Transmission gave up today...

[WHYBYNU]

Well not the way to start the day. The transmission fluid decided to exit the transmission today going down the highway. ( transmission and hot exhaust equals tons of smoke) So on to a flatbed and a ride to the house. Not sure yet what went wrong there wasn't anything obvious besides transmission fluid covering everything under the truck So headed to the shop Monday. Transmission was rebuilt 15-16 years ago but only had 20k maybe miles on it. Just part of owning and driving a classic truck.

[Warrens69GMC]

On the other side, you have the truck home and still in good condition. Seen the carnage or fire that some have seen happen to classic vehicles. I would gladly shell out 1k not to have a total loss.

I know I seem dramatic, but its the really least that could happen, per se.

You may have had a hard line that rubbed a area and created a leak.

[WHYBYNU]

Oh I totally agree definitely could have been worse. I have owned this truck close to 30 years to say it is part of the family is a understatement. After I realized it was the transmission I called a toll truck and sat on the tailgate watched cars drive by and called the transmission shop. I learned a long time owning a classic truck sh@t happens.

[PbFut]

Since the tranny is dead, look into a converter look up kit. Not a lit of cost. You will be replacing torque converter anyway. May as well take advantage and do a minor upgrade. I recently replaced a converter but was not aware there were inexpensive kits to convert a standard converter tranny to a look up converter for our older designs. I have no practical use of one but the kits with the correct converter look like a good idea to me.

[jumpsoffrock]

Put a manual in it, rarely fail, easily found.

[1970cstblazer]

Lucky there wasn't flames. Transmission fluid is quite flammable, especially when sprayed onto hot exhaust parts.

[WHYBYNU]

I installed a Pro Torque 2800 - 3000 stall Converter and trans cooler last year when I put the ZZ6 in. I did Hot Rod Power tour last year 2300 miles in a week with that set up. Funny how it works I was sitting on the tailgate waiting on a tow truck Googling transmission upgrade and options. Lemons to lemon aid. I will have to admit I did run a round the truck with a fire extinguisher in my hand a few times like a mad man. So I will definitely count my blessings that there was not a fire.

[54blackhornet]

It was smart to have that extinguisher handy , few have one when it’s necessary.

[72c20customcamper]

I had a rubber line go on my 72 . My fault I didn’t check them when I bought it and they were made from gas line not good for oils it was like mush when I got it off . I put all new hardlines in it after that .

I bought a 10 of these for the cars and trucks . They were $7 on clearance and then 50% off that

[mikeshome]

Probably just a line. If its a 350 turbo it will be fine.

[Steeveedee]

I've had an '82 wagon with a 200 and an '86 wagon with a 700 both pop smoke. In both cases it was the front seal. That much smoke, people get out of your way when you're moving over to get off the freeway!

[weq92f]

.

Good that your truck will live to fight another day Sir! I too keep an extinguisher in the cab of my truck. Keep one on hand in the shop when doing work too. I worry a lot about fuel leak/fire but don't often think of the tranny fluid getting loose so this is a good reminder.

Stay safe and happy upgrading!!!

-klb

[WHYBYNU]

I agree with everyone on having a fire extinguisher in the truck. I have always had one and change them out every couple years. As far as the transmission goes I was able to look at the transmission lines both are steel braided and looked fine so most like something internal let go. I'll post and update as soon as I know next week what the trans. shop finds.

[too much stuff]

Originally Posted by WHYBYNU

Well not the way to start the day. The transmission fluid decided to exit the transmission today going down the highway. ( transmission and hot exhaust equals tons of smoke) So on to a flatbed and a ride to the house. Not sure yet what went wrong there wasn't anything obvious besides transmission fluid covering everything under the truck So headed to the shop Monday. Transmission was rebuilt 15-16 years ago but only had 20k maybe miles on it. Just part of owning and driving a classic truck.

Exact thing happened years ago on my 65 plymouth. Wife had the car out on a hot day, called and said it was smoking really bad all of a sudden. She pulled to the side of the road and waited for me. I could see the line of fluid down the highway right to where she parked the car.
Added a bunch of trans fluid, watched for leaks and nothing... It hasn't done it since and been fine since. Maybe yours did something similar?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Bummer. Could be worse, I paid for two rebuilds and there wasn't so much as a mile in-between.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Exact thing happened years ago on my 65 plymouth. Wife had the car out on a hot day, called and said it was smoking really bad all of a sudden. She pulled to the side of the road and waited for me. I could see the line of fluid down the highway right to where she parked the car.
Added a bunch of trans fluid, watched for leaks and nothing... It hasn't done it since and been fine since. Maybe yours did something similar?

Most likely came out the vent and hit the exhaust I had an 87 k10 Suburban with a 700 that hid that often . The trans did eventually go the new goodwrench had a long line on the vent to keep it from spraying the exhaust .

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Bummer. Could be worse, I paid for two rebuilds and there wasn't so much as a mile in-between.

A mile ?

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

A mile ?

Maybe 5 miles actually. No reverse, but I drove it home from a shop intended for the truck's maiden start. The 400TH was rebuilt, and 3-4 years later I got the truck running. That was 1700, I did the R/R. Warranty long expired, I wouldn't take it there anyway. The second shop R/R and rebuilt it as needed, with a new T converter. Same price, not a scratch and they treated me so well. They said the former shop grinded a rod, pin or something like down, which engages reverse; perhaps "for a smoother shift".....

[jumpsoffrock]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Maybe 5 miles actually. No reverse, but I drove it home from a shop intended for the truck's maiden start. The 400TH was rebuilt, and 3-4 years later I got the truck running. That was 1700, I did the R/R. Warranty long expired, I wouldn't take it there anyway. The second shop R/R and rebuilt it as needed, with a new T converter. Same price, not a scratch and they treated me so well. They said the former shop grinded a rod, pin or something like down, which engages reverse; perhaps "for a smoother shift".....

I am fortunate enough to be young and have a healthy leg; but this is exactly why I stay away from autos. Manuals only for me.

SM465 never fails, and when they do I can find one locally for $50.

[WHYBYNU]

*update* Still waiting to get the truck in the shop. I'm on the schedule so hopefully in the next 2 weeks I can get it in. The shop is Fryar's Transmission has been in business for 50+ years. Several "car guys" recommended them to me. For what it's worth Transmission Digest did a great article on them a few years ago. Talked to the owner he said give them 3 weeks and they will take a look at it. He actually called me Monday to ask about the truck, trans, rear gears, engine HP/ torque #'s, street or race driven. I was impressed that he called to ask me those questions before they have the truck in the shop. I'll keep you guys updated.

[HotWheelsFan]

Sounds like you have a shop who cares about your needs, rather than the other way around.

Being an auto tech myself, I had a trans go out with my daily driver (Jeep) in-between Oregon and Los Angeles and lucked out with a great shop to do repairs while relocating about 10 years ago. It was Sooo Nice finding someone who cares about their customers.

Bob

[weq92f]

.

Definitely encouraging that the shop called with questions.

Did they give you an estimate or a ball park on price?

-klb

[WHYBYNU]

Definitely surprised me they called. I guess 50+ years in business they must be doing something right. Totally rebuilding the transmission 1500 give or take. He said lets get it in the shop and see what the problem was, then look at my options. I thought that was a fair and honest assessment.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by WHYBYNU

Definitely surprised me they called. I guess 50+ years in business they must be doing something right. Totally rebuilding the transmission 1500 give or take. He said lets get it in the shop and see what the problem was, then look at my options. I thought that was a fair and honest assessment.

Agreed from your descriptions. Seems you found the right place.

Years ago, I had a Borg Warner T-56 lose 5th and 6th. 1-4 were still fine, no crunch or bang or anything, just one day they were gone. Did my research, called around and found a shop. Est price was right on, no surprises but turns out the input shaft was mangled and couldn't be reused. He let me bring him the 500 dollar part I sourced myself. Still have the old one somewhere.


-klb

[WHYBYNU]

*update* the transmission pump was bad. So I decided to just have them rebuild the complete transmission and adding a bigger trans. cooler. Funny how things work over the weekend I found the paperwork in a cigar box from when I had the transmission rebuilt in 1995. So should be back on the road mid to late next week.