Problems with trannies ? - Diesel Forum

Sudsy · 04-18-2003, 04:09 AM

I've noticed a disturbing number of threads dealing with blown transmissions. In one thread it was mentioned that there were excessive problems with transmissions built prior to April '01. Is that just for the '01 model year or do the problems go back through '00 ??

I'm hoping to pick up an '00 with 50k this weekend but if it's a given that I'll be replacing the tranny I may think twice about it.

dmftoy1 · 04-18-2003, 08:03 AM

The problem is more of a general "Automatic behind a diesel" problem than a problem with the trannies in and of themselves. None of the big 3 have been able to create a transmission that is "bulletproof" behind the diesels. (JMHO).

I think the jury is still out on the Allison and the new Torqshift, but one guy in our club has already burnt out an Allison . .of course he's running propane. If you read enough on this board you'll find guys with 150k on their trucks most of it towing 5th wheel trailers, and then you'll read about guys who have 10k on their truck and have been through 1 or 2 trannies.

My personal opinion is that it's probably a good tranny if you change the fluid frequently and install/watch a good temperature gauge. That being said, I'm saving for a BTS rebuild if mine ever fails. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Regards,
Dave

JimLockey · 04-18-2003, 10:06 AM

I think some of the problems with the automatic transmission is more the fault of some of the drivers and not the transmissions. Ford let me watch a video of the new Ford 6.0's. In this film they were drag racing the Dodge and GMC's. I can't understand why anyone would want to drag race while pulling a load. Never would I drag while pulling my 5th wheel. It is irresponsible to drag race while pulling a load. I realize this was for show and I'm sure Ford would hate to see all their customers doing this.

jschira · 04-18-2003, 10:22 AM

I had an early '99 4R100. Used the truck mostly to tow. Never had any problems, but I did not have that many miles nor towed a heavy trailer.

Ford upgraded some of the internal parts over the years. Go to [url=http://www.brianstruckshop.com.[/url] Brian has posted some pictures of the parts.

Lots of people get 100,000-150,000 miles on the original trannies. Keeping the fluid clean and fresh and not letting it get too hot are the keys.

jdadamsjr · 04-19-2003, 02:49 AM

Well, my '02 PSD Ex never towed, never raced (except when I'm in a hurry), and the trans blew when I put it in reverse...
That's why Ford has offered a replacemtn to us... after the other 'things' we've had go wrong in the first 12,000 miles...

And I'll take it if Ford Replacement Vehicle Department will ever do ANY work... been waiting 5 weeks on them - ABSURD lengtho of time to fill out paperwork...
But I guess if you can't SPEAK English, writing a letter in English will be tough too [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bleh.gif[/img]

BigCat · 04-19-2003, 01:18 PM

I blew two units while in reverse and the last time I lost all forward gears above second and I lost the coast clutch...I will be pushing for a buy back.

Bruce1954 · 04-21-2003, 01:45 PM

I tow only once in a while but have pulled some heavy loads.

Have not towed since I put guages in but I see temps from about 70 to 90 degrees over ambiant depending on speed. About like 70 over Amb. at 70MPH and so on. I have almost 50k on mine and it seems fine.
Also had a 92 E-150 with 5.8 and R4-100 last time I saw it it had 230K w/ orig trans and a new TC at 105k due to shudder.

Bruce