Telltale signs of a tranny on its way?

[JesseM]

Hey guys, new here. Been wanting a diesel since I was a kid and Im now gettin my chance to buy one I can afford. Im looking at an 01 F350, its a reg cab 4 x 4 with a plow and 131K miles. My biggest concern is the transmission. This purchase is going to about empty my familys bank account and I wont be able to afford a tranny rebuild for a while (tough being a pops!.. ). I test drove it tonight and the engine/tranny were up to operating temps but still on the cool side, it is about 23 degrees out. The upshifts felt fine, even under semi hard throttle, it shifted quick 1 2 3, but what worries me was when i put it into reverse to back in the driveway, it went in a little slow. Is that normal with the older P-Strokes? I know my friends 05 F250 goes into reverse imediately as Im usually the one backing his trailer for him. Any insight would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks guys and Merry Christmas!!! - Jesse

[smokenstroke]

Welcome to the org and powerstroke's!

Wanting to hear what others have to say about this one...

[InExactAxis]

01 is the mechanical diode problem year... I thought my trans was fine when I got my truck but ended up putting a rebuilt in and now I just forked over almost 6k for a fully built BTS trans. Both my rebuilt ****ty trans and my ford reman went into reverse quick and fine.

Reverse and OD are usual what goes on these trucks. Overdrive went on my original and reverse went on my ford reman. The rebuilt trans that I am just now replacing is just all around weak but still goes into reverse quick... No answer for you but hope that helps.

[minzbig22]

Slow reverse is a common issue that guys with plow trucks REALLY notice if it's there. Be aware that this truck has probably been shifted in and out of reverse 100's- 1000's of times every time it snowed (depending on who had it) It is bound to have some sort of issue eventually....

(I've had 3 trannys in mine in 120000 miles)

[smokenstroke]

Sig doesnt show anything?

[minzbig22]

Originally Posted by smokenstroke

Sig doesnt show anything?

Sorry, I forgot I hadn't included a pic or info

[Hank]

My 2001 shifts slower into reverse AFTER I had it built. That was 20,000 miles ago and going strong.

[jesilvas]

Mine takes a second or so to engage. Always has

[minzbig22]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

Mine takes a second or so to engage. Always has

My last one was pretty slow, caught myself hitting the gas before it was in gear a few times.....

Current one is very fast, really no delay at all

[bigcaveman]

Mine takes a sec or two also. I would think as long as it goes within a sec or two with no clinks or clangs and doesnt slip, I think its ok.