1fast2liter,

I acknowledge the possibility that the engine may have been further damaged by overheating after coolant had drained out. But I can't envision that quantity of water leaking through a hole in the head gasket. You're right to say there COULD be a blown head gasket. I hope not. But if there is, its not the only problem.

 

id worry about that freeze plug first then go from there

 

He told me it would take about 12 hours to do the job. I've never pulled a tranny. Is it difficult? Does it require special tools?

 

I've been in this situation before. I've had situations where a little investigating revealed the problem, and it was a new part and a relatively easy fix, and I saved myself some $$ and enjoyed the satisfaction of having done the fix myself. Conversely, I've also spent hours learning how to do something new, and spent way more time than a mechanic would spend to do the job, largely because of inexperience.

I don't have 3 days to spend on the cold wet ground beneath the belly of this truck. If I had my own heated shop, and the tools to safely remove a tranny, maybe I'd feel different. At the moment, I think its out of my league, not because I can't do it, but because I've never done it before, and I've got better things to do with my time than learn how to do this.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! Doesn't look like there's an easy way out.

 

doesnt take speacial tools. just you basics and a long *** extension for you ratchet

 

it shouldn't be too bad to remove your tranny since it's a standard. they're much lighter.

 

we can help you along if you run into a snag

 

Well, you guys are awesome for offering to help. I still think I'm going to have my mechanic do it, because I just don't have enough time to do it on my own.

 

not to sound rude but why ask us then? should have just taken it to him and had him do it. LOL