Hi all, new here. I recently acquired a 93 C1500 stepside. Around 215,000 miles on her. Runs great but the transmission has major issues. In 1 or 2 it works fine. In D or OD is where the problem is. When it should shift into D, it hits what amounts to a neutral. No acceleration, but engine revs.

I'm assuming a rebuild is in my future, but am looking for other things to check first before I take the plunge. Any suggestions?

 

Although I am a decent DIY-er, and was studying to become a tech myself, that got sidelined. I am extremely good at A/C systems however, but you have an automatic transmission issue, which I've had too, I can be sure the A-T is gone. My 1998 Chevy K-1500 has a stick and changing a clutch is easy for me, even if it still has the original one. We Drivers rarely use the clutch, using what is called "floating the gears" which should not be done in a synchronized manual transmission, as are found in cars and pickups, but idling with a foot on the clutch wears down the throw-out bearing even faster.

That said, at the age of your Chevy, I agree that it's going to need a new, rebuilt or junkyard transmission. I've owned automatics before, and when that kind of thing happens, a change needs to be made. I wish I could give you better news, but your Chevy is pushing 30 years of age, so that is a damn good run, IMO.

BTW, I like your C-1500, A good paint job and you are set. Do they even make step sides anymore?

 

That's what I thought, but was hoping against hope there was a less expensive fix. After the transmission, I'll do the interior, then the paint. Not in any hurry, but really cant wait to start driving it. Thanks for the reply.

 

You need a new transmission regardless, but don't jump to a mechanical problem right away. Shifting is controlled electronically.
I had a similar problem on my '93 'burb with 180k miles. Right away the transmission shop installed a rebuilt trans for about $2k. On the way home from the shop I had the exact same shifting problems I had when I took it in. I was furious and ready to go postal. They took it back, fixed the electrical issue and no problems since. The new trans shifts much crisper than the old worn out one, but it was drivable had they fixed the real problem first! Now I have a trans that's worth more than the whole vehicle and I'll never get my money out of it. (end of rant)

 

Thanks for that reply. I'm about to take the rebuild dive, but I think it would be worth the money ($25) to change the speed sensor on the trans, replace the TPS, and give the wiring and vacuum lines a good look.

 

Well, as expected, the new vehicle speed sensor did nothing. Looks like sometime soon, I'll be rippin' the tranny out and let someone smarter than me make her new again.

 

Good luck! BTW, the speed sensor didn't fix my shifting problems either. Nor did an onboard computer. It was a wiring problem. Somehow tied to the ABS, because when they fixed the shifting problem, the ABS light stopped coming on and staying lit. The new trans is nice but not necessary to fix my problem.

 

So, after looking around for a rebuilt transmission, and healing from the sticker shock, I decided it was time for action. I pulled the broken one out yesterday. Then I started a real search for a rebuilt, or someone to rebuild mine.

I found one on fakebook marketplace that was about 10 miles from me. I contacted him and hit him with about 1000 questions. Here is his story. He bought a "rebuilt" from a guy for his chevy truck, but it turned out to be the wrong one for his truck. He bought a 4L60E which is what I needed, but was not the one he needed.

Doubtful, I decided to go look at it. It was in what I would call a dicey area. However the tranny looked good, and the one he pulled out of his truck was indeed slightly different. I left telling him I would contact him tomorrow about it.

On the way home, I decided the price ($500) was right, and even if it was scrap I could still sell the truck for what I had into it. I went to an ATM and yanked out the $500.

I got home and dug in. About 5 hours later it was ready for a test ride. Shifts perfectly, and no leaks!

All this time I was dreading sticking $2000 into this truck, but the stars aligned just right and it's a driver now.

Now, unto the "little" stuff. Lights, interior work, and paint. I'm a happy camper today!