hello I looked at a 99 2500 4x4 auto it has 173XXX I didnt see any mods to it, I did NOT find a 53 stamp it runs excellent its from a used local little dealer. he bought from auction and noticed driving it back the trans will search or shift into nuetral or no gear engaged on hwy and in reverse it hesistates before engaging or locking up I drove it for a little bit and in a couple hours going to go drive it again. fluid doesnt smell burnt or discolored starts out alright.

im going to drive for extended time today down the freeway and stuff. the guy at the dealer said they had another cummins before with trans problems and they had a guy rebuild it on the side for $600 if you bring him the trans its a good price I just want to know some things to look for as far as the trans is concerned maybe some things I can do to help diagnose especially if its something like TPS. or how big of a job it is. I have removed and replaced manual (5th gear rollout) and clutch on my old 96 and i have done auto trans removal and install on chevys and one dodge diesel a long time ago
please help me with your advice thank you

 

With 173,000 miles on that trans. You will be looking at a rebuild and torque converter. $600 sounds to good to be true. Standard rebuild with a stock converter is roughly $1500, thats you taking it in/out. If your going to pull the trans least rebuild it and go with a aftermarket vb/tc like from goerends, etc.

 

I dont know if its original trans or what?

 

Mine went at 174,000. Used vehicles, always taking a chance....

 

Parts are more than 600 bucks to do it right, I bought a stock TC and it was 285 by itself........

I would just figure on a good trans or pass.

 

Whats the price for the truck? As said, with that many mines, if you don't need a rebuild now, you will eventually. I would steer clear from a $600 rebuild. As said, good parts will cost that much, if not more. Also look closer for the 53 mark.

 

i looked very carefully with flashlight and on both sides of the block and I have found the 53 on a block or two in the past so i do know what it looks like.
as far as the trans thing i knew the guy was full of bs for 600 they said they would sell it for 6700 and it is very clean interior and no rust really

 

You might want to experience the transmission problem for yourself before you do any repair work. What feels like "slipping into neutral" on the highway for one person may be actually dropping out of overdrive and into third. When it downshifts and redlines the engine, it can feel a lot like it is in neutral, but it really may just be an electrical problem. I guess it's a better purchase for you if the deal is based on it needing a transmission though.

 

Well, consider $6700 plus about $2000 for a trans and you'll have $8700 for a 99. that might be a little much. Someone else might think different though.