What should I be thinking?

My 94 RMW had to male a 300 mile round trip today to fetch some parts...on the way up, it wouldn't shift into 4th (OD), which is fine for the twisteys and hills for the first 30 miles.

But, on the way back, it appeared that it would only go into 2nd. 2500 RPM by the magic tach in the dash at about 67-8 MPH.

I just bought two jugs of ATF and some clear tubing to do the sherlock9c1 flush...is the wagon impatient?

I really hope this isn't curtains for the trans...otherwise I'm stuck in the water. No transport, 25 miles from anywhere, and it'll take months to save up for a rebuild. I'd try it myself, but my landlord might take issue with me doing in the apartment. I have to do all my work in the street.

But it did get 18 MPG on the way back...

I would venture to guess that the trans is toast. The 3-4 gears is the weak point of the 4L60e. If you need it right now, put it on the credit card, and pay it off as soon as possible. You are looking at $1200-1600 for a good build with heavy duty 3-4 parts.

Can I put a 2007 4L60e in without terribly upsetting the natural order? I found one for 300 bucks.

I think you should be thinking...how many times do I want to R&R the transmission?

Oscar73 wrote:

Can I put a 2007 4L60e in without terribly upsetting the natural order? I found one for 300 bucks.

No, you cannot. But... you can probably get the parts you need to fix your trans for about the same price. Time to talk to Sherlock...

Don't bother flushing it. It won't fix it.

Short version: Go find another car to drive for now. Save up for another transmission or sell the car as-is.

Big picture: The real problem here is lack of financial margin. Trusting a 27 year old car as your primary and only ride is super risky. Get a different job, change careers, sell stuff you don't need, find a cheaper place to live, cut off anything and anyone that sucks money, time and energy from you. Move in with a relative if you have to. Build a cushion, an emergency fund, so you're never stuck again. It's worth the peace of mind.

Uhhh...thanks, I think.