I have a 97 F250 LD 5.4 4x4 3.73 rear (I don't know which tranny). I bought it with 85k and have put 15k on since. I took it into the dealer for an overdue 90k service. I've noticed ever since I bought this truck, even with o/d off, when it shifts into 3rd, it goes right into TC lock-up, even going up a hill with a load...really bogs and I have to step on it and kick it down to 2nd. Initially, I thought it was skipping a gear. I had the dealer look at it during the service and they said there is something wrong with the tranny (but no codes)and wanted to pull it for either overhaul ($1500) or replacement ($2800). I told them to not touch it since I had a trip coming up and needed the truck. In the mean time, I went to a very reputable independent tranny shop and they said there's nothing wrong with it. The guy even plugged in a computer and we went driving around and I could see it go 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and then right to 100% TC lock. I asked why it goes right into TC lock. He said the newer (97, newer?) Fords do that and said he hears lots of complaints about them being "doggie" but that's how they work and "...the Ford trannies don't burn up as quick as the Chevy trannies". So my questions:
1) Does everyone else's Ford trucks do this? 2) Is there a way (chip?) to make that TC not lock up so fast in 3rd. Even a few more seconds out of lock would help. Sorry for the long post, and thanks for any advice.- posted
20 years ago