is Beaverton Transmission right next to Thomason Ford (used to be Deamerow, where I bought mine from). The shop bad-mouths the Ford trannys, saying they're a sloppy rebuild but, of course, they are biased. They (Ford) also offer a 24/24K warranty as opposed to 12/12K from the shop. However, I found two places that do nation-wide rebuilds, one in Ohio (http://www.netgearhead.com) will reman for $850 exchange with a 12/12K warranty, I have to R&R but for this savings I can buy two of theirs before I'm over the cost of the Ford so I'm looking at that.

I am going to contact ford-parts-online to see what their prices are.

Thanks, I do want to find an economical way to keep the van and have faith in it but I personnally think $2700 is hwy robbery.

Mark

 

I agree.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 17-Jul-02 AT 02:28 AM (EST)]I would like to get info on where this ($855 rebiulder) guy is, and how to order a RM AT for my 94 XLT.

Thanks!

 

>Scott, that's probably what I will end up doing, but I did
>find a rebuilder that quoted $855 INCLUDING shipping with a
>12-month warranty. Supposedly dyno tested, 12/12 warranty,
>blah blah blah. Sounds pretty good anyway, if someone's
>interested I can post the email or send me an email.
>
>Mark

Post the email please?
Thanks

 

Ed, looks like one URL posted above:

"one in Ohio (http://www.netgearhead.com) will reman for $850 exchange with a 12/12K warranty"

 

DOH

Missed that, thanks.

 

At this point, I am probably not going to go with Netgearhead. Several reasons:

1. Can't get anyone on the phone.
2. I really don't believe they can do a good job for that cheap, numbers just don't add up.
3. The logistics of having a warranty that is in a shop half way across the US.
4. Local BBB gave me a little bit of conflicting info from what they gave me, not necessarily bad, just different to make you wonder why.
5. I talked to another tranny shop in Toledo that supposedly "tests" their transmissions, so I guess they don't do their own testing, or at least some of it.

None of these statements should be construed as "factual" or as an assessment other than to reflect on my personal decision. They are only my own opinions. Everyone should go with their own set of beliefs, opinions & circumstances. Hey, I don't want to get sued for libeling someone!

I am likely going to bite the bullet and get a Ford rmfg unit w/ 24/24K warranty. $1793 plus install. Can anyone vouch for these?

Thanks,
Mark

 

I took mine to a local tranny shop (widely respected and recommended) and was given an estimate of around $600 for a full repair/reseal and parts replacements. This is a 94 XLT 3.0L 2WD (fully loaded!) with 238k+ miles on it. From what these other posts indicate, this is a _VERY_ good deal. Shuould be done Tues. or Wed., I'll post the results...
:-X11

 

Hi all. I'm not very active on this board, but I do check in here from time to time..
Re the Aerostar trans question... I will share my experience.
I've had several Aerostars... all have been good transportation... but, the A4LD trans isn't the strongest thing ever built.
My 91 AWD lost its trans about two years ago at about 100K... ran into the exact same "bait and switch" trans repair BS with local trans shops.
Ended up buying a transmission from Phoenix Hard Parts in Arizona. They sell trans rebuild kits and also rebuild transmissions.
Anyway, the trans was way less than 1000 dollars (exchange) and they shipped it to me UPS. I'm on the East Coast (Virginia) and it cost $85 each way to ship. Paid everything up front with Phoenix Hard Parts and they arranged drop off and pick up. Couldn't have been easier.
Was going to install myself, but didn't have time. Put the trans in the back of the Aero and nursed it down to the local Ford dealer. He installed the trans for $300.
I drove it over 40K miles before selling it to a friend in the Spring of this year... and its still going strong.
So, yes, you can buy a good rebuilt trans for less than 1000 dollars.
Last I checked, their email was phoenixhardparts.com
Guy I talked with was Frank... very knowledgeable.
KenP

 

Interestingly enough, I looked at them (Phonenix). Also interesting is that I DID end up going with Netgearhead, they won me over with some addt'l confidence from eBay buyers who responded favorably (I contacted them directly). It's on it's way there and I'll be SURE to post the results as I know how valuable this and Phoenix could be to everyone.

Thanks,
Mark