[twilightcall]

Hi everyone. I just purchased a 97 E350 Van with the 7.3L TD engine and Automatic trans. This is my first diesel. I have heard great things about this engine. The van currently has approx. 45K miles with the original engine and trans. I won't be hauling just carrying at most 4 people. How long do these trans normally last? I read that they can be the weak point. Is there anything I can do to help lengthen the life? (easy on the throttle, change the fluid yearly?) Any info would be appreciated. I am excited but a little nervous as this is my first diesel van. Thanks.

 

[krowell]

Welcome to The diesel stop! with good trans fluid change interravals and watching the temps that trans could last a very long time. heat is the enemy of that trans. get a LARGE trans cooler like a superduty V10 trans cooler or even better would be a new superduty 6.0L diesel trans cooler.

 

[MarkEkberg]

The auto's are a crap shoot. In my opinion anything over 75-100K your on borrowed time.
Some last a long time and some give when your sitting at a stop light. You just never know.

 

[Richter69]

biggest thing that kills them is heat and slippage, Put a big cooler on it to cure the heat issue, put a modded accumulator body in it to cure the slippage. Change fluid every 30k and you will be doing everything you can for it. The converter clutch seems to another weak area, only way to remedy that is with a better unit.