Hi,

I need to get my transmission repaired. I am in northwest NJ. Can anyone make a suggestion? Low cost is important. Transmission growls and car shutters when put under load, like when I accelerate. Bottom of engine wet (leak maybe).

Thanks,
pat

 

Pat, I hate to say it but it sounds like your tranny is past a cheap fix.
Give me some more information, what year is your truck, what is the mileage, how often did the fluid get changed.
Mike

 

Mike,

2000 disco II. 160k mi. Fluid change at 30k, 60k, 90k.

pat

 

Are you sure it is the tranny and not the front drive shaft?
Send me your tele number so I can call you.
Mike

 

Mike,

E-mail with phone number is on the way.

pat

 

Yo Mike,

It's a Christmas miracle !!! I crawled under again and low and behold the rear universal joint on the front drive shaft is broken. Wow! What troubleshooting from half a country away. I am impressed. Now it looks like I do not need to trade it in for a Mini Cooper. I'll just bring it to my local American car mechanic and let him do it.

Many thanks. I'll let you know how it went. Next we can tackle the heater or head gasket leak.

pat

 

Pat, This is good news. What year is your truck, did you also damage the flange on the t/case where it hooks, did the driveshaft hit anything, like the tranny?
Mike

 

Hey Mike,

The disco II is a 2000. The drive shaft did not hit anything. The u-joint is still "caged". The ends of the cross piece are chewed up and the front "U" of the joint is pretty battered and actually opended on one side. But, it is still together ... just barely. I think it will make the 3 mile trip to the garage. I will go slow.

I guess I caught it in time. The last trip I took in it, it "clunked" into reverse and then into drive. Running down the road in about a mile that horrible rumbling sound and vibration happened. I am a terrible procastationator and usually run things till parts actually fall off before I do anything. This time I got scared and just turned around and went home, cried, prayed, and posted my plea for help.

pat

 

Pat, I would not drive it with the shaft that way, it can and probably will let go. Unhook it and engage your CDL, then you can drive the truck to a shop to have it checked.
Sounds like you may need a new drive shaft and possibly a flange for the t/case.
Shout if you need some places to shop for the parts.
Mike