Gimmeagig Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 Hi, I could really use some advice from you guys. I don't know what to do. The tranny in my 85 F 150 351 Automatic blew. The truck has let me down numerous times but, because I really like driving it, I have been spending the money to keep it on the road. But this time it's a big one. When I shift into D the truck drives but it stays in 2nd. it never shifts into the third gear. 1 and 2 and R work fine. My mechanic checked the linkage and the took it for a drive. His verdict: New tranny, around 2 to 3000.- to get it fixed. OUCH!! He also gave me a phone number for a transmission specialist. I called and have left 2 phone messages so far no reply.I know I need to get a second opinion. I'm not a collector so I'm not sure if I want to spend that kind of money. For that I can get another truck that works and gets better mileage. So now I'm not sure what my options are. I could use some help because I'm not a gearhead or a mechanic. Option 1 I could keep it, and drive it around town ( I don't have to take it on the freeway). At 8mpg that's pretty much what I do with it anyway. My mechanic say I should manually shift into 1st and then 2nd so I don't put too much of a load onto the tranny ( or the engine) I'm not exactly sure what he meant. Option 2 Sell it as it is I know that there are people who like these 85 trucks especially the short beds. And my truck is pretty nice in spite of (or because of) the patina it has. Option 3 Fix it I am not rich and this would be a huge hit for me. And I'm not sure if the money will still be in the truck should I decide to sell it. I don't want to throw good money after bad. If I did decide to fix it: Should I rebuild the existing tranny or find a rebuilt one? Do Junkyards sell trannys? What options do I have there? I have never dealt with this sort of thing. So yes, what ever thoughs you might have...I would really appreciate your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
viven44 Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 Does it shift from 1-2 automatically and back from 2-1 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat in tn Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 unfortunate situation for sure. has anyone told you which transmission you have? I believe it should be the c6 given the engine. often these are taken out by those opting for overdrive swaps. I have done a few myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimmeagig Posted May 22 Author Share Posted May 22 Does it shift from 1-2 automatically and back from 2-1 ? I'm actually not sure.I have not driven it much since that problem appeared. I'll test that tomorrow morning and give you an answer. I finally heard from the transmission specialist. I will make an appointment tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimmeagig Posted May 22 Author Share Posted May 22 unfortunate situation for sure. has anyone told you which transmission you have? I believe it should be the c6 given the engine. often these are taken out by those opting for overdrive swaps. I have done a few myself. No , I don't know what tranny I have. It does not have an overdrive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimmeagig Posted May 22 Author Share Posted May 22 No , I don't know what tranny I have. It does not have an overdrive. I really like that old truck, it breaks my heart to know that I may have to let it go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpin Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 "My mechanic say I should manually shift into 1st and then 2nd so I don't put too much of a load onto the tranny ( or the engine) I'm not exactly sure what he meant." If you put the C6 tranny in second it goes in second and stays in second, for traction. So I assume your mechanic means shift 1-2 so you have the two gears and a better take off from a stand still. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gimmeagig Posted May 22 Author Share Posted May 22 "My mechanic say I should manually shift into 1st and then 2nd so I don't put too much of a load onto the tranny ( or the engine) I'm not exactly sure what he meant." If you put the C6 tranny in second it goes in second and stays in second, for traction. So I assume your mechanic means shift 1-2 so you have the two gears and a better take off from a stand still. That makes sense, it's probably easier on the tranny and the engine. Except when I shift from 1st to second, because there is no clutch, it is kind of a jerky sudden transition. So I don't know which is worse for the truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85pig Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 If it's a C6, used transmissions are everywhere (providing it's 2 wheel drive). Many don't do facebook, but I've found it an invaluable resource for parts, tools, etc. - their "marketplace" is almost exclusively why I have it. Used Ford trannies are pretty common there, prices are pretty low. Salvage yards should have them as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat in tn Posted May 22 Share Posted May 22 If it's a C6, used transmissions are everywhere (providing it's 2 wheel drive). Many don't do facebook, but I've found it an invaluable resource for parts, tools, etc. - their "marketplace" is almost exclusively why I have it. Used Ford trannies are pretty common there, prices are pretty low. Salvage yards should have them as well. I 2nd that. this would be a very common transmission and should be easily found. I have one on fb marketplace right now. and have sold three on there in the past two years. the c6 is possibly the best auto ever built. if it were an od trans then it would be the best for certain. all machines can have an issue and while yours is pushing 40 years old and who knows how many miles. don't knock it. fix it or swap in a good used one and you may be good for a long time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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