2001 1500 2x4, 180k miles. unable to go forward or backwards smoothly. feels like the brakes are on. i'm keeping the truck no matter what. it's my wife and I back-up vehicle. do we rebuild existing at a shop? buy used? I wont attempt a rebuild myself but I can swap Transmission out as needed. change torque converter while we at it? just looking for ideas. budget is about 1200 give or take. thanks

 

Call around to your local shops, see what they wanna charge for a rebuild, assuming no hard parts are required. (and most certainly replace the torque converter.....) See what they have to say. For a truck you are planning on keeping, I would not go used.

That said, if you can R&R a trans, (watch out for the crank sensor) you can rebuild it yourself as well. (if you have the time, and a space to work on it.) Only tricky part is that big spring in the overdrive unit. Need a press and fixture for that. (your local trans shop will have it. see what they would charge to remove/install the spring, if you brought in the o/d unit.)

 

Yeah, if you're keeping it. I would get yours rebuilt. Or buy a reman and swap it yourself. Definitely change the torque converter. There are too many places for debris to be caught to flush it. Make sure you flush the lines and the cooler also. Probably going to cost 1500 -2000 though.

 

Thanks for the info -- Update-- after calling around got quotes starting $1450 on up on a rebuild. I save $300 in labor charge if I take it in. Also searched for used units locally and online from $500 on up depending on warranty, condition, mileage, and shipping.

I decided to rebuild, took it out myself and dropped it off. Not a bad job at all. I decided to do the U-joints and oil pan gasket while I am at it. I have an external cooler so definitely flush all lines and cooler.

One question though. Anyone know where to source the grommet for the crankshaft position sensor? It goes on top of bell housing and sensor gets inserted into the grommet. Called dealer and part is discontinued. Checked online/google but can't seem to find the right part. Doorman or someone should make this piece I am thinking. Mine has a tear in it. If I can't find one I guess I can silicone it and put it back.

 

You don't need it, but if you wanted one best place is a junkyard. Only one I found searching the part number is here but it is pricey

 

Mine is the Off Road Edition it had 226,000 miles on the first transmission. I bought a salvage transmission for $500.00 it has 90,000 miles and a 6 month warranty. I replaced the transmission filter before installing. It was very clean. Barely any metal on the magnet. Ive put 2200 miles on it so far and am extremely satisfied. Good luck !