Was changing the transmission fluid and fixing the gasket leak. Found this gasket in the pan in pieces. Very thin gasket. I changed the fluid before and I am 99% sure this wasn't in there. I have never seen a gasket like this. I assumed the trany pan gasket was leaking, but maybe this is the culprit. Also, transmission has not been shifting in to high gear lately. Any ideas?

 

I'd say clutch facing material.

 

Yep that looks to be a clutch face for the third gear/reverse unit. There are I believe 3 rings on a stock 46RE and 4 in some rebuilds

 

Rebuild time sorry to say.

 

What they said, you've lost a clutch friction surface.

 

If the trans shifts fine and acts fine, i would keep driving it. Im sure all trucks at this age need something/everything rebuilt. Personally i wouldnt until it stops working.....

 

^^ I agree with this guy, a full rebuilt is gonna cost $$$$ no matter what, get all the mileage out of that transmission that you can.

 

Rebuild it now....Why completely trash the entire transmisssion?

 

Rebuild it now or I would if it was me. You don't want something coming apart and have a hard part get trashed. The hards parts in a trans is what will cost you alot more to rebuild

 

Well in my case I bought my 98 1500 with 126k for $2200. I was quoted to do my trans around $1600. If I pulled it and had them rebuild it id still pay $600 to $1000. If it shifts fine, no slipping, no noises... use it. Its worn but it works...its not broke. Im sure everything in my truck and in most at 10 yrs could use a rebuild. Shouldn't mean you should, guess im just a " if it ain't broke, don't fix it"