1990 Merc Grand Marquis Trany Rebuild?

It's not unheard of to get 200K plus miles out of these cars if well maintained. If the rest of the car is in good shape(steering, suspension, low oil consumption, etc) then having the trans done is a viable alternative to a car payment.

Is the trans working good now? You weren't very clear on that. If the trans is working fine, just be sure to maintain it as usual, and worry about it when it starts slipping (assuming an automatic, of course.) If everything on the car is in good shape, except the trans, and you're happy with the car, I'd go ahead and have the rebuild done or purchase a rebuilt unit and have it installed.

-LMB

The reason congressmen try so hard to get re-elected is that they would hate to have to make a living under the laws they've passed.

Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.

Ditt-o-o, Tom and Louis:

You dont tell us the indications. Nor the trans service history.

Here's a help. Assumed: the trans has had periodic fluid/filter changes, and the fluid is now relatively clear, and little to no 'burnt' smell. "Slippage", if any, tends to occur when car is at operating temp. ..If the trans is just starting to show 'signs of slippage' and low gear shifting is good, and you want to get by on the cheap...

Then, after changing fluid and filter: look at the AT cooler in front of the radiator. If there is none or just a bent run of tubing, then go to NAPA and get a proper cooler, install it per direction.. IE the fluid goes through it AFTER it goes through radiator.

Then add a bottle of Lucas Transmission fix. Most likely you will see improvement and the trans will last indefinitely, depending on your driving and what might be causing the problem in the first place.

I've done over 50,000 miles since treating ny Tbird, as above. Many others have also seen the same.

Alla same you should starting putting a little away, each month, for a new trans. If you dont need it, convert the fund for a down payment.

Thanks all for the input. I didn't mention that the transmission has chattering (torque converter) and may be showing signs of slipping, maybe the torque converter is just getting worse. I had it at a recommended transmission shop a few years ago, they put the synthetic treatment in along with a new filter and fluid change. Told me if it starts slipping then bring it in, but don't worry otherwise, that the synthetic treatment should benefit. I guess I'm at the point now where I need to take it in or drive it till it needs towed...

Hearing that the mileage can get much higher is encouraging. The care really seems in great shape. Minimal oil consumption (as much as a new car). Had some other work done recently too. All in all, it's a champ.

Thanks aga>

But the question is: WHAT 'synthetic' treatment?!!! Synthetics may prevent glazing/burning but they wont necessarily restore anything.

Lucas claims to actually 'swell' clutch composites (along with gaskets and seals); though I can only take their word for that.. as evidenced by little-no increase in slippage over the 50,000 miles since it was first experienced. As you might guess the benefits of any additive is only proven by actual USE. I can vouch for the Lucas product, having tried other additives for different applications, I cant vouch for them... nor for Lucas engine additives... though the Power Steering additive ALSO definitely works for me, after several others had little or no effect.

What I'm saying is that many here have vouched for the Lucas AT product...

Also... HEAT is the prime enemy of AT. That's why I recommended the cooler add-on.

Chattering may be helped -or not- by the additive. Ny previous bird had a recently rebuilt trans and shuddered on O/D shift from day one through the 60,000 I drove it.

Thanks for the input, I'll check on it and see what was used, hopefully I can find out. Sounds like some good stuff.