Transmission question

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Oct 11, 2004 | 04:13 PM

Cudighi

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Joined: May 2003

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Transmission question

94 F-350, 460, Original tranny as far as I know (E4OD?). Went camping this weekend and while backing in, it was leaking lots of fluid. It was leaking a solid stream as I manuevered and then on the spot it leaked a large puddle. Took it to a garage and they said to watch it but I could make it home. He was right. Took it to a tranny garage today and the guy said that it was leaking at the front seal and that means something is leaking internal. He suggested with the mile I have (180k) to have it rebuilt (if I intended to keep it). 3 year 50k mile warranty. He said there are upgrades he can do to make it more dependable also. Gave me a list of parts on the estimate. Sounded good. Estimated cost $2691. Sounds not so good. Any transmission mechanics have any inputs on this? He said other shops will only give 1 year / 10k warranty. I'm sure that's figured in the price somehow too.

Oct 11, 2004 | 06:52 PM

jamiesan

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: pennsylvania

Well a front seal is bound to go sooner or later, but the good news is it's not that big-a-deal. The seal will run you about $10. If it's a 4x4 then you'll need to remove the transfer case, then the cross member ( while supporting the tranny on a jack- you can rent 1 , or buy for like $75) Unbolt the fly wheel and slide the tranny back, remove torque converter. The seal that the snout of it goes through is the front seal. Pop in on out a carefully tap in the new one. Inspect the torque converter's snout for a groove where the seal rode. If you can catch your fingernail on it you need to repair it with a "SPEEDY SLEAVE" ( $12) Then do the reverse of above. Don't forget all the while to keep a jack under the motor to support it while the tranny is disconected. If I were you I'd be more afraid of spending the $2600 than repairing the seal yourself!

Oct 11, 2004 | 07:12 PM

clipper1

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 159

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From: maine

Sounds like your getting hosed at $2600. I have had 2 done, both were c6. One was $1500, and the other was $400. The second one i had to take out and put in. But it was the much better of the 2. just goes to show price does not mean the better product.
i think for the price you could get a new one from ford. Not sure. Try the seal, or just take it some were good, and have them do it.
This would be on my list first. As long as it still works fine.

Oct 11, 2004 | 09:28 PM

lisagoud

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 1,500

Likes: 2

I just rebuiilt my a40d for a whooping cost of $275.00 with me doing all the work. I can have one rebuilt for $800.00 with me doing the unistall,install and finally, 1100 with a 3 year warranty all installed. $1100 is a long ways from over $220.00. Shop around...bigger is not always better (and never is in my experience). A front seal is not a big deal to change out as long as you don't scar the housing it fits into when taking out the old one. All automatic transmissions contain fluid in the front pump/planetary's and the front seal holds the fluid in. Just because the seal is leaking dos not mean anything is wrong with the tranny other thatn a bad seal. Good luck and do some price checking (I think you can already write off the first guy).

Oct 11, 2004 | 11:12 PM

wkinkaid

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Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 23

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From: Ogden, UTAH

If the upgrades are all there, it sounds like a deal. Needed upgrades are the center support, steel planets and the updated pump. Pulling the transmission is a pain. Most shops here charge $2000-2500 for just a plain rebuild and a 90 day warranty.

93 F250 SC 4x4, 460 and E4OD