I have a 92 F150, 302 ci, 2WD, E4OD transmission. A couple of symtoms developed that may have led to a bigger problem.

First, I let a universal joint go very bad for a long time. There would be a clunk sound anytime I would begin to accelerate after coasting or standing still. Could this have damaged the transmission?

Second, after reaching about 40 mph a loud humming vibration would start and continue until I slowed back down. Could this be related to the U-joint or more likely to transmission damage.

Third, the truck developed an overheating problem that I was slow in diagnosing. I would check and top-off the coolant about every 2-3 days. Eventually while my wife was driving it the transmission started to leak through the bell housing which led to slow gear engagement before she could get the truck moving to get it home. She could barely get it into the drive way. There was a fluid trail down the driveway and down the road.

What damage (by my neglect) could I have done? I was told that I may have had a radiator problem that led to an overheated transmission and that I may need a new radiator. Does coolant get circulated to the transmission or does the transmission fluid get cooled in its own radiator? It appears to me that coolant is circulated to the transmission. Is it a simple matter of replacing the leaked fluid and being certain that the coolant problem is fixed or did I do real damage?

I am anticipating a replacement of the transmission. Obviously I am looking for the cheapest route to go but I am not sure what I can do first before spending the big bucks. Thanks for any help.