I got 01 F350 crew cab with 83500 miles. last weekend after pulling my rv into the campground my truck dropped over a qt of atf on the ground. i added a qt and drove without the rv and over the next 2 day it leaked 2 drops. pulling the rv home it leaked about a cup in the driveway. it seems to leak after shifting out of Drive and only around the front inspection plate.
The RV is a 29 foot fifth wheel , weight is 7800 lbs. empty so i'm not overloaded. The trans shop said i need a rebuild and the min is $1,500.00, but won't know for sure untill he get her open, could go over $2,000.
Anyone having this problem

 

Did it do it arriving at the campground, or after backing into a spot? Early 2001 trucks didn't have a trans cooler in the radiator and tended to overheat the trans when backing a trailer.

The solution is more low speed cooling. Either install a radiator with an internal trans cooler, or a second air to oil cooler with a fan.

 

baalex
Do you recall if the fluid had any burned smell when you checked it? Or was it a brown color? If the fluid looked normal.....I'd be cautious with that tranny shop....unless you know the guy. It sounds like someone is trying to charge you $1500 for a $12 front seal. If the tranny works fine, other than leaking some fluid when your towing. No noises, shifts right etc.. I'd say you've got a front seal leaking. I'd get a second, or third opinion from some different shops before I'd let this shop tear into it. But if it's too late, and they've started on it; tell them that you want all the parts that they replace. This statement may save you some money. It may make them think twice about trying to stick you. But then again, they may be a reputable shop. I'm not saying all tranny shops are bad.
If someone asks for the replaced parts, it usually means that the person either wants to evaluate what was done, or have someone else do it. They will think twice. Then it would be time for a second opinion from another shop as to wheather the parts are bad or not. Just some thoughts.....you can take them or leave them.

 

The fluid is normal, not brown or burned. I'll think a second opinion is a great idea, THANKS

 

No problem. Let us know what you find out.

 

I have seen the same thing with my 95. I first saw it in a campground after hauling up about 2hrs. I have a tranny guage and was seeing no overheating. Saw the trail which equated to about a cup or so, but it was evident that it only spewed in reverse. Checked teh level and no visible loss was indicated. When I got home I had it looked at by someone I do trust, and he excersized it hard and could not get it to leak. The only other time I have seen it happen is backing the trailer into it's rest spot upside the hacienda. Otherwise it drives like a dream....
Hmmmm.