GEARSTAR PERFORMANCE

When the automatic transmission first appeared on the market in the 1920s, anyone could count the number of gears on just one hand. But today, transmissions are practically all over the place. Honda is currently developing triple-clutch transmissions with 11 gears. According to industry experts, there was a time when transmissions only existed because automotive engines were below par. For instance, V-8 engines can rev up to 6,000 revolutions per minute.

Without a transmission, you will require a car engine that could spin at least three times that high to arrive at top highway speeds. As you may already know, the primary function of a transmission is to take an engine’s RPM and produce the wheel RPM that a particular situation requires. At low gear, the vehicle can pull away from a dead stop, while mid-range gears give rise to acceleration to freeway speeds. High gears ensure the momentum is maintained. This article discusses the misunderstood overdrive transmission and why it was created.

What’s an Overdrive Transmission?

Overdrive refers to a transmission gearing that significantly lowers an engine’s RPM at specific times to bring forth several beneficial effects. In other words, an overdrive turns the driveshaft faster than the engine’s crankshaft as soon as the overdrive is engaged. To get underway, the crankshaft has to turn faster than the driveshaft, which is underdriven. This action gives the engine a significant mechanical advantage over the driveshaft. However, as soon as the vehicle reaches cruising speed, the overdrive ensures the engine turns at a lower RPM than the driveshaft.

This yields better fuel mileage while reducing engine wear. Manual and automatic transmissions may have overdrive, though today’s manuals stipulate that drivers must depress the clutch and then shift into overdrive physically. But from the beginning, this was not always the case. ‘Overdrive‘ is a word that relates to the gear ratio that constitutes ‘extra’ on top of the gearing that generates the peak amount of power. This means the gearing is ‘overdriven.’ Overdrive is practically in every transmission today.

What’s the Primary Function of Overdrive?

The primary function of overdrive has to do with fuel efficiency. A vehicle’s efficiency improves significantly if it moves faster while relaxing its engine. Moreover, since the engine’s workload is considerably reduced, the vehicle’s ride comfort improves and consequently becomes less noisy. The lesser the stress on your car engine, the less stress you will experience. This also boosts your vehicle’s reliability and longevity.

How an Overdrive System Works

When a vehicle is in overdrive, the gearing ensures that the input shaft rotates slower than the output shaft as the car overdrives beyond its peak power point. In a manual transmission, the car is put into top gear – i.e., overdrive – using the stick shifter and the clutch. But in an automatic vehicle, the automobile shifts itself ‘automatically’ into overdrive. 

The Overdrive Transmissions You Need to Know

There is no better time than this period to meet some of the various overdrive transmissions, arranged in no specific order.

General Motors TH200-4R

The TH200-4R transmission first came on the market in mid-sized sedans from General Motors manufactured in 1981. It had a dual-bolt-pattern bell housing, allowing it to fit excellently behind a Monte Carlo SS small-block V-8 and a Grand National’s Buick V-6. The TH200-4R can also be built to efficiently handle big-block power such as Olds, Cadillac, big Buick, big-block Chevy, etc. It was manufactured from 1981 to 1988 and came with an OE rating of 300 horsepower. The dual bolt pattern of the TH200-4R allows it to fit correctly behind most rear-drive GM V-6s or V-8s. No computer is required to operate this transmission, and its overall length is practically the same as that of the TH350. However, you may have to replace most of its internals to handle massive power conveniently.

General Motors 4L80-E

The 4L80-E is a heavy-duty transmission built on TH400 internals and was the standard equipment on 1-ton and ¾ pickups. It was manufactured from 1993 to 2005 and came with an OE rating of 450 horsepower. The 4L80-E can handle massive amounts of power, and its proven strong internals made it popular with the aftermarket. However, some of its weaknesses include its need for computer control. In addition, the transmission’s input shaft can also break easily.

Ford AOD

The Ford AOD transmission, manufactured from 1980 to 1993, was the first production 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission by a renowned domestic manufacturer. This remarkable transmission was constructed more or less around the FMX three-speed. The OE rating of this lightweight and simple transmission is 250 to 300 horsepower. The AOD’s compact design and strong aftermarket support made it incredibly popular. However, this transmission built a reputation for a soft, lazy shift, and its concentric input shaft torque converter lock-up design left a little to be desired.

General Motors TH700-R4/4L60-E

The TH700-R4/4L60-E transmission is the updated version of the 4L60-E and has the internals of a TH350. It was Chevrolet’s backbone 4-speed automatic over the last 20 years and came in light trucks, passenger cars, etc. The TH700-R4 was manufactured from 1982 to 2005 with an OE rating of approximately 350 horsepower. It can be rebuilt with 4L65-E specs and doesn’t require computer control. A significant weakness of the TH700-R4 is the big RPM drop between the first and second gears. Another notable weakness is the sun-reaction shell that tends to break at the input shaft splines.

Ford AOD-E/4R70-W

Ford updated the AOD transmission in the early 1990s by adding electronic shift control and enhancing its strength. The transmission was equipped with a brand-new, wide-ratio gearset and was eventually renamed ‘4R70W.’ The 4R70W transmission is designed to handle lots of abuse and was manufactured from 1992 to 2005. Its 2-inch-wide overdrive band guarantees better holding power, and its stronger input shaft is admirable. In addition, the transmission’s wide-ratio gearset matches shifts excellently to the engine powerband. Nevertheless, the 4R70W is not without a significant weakness: it requires a computer to operate.

Conclusion

The overdrive transmission is understandably one of the most misunderstood components of a vehicle. But it is one of the most vital vehicle parts that enhances the longevity and reliability of any vehicle.

The first electronically-controlled transmission from Ford was introduced in 1989 and named the E4OD (E = electronically controlled; 4 = Forward Gears; OD = OverDrive). The E4OD was established on core components of the C6 heavy-duty automatic transmission and was used extensively in several heavy-duty and light vehicles, including the F-150, F-350, F250, and the Bronco. The E4OD came with multiple bolt patterns, which made it incredibly popular for an upgrade or swap. These include big blocks (385 series, not FE), small blocks, modular bolts, and diesel patterns. The 4R100 transmission is rated at 1,000 ft./lbs, which means it is one of the strongest or toughest transmissions ever. Although this is a heavy-duty transmission, the addition of modifications by the owners became one of the weak aspects of the drivetrain.

An Overview of the 4R100 Transmission

The E4OD was updated to the contemporary 4R100 transmission, which is the last rendition of the C6. The 4R100 shares excellent similarities to the E4OD; however, several internal components were adjusted here and there to tackle every durability concern many truck drivers/owners raised. Some issues became visible when this transmission was placed behind the Powerstroke Diesel Engine.

Then, in 1999, 4R100 was enhanced with a PTO (power take-off), which enabled auxiliary equipment to attach readily to heavy-duty vehicles with the transmission. This was when the E4OD was renamed the ‘4R100’ automatic transmission. The 4R100 is a four-speed, heavy-duty automatic transmission that rear-wheel drive trucks with 7.3-liter diesel engine use. It phased out only when the 2003 model – i.e., the 5R110W – dropped. Trucks that carry heavy loads can depend reliably on the 4R100 transmission. The 4R100 and E4OD transmissions share identical gear ratios:

• 1st gear = 2.71 (excellent for trucks that tow heavy loads)
• 2nd gear = 1.54
• 3rd gear = 1:1 ratio
• 4th = 0.71.

The 4R100 is also a computer-controlled transmission that allows users to use hand-held controllers to modify the characteristics or attributes of the automatic transmission. The 4R100 transmission weighs precisely 270lbs. (dry with converter), and every internal component is enclosed in an aluminum case. It has a fluid capacity of 18 quarts Mercon V (complete with torque converter).

Using a hand-held tuner, the owner/user readily adjusts the line pressure, the firmness of the shifts, and the RPM at which the transmission shifts. Of course, truck owners want all shifts to be as seamless as possible. You can even throw beefier tires on your heavy-duty vehicles and readily adjust your transmission settings to account for the larger diameters of these tires.

The 4R100 – and E4OD – were massive automatic transmissions measuring 27.25 inches long. This is why both automatic transmissions do not apply to non-Ford vans and trucks. In addition, shoehorning the 4R100 into another vehicle will require extensive and expensive modifications. This is why Ford matched the transmission to the following engines:

• ’99 to ’03 Ford Expedition SUV comes with the 5.4-liter V-8
• ’99 to ’04 Ford E-Series vans
• ’99 to ’03 Ford Excursion
• ’99 to ’03 Ford F-250, larger Super Duty trucks, etc.

Although the 4R100 and E4OD automatic transmissions have identical exteriors, not every component is interchangeable between these unique units. This is why extra care must be exercised or taken to ensure comprehensive compatibility. Moreover, unlike its predecessor, the 4R100 is equipped with a dedicated output shaft speed sensor planted at the rear end of the transmission. In addition, a pulse-width modulated (PWM) torque converter clutch solenoid was also included in the entire 4R100s in every diesel application and eventually in all 4R100 automatic transmissions.

4R100 Automatic Transmission Upgrades

Although the hand-held tuner offers users several basic adjustments your heavy-duty vehicle needs, some truck owners are not opposed to having additional options. The following accessories are some of the few that can help strengthen your 4R100 transmission:

Shift Improver Kits

Shift improver kits are primarily designed to provide users with up to 3 unique options for adjusting their transmission. You can readily adjust or adapt the tranny for towing capabilities, off-road adventures, and heavy-duty conditions.

Lockup Valve Kits

You should opt for lockup valve kits if you want to prolong the life of the torque converter.

Clutch Disks or Kevlar Bands

Consider clutch disks or Kevlar bands if your primary goal is for your transmission to perform optimally under heavy-duty conditions.

Inline Oil Filter

Consider adding an inline oil filter as it ensures the entry of zero debris into the transmission lines or cooler in case you experience sudden and total tranny failure.

Addition of Extra Capacity

You can help keep the transmission cool or at the optimal temperature by adding extra capacity to it with a steel or aluminum deep transmission pan.

Minimize Transmission Temperature

Use an aftermarket transmission cooler with a built-in electric fan to minimize the transmission’s temperature or keep it as low as possible.

Customize Your Ride

You can customize your ride with hardened pump drive tubes, heavy-duty stall converters, and anti-balloon plates.

Transmission Temperature Gauge

This accessory helps you track the overall temperature of the tranny itself. For example, it alerts you when the temperature is climbing near the maximum 200-degree Celsius mark.

Common Issues Plaguing 4R100 Transmissions

Some of the most common problems 4R100 transmissions experience include delayed gear engagement, a hard shift, especially in lower gears, and stalling the vehicle when shifted into the reverse gear. The reverse input drum often wears out untimely, causing your vehicle to stall in reverse since the transmission cannot correctly engage the gear. Therefore, each time you experience these or any other problems with your 4R100 transmission, ensure a qualified mechanic looks it over for quick and inexpensive repairs.

The Bottom Line

The Ford 4R100 is one of the most reliable, heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmissions on the market and is used extensively in rear-wheel drive trucks with 7.3-liter diesel engines. It was introduced in 1999 as a successor to the famed E4OD transmission. It could conveniently handle higher torque ratings, solved several electronic issues that plagued its predecessor, the E4OD, and was more durable. Indeed, the 4R100 automatic transmission was ‘bulletproof.’ However, this automatic transmission experiences some issues from time to time. These problems were partly why it phased out and was replaced soon after by the 5R110W.

The torque converter is a susceptible, complex, but essential component of traditional automatic vehicles. In technical terms, a torque converter is a form of fluid coupling generally known as ‘hydraulic coupling.’ It is a perfect alternative to the mechanical clutch you find in manual transmission. In ideal working conditions, torque converters multiply torque at lower revolutions per minute. This enables you to generate more power than possible via simple fluid coupling. When a torque converter goes bad, it can severely damage the transmission. A faulty torque converter can also result in overheating, friction, and degradation of the transmission fluid.

How Does a Torque Converter Work?

Torque converters operate in three distinct phases, as outlined below.

Stalling

Whenever you brake at a red light or come to a halt when you come across a ‘stop’ sign, your car engine still runs or idles. The torque converter applies power to the independently-rotating impeller without coupling with the turbine.

Acceleration

As soon as the red light turns green and you press down on the gas pedal, the impeller responds immediately by rotating at very high speeds. Since the turbine often rotates slowly, torque multiplication is generated instantly.

Coupling

The turbine rotates at approximately 90 percent of the impeller speed when your automobile starts moving at a fast clip. This results in torque multiplication. The lock-up clutch efficiently locks the turbine to the impeller at this point. This provides greater efficiency while preventing slippages.

The Torque Converter and Components Around It

The torque converter is often positioned between the transmission and the car engine’s flex plate. It comprises the following different components below.

Housing

The impeller is mounted on the torque converter housing. The latter is connected to the engine.

Impeller

The impeller is a vital component that comes with curved blades and is usually filled with fluid. When the impeller’s blades spin, the impeller sends forth fluid via centrifugal force. The faster the blades rotate, the more fluid is forced backward, resulting in energy transmission to the turbine.

Stator

The stator is a component conveniently interposed between the turbine and impeller. It receives fluid and turns the flow of fluid at nearly 90-degree angles. This results in torque multiplication.

Turbine

The turbine is positioned opposite the impeller. It comes with curved blades designed similarly. The turbine receives fluid from the impeller and rotates as this fluid flows against the blades. The turbine trades the fluid back and forth, which transmits rotating mechanical power via fluid coupling.

Turbine Output Shaft

The turbine output shaft connects the transmission and turbine and the vehicle’s wheels. These are the components that surround the torque converter. If any of these components suddenly fail, your torque converter will go bad, too.

6 Telltale Signs of a Faulty Torque Converter

The following are the top common signs of a faulty torque converter you should know.

1. Loss of Acceleration

If you notice that your vehicle shudders when you step on the gas pedal or feel somewhat sluggish or find it difficult to accelerate, your transmission may have a problem. In many cases, the key culprit behind such developments is the torque converter.

2. Leaking Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid is essentially the ‘blood’ of the transmission. It is crucial to the overall health and extensive performance of the torque converter and the entire transmission system. If torque converter seals get damaged or worn out over time, it may lead to transmission fluid leaks. This is why you shouldn’t take any chances whenever you notice that your transmission fluid is leaking. Leaking transmission fluid indicates something is wrong and must be addressed immediately. This helps avoid significant internal damage and costly repairs if ignored for a long time.

3. Slipping Between Gears

Automatic vehicles are primarily designed to shift seamlessly between gears. Most drivers feel this smooth movement, especially when they decelerate or accelerate quickly. However, if you feel your vehicle slipping between gears or find it challenging to stay in a specific gear, you may have a torque converter problem. You should arrive at this conclusion when the shifting also feels strange or rough.

4. Contamination of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluids can get contaminated. Therefore, it is a big sign of trouble if you suddenly notice that your transmission fluid looks milky, burnt, dark, or filled with debris such as metal fragments or shavings. You need to service your transmission right away. This could be everything you need to get fresh transmission fluid flowing through the system again. Bad transmission fluid could also imply issues with the torque converter or other internal transmission problems. Getting an expert transmission specialist to perform proper inspections is essential.

5. Overheating Transmission

Your vehicle transmission comes with an ultra-sensitive temperature gauge. This gauge warns you as soon as your transmission starts overheating. It is not ideal for your transmission to overheat. If it does, it causes serious concern. Therefore, get your vehicle to the best transmission specialist in your area. A failing torque converter – or internal damage – may be the culprit behind an overheating transmission. Let the issue be addressed as soon as possible to avoid extensive and costly repairs.

6. Refusal of the Vehicle to Shift

The most prominent sign of a faulty torque converter is when your vehicle refuses to shift into a particular gear. If you cannot get your car to shift into forwarding drive or reverse or refuse to engage, something is wrong with the torque converter. It must be inspected immediately by a specialist for prompt repairs.

The Bottom Line

 These are some of the top common signs of a faulty torque converter. Therefore, if you notice any of the symptoms discussed above, find your way to the nearest local mechanic as soon as possible for multi-check inspection and road tests. Make sure you work only with certified torque converter technicians as they know how to perform minor repairs and simple component replacements. They can also complete overhauls if required and use only brand-new tools, diagnostic technology, and equipment.

A vehicle auto transmission is a complex mechanical system that can be expensive to replace when damaged. This cost is why utmost care is essential to ensure it remains clean and operates efficiently for a longer life span. The primary goal of transmissions is to move vehicles from one point to the other with some assistance from the engine.

The 3 Types of Vehicle Transmissions

Three types of vehicle transmissions exist:

1. Manual transmission
2. Automatic transmission
3. Continuously variable transmission

The automatic transmission and manual transmission often require service intervals. But the continuously variable transmissions have no need for service intervals as they come as sealed units.

How to Improve Your Auto Transmission

There are up to 6 ways to significantly improve the reliability and performance of your vehicle’s automatic transmission. Here they are, arranged in no specific order:

1. Regular Auto Transmission Maintenance

Servicing your auto transmission regularly helps guarantee its longevity. You can take your vehicle to the local mechanic, though it is something you can do on your own if you’re a DIY enthusiast. However, you will need the following tools/materials:

• Protective clothing
• Disposable gloves
• A flashlight
• Torque wrench
• Jack stands
• A pair of safety glasses
• A drip pan
• Creeper
• SAE and metric socket set
• Wheel chocks
• A small funnel
• SAE and metric wrench set
• Floor jack
• A new filter

Ensure your vehicle is parked on a flat surface. Confirm the transmission is in “park” since your car is automatic. Secure the rear tires with the wheel chocks. Then engage your vehicle’s parking brake. This action locks the rear tires and prevents them from budging. Position the floor jack under your vehicle at its specified jacking points. Operate the floor jack until it lifts the car off the ground, with its front wheels balanced in the air. Fix the jack stands at the appropriate jacking point locations and lower your vehicle until it rests on the jack stands. Most modern cars come with jack stands on the pinch weld, right under the doors, and along the vehicle’s bottom.

Get the creeper under your vehicle to locate the transmission oil pan. Position the drain pan beneath the transmission oil pan. Drain the fluid out by removing the oil pan plug if your vehicle comes with one. If it doesn’t, remove each bolt of the transmission oil pan but leave one bolt each in the rear and front of the pan. Then remove the bolt at the end slowly so the fluid drains out.  Detach the transmission oil pan. Remove the bolt at the front to allow the remaining fluid to drain out. Remove the oil filter and replace it with a new transmission oil filter. Install the new grommet, which helps prevent leakages at the pump’s inlet.

Scrape off the old gasket from the transmission oil pan and case. Fix the new gasket onto the transmission oil pan and install it onto the transmission using two bolts. Start your vehicle engine with your foot on the brake. Tighten the bolts and fill up the transmission via the open port using the funnel. Put the transmission in gear for some seconds and then into neutral for another couple of seconds. Put the transmission in neutral before putting it in “park.” This action helps prevent damages that may occur if the tires spin through the brakes.

2. Lowering Gears When Driving With Heavy Loads

Using the right setting for your auto transmission is also one of the most efficient ways of improving your vehicle’s performance. If you’re driving through heavy traffic or bearing heavy loads, use your vehicle’s drive selection for the transmission. Do not overdrive, as this puts much undue pressure on your gears. Overdriving could lead to slippage and irreparable damage. Therefore, always lower the gears whenever your vehicle bears heavy loads.

3. Changing Driving Habits

When you change your driving habits, it enhances the auto transmission’s performance and reliability. Start by operating your vehicle and getting someone to monitor all the dash gauges. Take note when the transmission shifts and the particular RPM at the change occurred. Most cars come with a tachometer gauge to measure RPMs, but you can also take note of the speed at which the transmission shifted if your vehicle doesn’t come with an RPM gauge. Analyze the data you recorded to note the speed or RPM at which the shift occurred. Then perform another test drive that you change as soon as you shift the transmission.

4. Ensuring Proper Tire Alignment

Your vehicle’s tire alignment makes a considerable difference in the operation of your transmission, especially during driving conditions. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you may need the following tools:

• A flashlight
• Protective clothing
• A pair of disposable clothing
• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Wheel chocks
• Tape measure
• A pair of safety glasses, etc.

However, leave proper tire alignment and other essential tasks to professionals who know what they’re doing.

5. Proper Engine Maintenance

Transmissions get neglected when it comes to the overall performance of a vehicle. As soon as your car engine overheats, it causes the coolant within the radiator to boil. The boiling causes the transmission fluid to vanish within the radiator heat exchanger. Fixing a transmission may be easy for most mechanics. But it is not uncommon for these mechanics to forget one simple fact: the excess heat burns out all the additives in the transmission oil. When this occurs, or when the transmission oil evaporates, the transmission is exposed as there’s no fluid to clean and protect it. If your car engine overheats or misfires, fix this problem with your vehicle engine before you service the transmission.

6. Having and Using the Correct Tire Size

Using the correct tire size is essential to prolong your transmission’s performance and life span. Tires contribute to the wear and tear within a transmission system. Wear and tear occur due to overspeeding or overloading. Take your car to your mechanic and get them to work on the wheels.

Key Auto Transmission Takeaways

Boosting your auto transmission performance is not rocket science, especially for DIY enthusiasts. However, if you aren’t, ensure certified professionals perform these procedures to prevent unexpected but costly repairs.

Experiencing transmission issues is inevitable as long as you are an active vehicle owner and user. However, the real challenge that you could face is making up your mind about repairing or replacing a transmission.

Each time your vehicle transmission shifts, gears, bands, and clutches within the mechanical system must apply and release so that the shift will occur. This strain occurs regularly and over time, resulting in extensive wear. This could, in turn, lead to some catastrophic or major transmission failure.

Repairing faulty transmissions is one of the costliest ventures you could make on your vehicle. This is why you need to ask yourself these important questions: “Is repairing the transmission worth it, or should you replace it? Is replacing the transmission even worth it?”

The truth is that there is no one straight or one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, repairing the transmission is a better and less expensive option unless your vehicle’s transmission breaks down prematurely.

When a vehicle attains a particular mileage count and age, it doesn’t really make much sense to get a new transmission. This is because the latter will be much more than the vehicle’s current worth.

A transmission breakdown in a relatively new vehicle will require immediate fixing. If you own a vintage automobile, repairing any transmission issues is the best bet.

Factors That Influence the Costs of Replacing a Transmission

The transmission of a modern vehicle is not one solid piece but a jumble of several moving parts. This is the primary reason fixing a vehicle’s transmission is more expensive.

Other factors that influence the overall costs of replacing a transmission include:

• The age of the vehicle
• The car manufacturer
• Is the transmission manual or automatic?
• Where are you getting the repairs to your vehicle?
• Who have you quoted to perform the repairs on your vehicle?

These factors will influence your decision to replace or repair your transmission.

1. What is the current worth of your vehicle?

As mentioned briefly earlier, before you decide whether to replace your transmission, compare the cost of replacing it to the total (current) worth of the vehicle.

A brand-new transmission costs anything from $1,000 to $7,000+. Therefore, if the current worth of your vehicle ranges from $8,000 to $10,000, replacing the transmission will be worth it.

But if your vehicle is under or within the transmission range, it won’t make much sense to replace its transmission. The best way out is to scrap and sell off your vehicle in order to get a new car.

Moreover, the overall cost of replacing a vehicle’s transmission depends primarily on the type, model, or make you own. For instance, replacing the transmission of an exotic or luxury vehicle will cost you $10,000 or more. But that of a truck will cost up to $3,000, while a sedan’s new transmission does not usually cost more than $2,800.

2. How Much Will It Cost to Repair a Damaged Transmission?

You should get a well-detailed quote from an experienced mechanic. The quote should highlight how much it will cost you to repair the faulty transmission. If only the transmission troubles your vehicle – and no other component is involved – the quote should mention this.

Get the mechanic to perform an extensive examination of your vehicle in order to find any latent repair issues that need attention. This should be done before agreeing to fix or replace the transmission. The mechanic may come across something else that’s broken and requires fixing. If they do, get quotes for them, too.

It’s all about knowing precisely how much you’re expected to spend in order to get your vehicle up and running.

3. Does this vehicle still meet your needs?

You may have bought the car when you were still a bachelor. But now that you’re married with a couple of kids, the vehicle may not be the ideal one for you at the moment.

Find out if repairing the vehicle is worth it before selling it off and the price it commands. But set your mind on getting another vehicle that will capably meet you and your entire family’s needs. 

4. Is this vehicle well maintained?

The transmission is one of the components that easily go prematurely. In some cases, repairing the transmission will be worth it.

However, your maintenance procedure is key in this instance. If your car is not properly or well maintained, or you have poor driving habits, you may need to consider scrapping or selling off the vehicle.

But if you have always maintained the vehicle in pristine condition within and without, repairing the transmission may be worth it.

5. How Much Longer Do You Want or Intend to Keep This Vehicle?

Some vehicle owners drive their automobiles until they break down. This has significant financial benefits you should consider.

But if the vehicle has operated well all these years and only recently developed this transmission problem, ask how long you intend to keep this vehicle. Would you love to keep driving this vehicle for the next three years or more? If you answered in the affirmative, you should replace your transmission immediately.

You will get your money’s worth out of this brand-new vehicle transmission before selling off the vehicle.

If your automobile is still worth a lot of money, replace the transmission. You will still need to take this action whether or not you have decided to drive it or sell it off. No sane person will pay you a lot of money for a vehicle they can’t drive – since it has no transmission. Driving your vehicle is impossible without a transmission.

One primary advantage of replacing your transmission is the amount of money you will save. Another benefit is the automatic solving of every transmission problem you have encountered.

The Verdict?

As you already know, replacing a transmission is a costly repair job. When you have a major transmission issue, you should ask yourself this all-important question: “Is replacing the transmission worth it?”

Go through the reasons or questions highlighted above. This helps you make informed decisions after contemplating whether replacing the transmission is worth it.

For more updates on all things transmissions, visit Gearstar online every week. Browse our selection of high performance transmissions, converters and controllers parts, and much more! Regardless if you’re looking for the perfect custom transmission for GM or Mopar, we’ve got you covered. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us today and our experts will be glad to assist you with questions about our products. You may also check out our transmission support and resources section for additional help.