Tranny problem - HELP!

[shiloh_56401]

First off, I'm not a mechanic and know next to nothing about the subject (sure wish I did!). I'd like any input on my transmission problem before I take it in, so I know what to expect. The transmission on my 89 Bronco II started slipping 3 weeks ago. I took it in, they said the gasket was leaking and the fluid was a bit low. They put a new gasket and filter in and topped off the fluid (system was flushed in Feb.). Didn't help. Since then, it's gotten MUCH worse, especially in the last two days. Doesn't want to shift, very sloppy when it does, and rpm's are higher than they should be all the time. Is a rebuild an option, or am I looking at a whole new transmission? And how long can I expect to drive it before it craps out completely? I may not be able to come up with the money for major repair until the end of the week, otherwise I'd park it at the shop first thing Monday morning. Any information or advice would be helpful!

 

[Dan4510]

how many miles?

Dan

 

[shiloh_56401]

166,000 - truck is in great shape otherwise. the fluid level's still good, so it's not leaking.

 

[Virtuoso]

Rebuild is definatly an option. As far as I know, as long as the case isn't damaged, a rebuild is almost always possible. Sometimes it costs just as much as a brand new unit, though.

 

[shiloh_56401]

Any ideas on what's causing it to get so bad so fast?

 

[Dan4510]

Yes, slipping clutches...clutches in the case are by definition wear items. They only have so much meat on them to wear off. When they hit a certain point of wear they dont have enough material to hold, then they slip which wears them at an much greater rate. When the trans slips, its wearing out the clutches very fast. 166k is not a bad life. The closest I came to that was a dodge dart slant six that I put 155k on before I sold it. Never had an instants trouble with the trans, but I think it was due to the fact that its hard to hurt a transmission with only 100hp....Put the same model (904) behind my 340 making about 370hp at teh flywheel and lasted only about 2 years and 18k miles before it had to be rebuilt.

You need to get it in and get it rebuilt if you want to keep the truck. A transmission is like a set of brakes in one way, when the friction material is gone, if you still try to run it, it starts tearing up stuff you dont want to replace.

Also, if you want to keep the truck, be sure to add a transmission cooler if the truck does not already have one.

Dan

 

[rpn453]

Did you check the fluid level again (just to be sure)?
I've heard that a transmission is more likely to fail after a flush due to dislodgement of particles.

 

[got boost?]

imho for this vehicle, go to the junkyard and buy a transmission for 1/10 the cost of a rebuild.

 

[Matt_S]

In addition to what Dan said, low line pressures, caused by old hardened seals, can cause the clutches to slip, creating that chain reaction of wear. I've heard it on good authority that you can buy some time with Berryman's B12 Chemtool, in the red, white and blue bottle. It helps loosen and restore the seals, but it's not a permanent fix. I suppose Auto-RX might work for the same reason, but, again, it's not going to be permanent.

 

[Gary Allan]

89 Bronco II? This wouldn't happen to have a 2.9 V6 would it? I believe that you have the infamous A4LD in there. Junque...a C3 with an OD thrown infront of it.

There is a heavy duty parts list for this trans. Make sure the trans shop uses it.

I would also recommend, if indeed this is the also infamous 2.9, that you get a 180 thermostat ..regardless of what the OEM spec is. These heads crack on demand. I believe that this was one of Ford's "quiet" warranty snafus. My buddy had his heads replaced with new for a 50/50 $600 bill (this was naturally about 10 years ago).

This engine/trans combo wasn't one of Ford's better ideas.

This, I believe, is the ONLY auto trans that fits this engine.