well my tranny is shot. i was towing my landscape trailer full of lumber to a job, and it lost OD. i just turned it off and made my way on. on the return trip, it wouldn't stay in 3rd. so i slowed down and tried to limp home. it was late, and i had no cell service (NEXTEL sucks donkey B@#%sS) so i had no choice but drive slow for about 20 miles or so. it would rev up to 3000+ rpms and not shift.

i read on here about the OD light flashing on and off, etc, and replaced the VSS just in case by some stroke of pure luck that was it. no dice. since there's not really any special shops i know of around here, i had it taken to the stealership. they pretty much confirmed my fears.

here's my question. i really would like to put in a BTS or comparable high performance transmission. but i'm strapped for cash, since i just helped my dad get a new truck. being an independent contractor, sometimes money ain't flowing so freely. i don't PLAN on drag racing, or sled pulling, but i do regularly pull a trailer loaded with lumber, and occassionally a skid steer with attachments. i've been quoted $3500 turnkey for new tranny, convertor, and cooler. what would the BTS run (if that's ok for me to ask). i'll probably have to get a personal loan to cover the repairs, but with all the payments i have already, i don't want to go crazy. eventually i planned on going the BTS route, but this came earlier than i expected.

the service manager said the new design 4R100 had a 75,000 mile warranty (which i know is out the window when i get the DP tuner). i guess i'm wondering if the "better built" ford design is worth it, if i put in a bts valve body. they can have it done within the week, and i really need it ASAP.

i did find somebody who "specialized" in diesel transmissions, but he said all they do is put in a HD torque convertor. and no better warranty than ford.

what would you do in this situation. i appreciate your opinions, and all the information i get off this board, even though i don't post too often. i figure if i could come out with a decent tranny for a fair price, without having to sell a kidney on the black market i'd be happy. thoughts?

 

Some on here have gotten the upgraded Ford trans, they will have to answer that question. I ended up with a BTS trans and I pull a 30' travel trailer all over. For me it seems to do a very good job. When I got the trans they ( BTS ) also put in a 6.0 cooler temps stay lower than 180 all the time. I had to work it real hard to get that hot. The price is around 3900 but then you need to figure shipping and installation, unless you go to Lead Hill.