98 Explorer Transmission problem + more

[schatham]

My wife's 98 Explorer XLT has been giving us some warning signs on the transmission. 98 Explorer, XLT, 6 cylinder, Automatic Transmission, 4wd. Around 215K miles. All original, not wrecked and only regular service.

Some of the signs -

• After sitting all night, when she puts it into reverse on our driveway (level driveway), it'll take a few seconds - maybe up to 30 at times, to go into reverse. Behaves similarly wherever she parks it. Does it more if it's cold or has been sitting a while. Sometimes, it will act like it is slamming or "chunk"-ing into reverse (sort of like you didn't come to a complete stop & went from forward to reverse).
• Started to feel like it is slipping in the last couple weeks. At lower speeds, or while accelerating, you'll feel it sorta "chunk" while you're driving. It otherwise drives fine.

She's also got a main rear seal on the engine leaking oil, too.

Before spending tons of money on this vehicle, we would like to find out what sort of options we have, or how best to spend it effectively on this vehicle. From what I gather, many of these models were prone to transmission problems, although that's probably not the case here.

• However, I do want to ask if the problems she's having are similar to ones that had to be replaced earlier on other models?
• I'm sure the main rear seal ought to be fixed when the transmission work is done, but is there anything we should do short-term?
• Is it better to get it repaired now, or should we be looking for a re-built one from elsewhere?
• Should we wait till it breaks, or can we save a little money if it isn't broken yet?
• What other model years would be compatible with this one?

We're looking also for recommendations for transmission repair places in Southside, VA (Martinsville, VA & Danville, VA), and the northern Piedmont in North Carolina (Reidsville, NC, Eden, NC, Greensboro, NC). Fine as a recommendation to go to or to avoid.

I would appreciate any thoughts or comments.

Thanks, SC

 

[shadowless127]

Let me start off by saying congratulations on getting 215K miles out of those horrible 5spd automatics.

IMO since it sounds like you're on a budget, you might want to check your local junkyard for a nice used transmission from a 98-01 V6. That's what I'm doing for my 2001 V8 that delays when shifting into forward gears. It just old seals that have hardened from heat over time and cause the piston to stick.

 

[jmoracco]

hey, i have just replaced the trans in my 98 and fyi electrical harness wise it is 98 specific. one year only cause ford did some electrical changes. i went on ebay and bought a used 98 trans from a reputable company. you still take chance by doing this but it is what it is. the trans shops here wanted 1500+ dollars to rebuild and that dident even include valve body updates. now im not sure if you can change out wiring harnesses so that another year trans would work. i couldent get a straight answer on that one. also i had no problem finding a98 trans. I simply re-torqued valve body, replaced tcc selenoid, epc selenoid, adjusted bands, and replaced front pump seal. all for good measure. oh also new filter as well. if you go used at least replace front pump seal and filter. there are somewhat affordable options here. This forum is really amazing with people who like to help. since most of this has been done several times there is at least a dozen posts on how to do all of what I mentioned above including rebuilds. Good luck!