My tranny is blown, what now?

[Gimmeagig]

Hi, I could really use some advice from you guys. I don't know what to do.
The tranny in my 85 F 150 351 Automatic blew. The truck has let me down numerous times but, because I really like driving it, I have been spending the money to keep it on the road.
But this time it's a big one.
When I shift into D the truck drives but it stays in 2nd. it never shifts into the third gear. 1 and 2 and R work fine. My mechanic checked the linkage and the took it for a drive. His verdict: New tranny, around 2 to 3000.- to get it fixed. OUCH!! He also gave me a phone number for a transmission specialist. I called and have left 2 phone messages so far no reply.I know I need to get a second opinion.
I'm not a collector so I'm not sure if I want to spend that kind of money. For that I can get another truck that works and gets better mileage.
So now I'm not sure what my options are. I could use some help because I'm not a gearhead or a mechanic.
Option 1
I could keep it, and drive it around town ( I don't have to take it on the freeway). At 8mpg that's pretty much what I do with it anyway. My mechanic say I should manually shift into  1st and then 2nd so I don't put too much of a load onto the tranny ( or the engine) I'm not exactly sure what he meant.
Option 2
Sell it as it is
I know that there are people who like these 85 trucks especially the short beds. And my truck is pretty nice in spite of (or because of) the patina it has.
Option 3
Fix it
I am not rich and this would be a huge hit for me. And I'm not sure if the money will still be in the truck should I decide to sell it. I don't want to throw good money after bad.
If I did decide to fix it:
Should I rebuild the existing tranny or find a rebuilt one? Do Junkyards sell trannys? What options do I have there? I have never dealt with this sort of thing.
So yes, what ever thoughs you might have...I would really appreciate your input.

[viven44]

Does it shift from 1-2 automatically and back from 2-1 ?

[mat in tn]

unfortunate situation for sure. has anyone told you which transmission you have? I believe it should be the c6 given the engine. often these are taken out by those opting for overdrive swaps. I have done a few myself.

[Gimmeagig]

I'm actually not sure.I have not driven it much since that problem appeared. I'll test that tomorrow morning and give you an answer. I finally heard from the transmission specialist. I will make an appointment tomorrow.

[Gimmeagig]

No , I don't know what tranny I have. It does not have an overdrive.

[Gimmeagig]

I really like that old truck, it breaks my heart to know that I may have to let it go.

[grumpin]

"My mechanic say I should manually shift into  1st and then 2nd so I don't put too much of a load onto the tranny ( or the engine) I'm not exactly sure what he meant."

If you put the C6 tranny in second it goes in second and stays in second, for traction. So I assume your mechanic means shift 1-2 so you have the two gears and a better take off from a stand still.

[Gimmeagig]

That makes sense, it's probably easier on the tranny and the engine. Except when I shift from 1st to second, because there is no clutch, it is kind of a jerky sudden transition. So I don't know which is worse for the truck.

[85pig]

If it's a C6, used transmissions are everywhere (providing it's 2 wheel drive).  Many don't do facebook, but I've found it an invaluable resource for parts, tools, etc. - their "marketplace" is almost exclusively why I have it.  Used Ford trannies are pretty common there, prices are pretty low.  Salvage yards should have them as well.

[mat in tn]

I 2nd that. this would be a very common transmission and should be easily found. I have one on fb marketplace right now. and have sold three on there in the past two years.  the c6 is possibly the best auto ever built. if it were an od trans then it would be the best for certain. all machines can have an issue and while yours is pushing 40 years old and who knows how many miles. don't knock it. fix it or swap in a good used one and you may be good for a long time.

[85lebaront2]

Mat, from what he is describing, it more sounds like no vacuum to the modulator or governor/valve body issues. My logic on this is based on what components are applied in each gear.

1st gear, in D is forward clutch and overrunning (sprag) clutch.

1st gear in 1 is forward clutch and low/reverse clutch (sprag clutch is inactive)

2nd gear in D is forward clutch and 2nd gear band

2nd gear in 2 is the same as 2nd in D

3rd gear is forward and reverse/high clutches engaged

Reverse is reverse/high clutch and low/reverse clutch engaged

If all except maybe 3rd work, then all mechanical components are good.

[Gimmeagig]

Wow, I have no clue about what any of that meant LOL Except for the end, where you gave me a little ray of hope.
BTW My truck is a 4 wheel drive

[85lebaront2]

The only effect that has on the transmission is the output shaft and an adapter instead of the extension housing. The basic transmission remains the same.

The description of the function is pretty standard on 3 speed automatics, the terminology varies though from manufacturer to manufacturer.

[mat in tn]

forgive me. I may have assumed that since it was at a shop the basics had been verified. YES. I do know better. haha. I bought a truck nearly two years ago with a "BAD" transmission. a 351m /c6. towed it to the shop and started going over it. found vacuum modulator unhooked. I corrected that and took off. all worked well. I spent a good bit more refining things, but the trans is solid. All this said, I never drove it prior. so, I have no experience with what it did or didn't do.

[Gimmeagig]

So are you saying that the unhooked vacuum modulator can cause the symptoms I'm having on my truck?

[Rockhauler]

Can't say what would happen with no vacuum at the modulator valve. But also check that the modulator vacuum line isn't plugged, split or rotted and leaking.

Also what's the condition of the transmission oil, nice clean and red or burnt smelling and a dark reddish brown color.

In your original post you asked if wrecking yards will sell used transmissions, yes they will and they should also offer some warranty like 30 to 90 days on the used transmission.

[85lebaront2]

No vacuum to the modulator, trnasmission will shift very late and firmly.

[mat in tn]

as expected, but would the lack of a working modulator cause a lack of down shift? that was one of the symptoms.

[viven44]

I would like to know if that is the case as well, on what (if any) role the modulator plays in downshifts.

The only failure mode I have come across on modulators is diaphragm rupture and trans fluid leak... but can we have other failure modes that cause inconsistent operation.

[Gimmeagig]

Hi,
Thank you guys for all your input. I really appreciate it.
Tomorrow afternoon I will be meeting with the Transmission specialist that my mechanic recommended.Then I'll know more (hopefully)
I printed out the things you suggested. Maybe that will be helpful to the mechanic.
BTW the tranny fluid is clean.
In case the tranny is bad, Here are a few more questions...
What should I expect to pay for a used tranny from the junkyard? How much might the labor to install it be? Are those trannys pre tested before they get sold? If I get a bad one, I would be paying twice for labor.
In that case  a rebuilt one might be cheaper, right?
Also, buying a rebuilt one vs having the shop rebuild my existing one? Which is better?