[cnynrat]

Hi,

We have a 1999 F350 with 95k miles. The torque converter is shot. Dealer has offered us two choices: 1) Replace the TC only or 2) Replace the whole tranny for about 2X the cost. The report from the dealer is that there were more than the usual amount of small metal shavings in the pan, but no big chunks. His opinion is we probably have avoided any significant damage to the tranny from the TC letting go.

The truck is a 3rd vehicle for us, so we only drive it 5-7k miles per year. Most of those miles are with a 3500 pound camper in the truck, and often in the middle of nowhere, so peace of mind about reliability is important. We plan to keep this truck for a good while longer yet, but with the low mileage we may never get much past 150k miles.

What's the general opinion about the lifetime of the tranny? (Dealer's opinion was 150k)

Should we replace the entire tranny or just the TC? I know it's a bit of a guessing game, but any recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[powerstroke w/smoke]

Personally i would go with a built tranny by any of the reputable tranny companies because it will cost about the same amount of money as the dealer will charge, except you'll get an awesome transmission/tc. but if you do go through dealer, do the entire thing to save issues in the long run. both of my 7.3's lost trannys before 100k miles. good luck

 

[tattoocharlie]

well you can get a reman with a warranty through the dealer,or you can call bts(brians truck shop)thay can get you a tranny for your specific needs and never have an issue with it again,call cale and talk to him (870)422 3673.the customer service at bts is second to none.i promise.

if you had a lot of metal in the pan,id prob do the whole thing.the 4r100 is a pretty clean tranny(overall)and a lot of debris is not good

 

[caryt]

Your dealer is a fool if he thinks the trans, lines and coolers are not full of junk from the TQ!

Best option is a BTS or John Wood trans..John has a Tow master for about $3200. Make sure you flush-clean all trans lines and coolers or you will just get the trash into the new trans.

Cary

 

[xfordtdm]

Your dealer is a fool if he thinks the trans, lines and coolers are not full of junk from the TQ!

Best option is a BTS or John Wood trans..John has a Tow master for about $3200. Make sure you flush-clean all trans lines and coolers or you will just get the trash into the new trans.

Cary

Amen brother! Brian at BTS showed me how my stock cooler had the feed and return lines located at the top corners. This design doesn't allow the cooler to flush debris out of itself. My cooler was full of clutch crap. The 6.0 cooler is three times the size of the 7.3 liter and is bottom fed/returned. This design allows the cooler to be continually flushed and free of debris. The dealer wanted 3200 for a tranny rebuild (not including a torque converter) and only would guarantee it for 90 days. I told them where they could go. I paid 4600 out the door for a completely bullet proof tranny, billet torque converter, and 6.0 cooler. BTS has the best warrantee. The extra money I spent was well worth it. I would advise going to BTS instead of paying shipping. Lead Hill is beautiful and there is a campground on the nearby lake. I limped to Lead Hill without second gear (900 miles) and Brian did my Tranny in one day. Just make sure to pick up your beer in Branson. Lead hill is a dry county.