I posted yesterday about a truck I am going to go look at today and my biggest concern is the tranny on the truck.
It is a 1998 with 143,000 miles on it.
The tranny shifts fine without any problems.
It has never been rebuilt.
The truck has done some towing but don't think it has done much heavy towing.
I plan to use the truck as a daily driver and tow 6,000 lb trailer maybe 6 to 7 times a year for a total of maybe 2,000 to 3,000 miles combined
I am hoping to get another 40,000 to 50,000 miles out of it before I need to pull it and rebuild.
Does that sound about right? or do you think I am dreaming?
I do most all of my mechanic work so I would end up doing the rebuild myself.
Not even sure what transmission is in these rigs.
Thanks in advance for the help.
Ken

 

You have the 47RE Tranny. Yes, it is possible to get the mileage out of that tranny, depending upon how well it was maintained(Fluid and filter changes), and how it was driven. The fact that it has 14x,xxx miles on it now, probably says that it was maintained and not abused by the driver. To say that you can get an additional 40K to 50K out of it would be impossible to say.
If you can do the rebuild yourself, I wouldn't worry about when the tranny will need rebuilt. Just drive the truck, enjoy it and when the time comes for the rebuild, you will know that you will do it right, and have the chance at that time to install a better TC and valve body.

 

A stock tranny with 200k miles is not a myth. It does happen. If you're going to do the rebuild yourself then you'll save money. Tranny work is finicky though...

 

yeah, not unheard of. my neighbor had a 95 5.2 ram that was used to haul and tow everything for his contractor business. last i heard...275,000 miles and still goin strong. he said he got that mileage by using Bardahl's? i think that's the name. same for the engine. never rebuilt either one. His son has the truck now and i see it on the road every now and then.

 

Well,
I went and checked out the rig.
Very well maintained shape.
Runs and drives very well.
The tranny shifts like new.
He kept the truck on a very good service schedule.
I think I will be picking up this rig.
I should know this truck from front to back in a few months.
Thanks for all of the help.
Ken

 

if the 98 is a 12v, I'd jump on it. assuming it's anywhere near a reasonable price. if it's a 24v... pass.

don't worry about the tranny, worry about the torque converter.

 

It is a 24V engine.
So what is wrong with the 24V engines?

 

If a 98 24V, keep good fuel pressure, or you will have early inj. pump failure.
Also, make sure it does not have the "53" engine block. The 53 blocks have a known problem of thin castings and have experienced cracking. A search on this subject will turn up lots of info.