I have a 1995 RRC. When you first start it up the tranny seems fine. When you drive it for about a mile it starts acting up, like it's running out of fluid. If you stop it won't go any more in any gear and it makes a noise that seems like it's coming from the bell housing. If you put it in park or neutral the noise dies down and starts up again if you put it in any gear. Now if you turn the key off, then start it again it will go into gear somewhat, but the noise is back and fairly loud still. When I pulled the oil pan there was black sludge stuff all over the magnets, so I'm assuming it's metal. Any way was just wondering, if it's toast or something easy.

 

Well, the good news is... Classic trannies are not to hard to find for cheap . It could be a seal issue. At least that is what it sounds like to me, although the noises kinda get me. You could run some of that magic tranny fix stuff in there. Probably won't work, but you never know. The other thought is maybe the torque converter... In any case, this doesn't sound like a simple fix.

On a side note, the black sludge on the magnet is normal. I recently did a flush on one of my other rigs and saw lots of goop on the magnet, just part of it. Metal shavings are what you want to look out for.

 

Your tranny is shot, good ones are not cheap but can be found. Better start looking for a good rebuild shop cause even a good 17 year old tranny should be gone thru before reinstalling.

 

Ok thanks, I figured it was shot, but there's always hope. I have another one I will replace it with, till I get that one rebuilt. Thanks