Death of a Tranny

[Lowrider]

Hi Guys. New to the board. My tranny just went on my '94 XLT at 88,000. Unfortunately I found this site only shortly before it happened. It's currently being rebuilt and I am going through withdrawals! Trying to drive my girlfriends car in the snow is an effort. I've seen some threads about changing the oil/filter every 15 to 20K. Also, has anyone installed an aftermarket cooler? What's the best thing to do after I get it back? The tranny shop my mechanic knows is pretty reputable, but I'd like to know what the best maintenance tips are from other Ford owners.
If anyone is considering a rebuilt motor: I got one from Jasper for my 73 Caddy 2 years. It was expensive for a 472 but the motor is great(so far). Got a great warranty and it runs perfect. Got about 8k on it so far. How do the 4.0L's hold up in the Explorers?

 

[01EB5.0]

I added an aftermarket cooler and synthetic fluids. So far all is well.

 

[CHH777]

Welcome.

I'd ask the rebuilder the nature of your tranny failure and address it directly.

My tranny suffered mechanical failure (1st/low reverse planetary gears exploded), which destroyed the core. All the parts that wear out (clutches, bands, etc.) showed practically no wear at 93K miles. Therefore, I didn't order the "improved" wear parts.

Since my tranny was not rebuild-able I bought a Ford reman simply because it came with the best warranty AND I got it for $100 over cost. If it were rebuild-able I would have bought reinforced planetary gearsets with welded cages, blah, blah, blah...

As 95XLT metioned a real tranny cooler and synthetics couldn’t hurt.

The 4.0L is a bit underpowered but is a long-lived engine.

 

[Orkrist]

My trans

My trans failed, too. I had 120,000 miles on it and it just went. I had it rebuilt, and after 426 miles it wouldn't shift out of first. (Its an auto). So, I get it back tomorrow, and I hope it lasts. What a pain in the rear. No matter what kind of car you drive 120,000 miles is a lot, but this is a bit much. I had 120K on an MG and it ran better in most respects. I'm a little p'o'ed about this. I think the next car I buy will be Asian. I never thought I would say it, but my enthusiast days are pretty much over. Cars are just too expensive and I'm too car dependent these days to have something unreliable. And another thing. Whats up with the cruddy warrantees on new cars?

 

[Lowrider]

I also had a 73 MGB. The manual trans was actually the strongest point of the car. The manufacturer actually recommended using motor oil in the trans. It worked flawless for years. I simply changed it with the engine oil. Everything else on the MGB pretty much a headache so it seems everything is relative. It still seems the Japanese cars/trucks are a bit more reliable, but the price of a Pathfinder or 4 Runner is a bit more than an Explorer.
I've decided to add a transmission cooler to the truck when I get it back. Does anyone know if I should add it in upstream or downstream to the factory trans cooler or simply bypass the in-radiator type altogether?