More Tranny Problems :(

[Load*,8,1]

Well Saturday night I was on the interstate going to my cousin's birthday party and the Jimmy decided to quit going.  All the sudden I was in neutral, even tho I was in OverDrive

 

So I pulled over, checked all my fluids (everything fine since I check them on a weekly basis) and tried again.  1st gear goes through fine, 2nd gear goes through fine, but the car won't go into 3rd or Overdrive.  It simply "neutrals" out and all I can do is rev when it's supposed to be in any other gear then 1st or 2nd.

 

So for the past few days I've been driving it to work with the shifter in 2nd gear so it won't go to neutral on me.  Took it to a transmission shop to get an opinion and the guy didn't even look at it.  He said I need a complete rebuild and the cost is between $750 and $1000, maybe more if I keep driving on it and bust up other stuff.

 

I need options.  Is he right?  Is that the going rate?  Can't I find a used one cheaper? How hard are they to put in.  I've changed a lot of stuff in my truck (changed the radiator, water pump, condenser, etc etc) but never did any transmission work.  

 

The blue book value on my truck is around $2000 if the tranny was in good shape.  Could I get $1000 for it with the transmission problems and possibly just buy something else?  My other option is to get a $300 beater and drive it till I can afford to fix the transmission, but that could be $300 down on fixing it.

 

I simply don't know what to do and have no good options.  If anyone can help me I'll be forever in your debt.

 

Joshua

 

PS it's an 88 GMC Jimmy S15 2wd 4 speed automatic.  and if anyone can give me links to good "junk yards" that I can order parts from online, I'd be grateful.

[bowtie_pasta]

Ahh, bummer bro.     I had the tranny go on my 85' shortly after I got it.  Took around $1500 for a complete rebuild.  Mine was probably a little more just because mine is 4WD.

 

Anyway, I don't know what to tell ya.  I've never done a tranny job so I can't tell ya how much work is involved.

 

Best of luck and I hope you get it figured out.

[mcali17]

Same thing happened to my '85 S-10 Blazer 4wd. But that was back in 1991. I got a brand new tranny, installed for $1000 but that was at cost and no labor charge.

[bowtie_pasta]

Yeah, unfortunately word around the campfire is these trucks are prone to requiring a tranny overhaul after so many miles.

[firecadet613]

Just wondering...how many miles are on your blazer?

[bowtie_pasta]

firecadet613 - are you asking me or Load?

 

I've got right about 90k on my 97' Blazer and 230k on my 85' Blazer.  However, my 85' was overhauled once.  Previous owner did the rebuild so I have no way of really know exactly when.  Based on maintenance records looks like it was probably done around 120k.

 

later

[firecadet613]

I was asking load but thanks for answering.  I've got 95.6K on my 95 right now, what have you had to repair/replace on your 97 so far?

[bowtie_pasta]

Well, I've had my 97' for just over a year.  Had to put a new AC compressor ($600) and I also replaced the serpentine belt tensioner (not cuz it broke, but out of basic maintenance).

 

That's all I can think of, the previous owner took great care of it and I'm doing the same.

 

later

[firecadet613]

Hey bowtie thanks, did you ever get the service history from GM?  Have you ever had any problems with the oil cooling lines?

 

Shoot me an email if you can.

 

Joe

[bowtie_pasta]

Nah, I never got any history from GM.

 

I can't find your email in your profile, it's not displayed.  You can hit me at [email protected] or find me on icq at 14331289.

 

later

 

ps - no trouble yet w/ the oil lines, I'm keeping an eye on them.  I do notice just a couple drops now and then near the rear of the motor, still monitoring.

[big larr]

i had the same problems i lost 3&4 gears in my 87 s10 blazer had it rebuilt for 700dollars and had all the revision done on it . hope this will help.big larr