Ok, 2001 Ford F250 with the 7.3 engine. 363,000 miles.
I knew something was going to get me and it turned out to be the tranny. Theses trucks are notorious for transmission problems.
The question is, how much, on average, will a transmission repair cost? The truck is only worth about $6000. Am I totalled?
It is automatic.
I'm sad to see it go.
I agree with @saverem. Probably time to give up the ghost on this one. You could price replacement trans at the junk yards, or maybe find a rebuilt one online somewhere, but may not be worth the trouble ... this assuming, of course, that you can afford a suitable replacement.
What exactly is the problem? Automatic or manual? If you don't know the cause, what are the symptoms? Leaks? Slipping? Uneven or clunky shifting? Does it still drive? Have the engine and trans already been rebuilt?
The answer depends on the extent of the damage to the transmission. IIRC, the transmission seals are a common problem on those trucks. If you've been running the trans dry, you'll probably need a new gearbox, meaning you're totaled. If the problem is limited to some leaks and slipping on an automatic, you might be able to justify to cost of getting the seal and torque converter replaced.
Regardless, I'd prepare yourself to discover you need a new vehicle. As saverem said, you're sitting at the edge of a money pit. If you can sell it for that $6k as it sits, I'd go for it and use it as a down payment to get yourself into another good 2000-2006 truck.
It will go into gear, kinda, but the engine just spins. No movement.
Assuming this is an automatic transmission: Check that the transmission dipstick to make sure fluid is still at the correct level. If the fluid level is good, there's a chance you might be looking at a bad torque converter. The good news is that this would be one of the less expensive kinds of transmission repair, though I can only guess at the cost on your particular truck.
If its a manual trans: your clutch might be totally shot. Also one of the less expensive transmission-related repairs.
After wallowing in grief all afternoon I decided I'm going to rebuild it myself. Zero experience with trannys but I'm going for it!
Go find a mechanic that specializes in transmission repairs....
When you talk to him if you can't smell alcohol on him then leave and find one you can before you get an estimate...
Speaking from experience here man. ONLY ever allow and acholic fuck to do xmission repairs as it will be done right every single time.
You could always get a salvage, but that's a crap shoot for transmissions. It depends on whether you're a reasonable mechanic, though.
Manual transmissions usually aren't expensive to rebuild, but automatics will be a few thousand--and that's you taking it out and taking it to the shop.
I don't know about self rebuilding, automatic transmissions have intricate valve bodies with balls and springs, it gets hairy. Good luck.
I need the solenoids replaced in my shitbox old french auto and I was quoted $1300 from a guy who is pretty good value usually. More than I paid for the car though so prob just run it into the ground.
If manual it's not so bad but at 363k I'd just say give up on it. You're standing on the precipice of a giant money pit unless it's had some serious maintenance and an engine rebuild. A month after you fix the transmission something else big will inevitably go.