Gents,

2000 Expy, 198,000 miles on original tranny. I replaced the fluid for the first time at 100,000, and the plug was still in the pan so I believe that this was the first change on the original tranny. I bought it at 50,000 miles.

It seems to work fine, minus some rough shifts every now and then.

The question is - should I replace it before it goes out? Replacement from Ford w 3yr, 100,000 mile warranty is $2,000. I would install if myself.

I am not a huge fan of preventive replacement; however at this time I cannot afford to be stranded - then pay double to have a shop fix it.

Is it stupid to just replace the super high mileage tranny when it is still working?

btw, it's a 4r70w if that makes any difference.

Thank you

 

Wow, way off on the service intervals. It is supposed to be done every 30. With almost another 100k on the clock you are questioning some rough shifts? If it fails it isn't the tranny's fault. I'd say you best go do a service on it, change the filter and have a shop do it this time so they can power flush the lines to get all the old fluid out. I bet it will feel better just by doing that.
I wouldn't go replacing it for the sake of replacing it.

 

Why on earth are you opposed to preventive replacement (which is essentially preventive maintenance)???

 

Replacement of oil filters - sure. Not so sure about 2k dollar items. Is 200,000 alot for this transmission? Are the internals worn out?

 

Your fluid and filter definately are. I'd spring for the $175 for the flush, filter and fill before considering a $2k tab that comes with lots of work.

 

I'm not opposed to preventative maintenance, I'm all in favor of it and doing it ahead of schedule. He has a poor maintenance schedule going on this thing and is complaining of a few rough shifts here and there. Spend a few bucks and get it to where it should be, then evaluate. Changing parts for the sake of changing parts is a waste of time and money.

With your logic, he might as well replace the motor too.

 

Actually, you made up the part of "complaining" of rough shifts. I stated "minus some rough shifts every now and then". I am more than pleased with the performance of the transmission, even if it died on my way home tonight.

I have simply asked this question because I am lacking knowledge of how long these trannys typically last.

As for the rigorous maintenance schedule, I dont have time, and will not make time to change the fluid every 10 months. That's why I buy Fords, they can take the abuse.

So, how long do these trannys last when the fluid is changed every 100k, no trailer pulling, just freeway duty?

 

Thanks, good advice

 

At this time you may cause yourself to change or replace your trans if you service the trans with fluid and filter. When I was working at a trans shop we had several instances where a trans was serviced long after it was due and within a few weeks or less the trans needed to be rebuilt because of wear in the clutches and bands which was working just fine until they were disturbed with new fluid which provided much better lubrication than was available during the trans' lifetime to that point. This caused more than a little anger on the part of the vehicle's owners and accusations of sabotage of their trans.
The occaisional harsh shift is likely caused by a broken 1-2 Accumulator spring, which is pretty common in Fords, as well as possibly a worn bore in which the Accumulator piston operates causing the piston to hang up every once in a while.
If now is a good time for you to change the trans finanially, I suggest that you do it and you should be able to buy the trans from the dealer for a lot closer to $1,500.00 than $2,000.00, check other dealers for a better price. Another good thing about doing a change out is that your new trans will have all of the updates that have been brought into production over the years. Good luck with it and keep us informed on your results.

 

You got a lot of service from this trans which is a continuing series of Ford transmissions starting with the "C" series of the '60s and is a good and reliable family of transmissions. There are some here with 300,000 and 400,000 miles on their transmissions. But as you said, the cost differential to have a shop or dealer do the trans in an emergecy is so great I think you should replace it with a Ford reman.

 

Thanks for the background, you have answered my question. It seems like the dealers are quoting from the same place - perhaps a network of Ford dealers. Three dealerships gave me the exact same price. Any suggestions? I am in Orlando.

 

You might try one or more of the of the dealer/sponsors here on the board and they might be able to get or arrange for courtesy delivery to a local Ford dealership which is not uncommon with new car sales/delivery. The dealers in central Florida are too used to getting list prices for eveything due to all the tourists. If you travel down to Miami/Hollywood area you could stop in at the Lincoln dealership on NW 7th and 81st. St.. It used to be Miami Lincoln Mercury and they had a huge warehouse of Ford parts in stock for resale about 3 blocks north on 7th Ave. as they did a lot of wholesale sales to the independant shops and for export.