My Mustang has a problem with the auto transmission. I took it to a reputable shop in my area that specializes in transmissions and rear-ends. At this point, they are telling me that my tranny needs to be rebuilt ($2400) and that the planetary gears might be damaged and would be additional to fix. They are also saying the differential may need to be rebuilt; it has a leak and he thinks it's whining ($600-$800).

I do not understand why my tranny has gone downhill. I don't race my Mustang on a track or anything. I do have a tune, but should that really cause my transmission to die out at 53k?

At this point I am not sure what to do. For $3000+ do I have any other options? Would it be cheaper to buy a "racing" transmission and have them install it? Is the price too high? Should I go with a manual setup?

Or should I just trade it in?

Thanks for any advice.

 

when catastrophe strikes, I use it as a means to upgrade it to something better, stronger.. I just couldn't see myself dumping over 2 grand to repair a stock transmission. I would be researching the costs for a manual trans swap

have you taken it anywhere else for a 2nd opinion?

 

If you don't repair it, there is not much trade in value, right? You really need another opinion before making a decision. And when you take it to a second shop, don't say a word about the first shop, just let them tell you what needs to be done.

 

I would buy a junkyard transmission and put in myself...or, trade the car.

 

manual swap. If not fix it, and later on you could always trade the car in if youre unhappy

 

Take it to a second or third source and collect other opinions. Don't let the word of one guy dictate your actions.

 

And make sure you get a warranty.

 

Thanks for the replies. This is the second place I've taken it too. The first place quoted $2600 for a rebuild and did not drop the tranny. The place I'm at now was recommended to me but I am still astonished by the amount it cost to fix.

I would try to fix it myself but I do not have the time nor the skill to do it. I can do minor things but nothing like this.

Pricing out the parts for a manual setup, I figured about $2600 for the parts (trans, flywheel, clutch, pedals, cylinder, lines, shifter, ecu, harness, ?); what else would I need?

If I go with a used auto trans, how likely is this to happen again?

Thanks again

 

Id put a 6 speed in it the TR-6060 should bolt up i believe.

 

Second opinion I'd say unless this is a shop u have trusted for years. If u need a new one I'd look into a stronger one simply because they are often cheaper in cost than Ford's while holding up to more. (Not that the stock one in these are bad, just the performance for dollar math).
Whatever you do, do NOT buy one until you have done extensive research if you go aftermarket.