I bought a 1993 C1500 about a month ago and it would shift hard from 1-2 and occasionally when shifting into D or R. The previous owner told me it was just a solenoid in the transmission, and due to working out of state I never had the time to get it looked at. Yesterday while driving on the highway I noticed it seemed to be shifting late (i don't have a tach so I'm not sure of the RPM's) and then I'm pretty sure my transmission went out. I lost all acceleration and was immobile on the side of the road. The drive shaft wouldn't spin when in gear and after sitting for an hour waiting for a buddy with a tow strap I restarted the truck and managed to make it another 100yds up the road to some shade. The truck drove fine for the 100yds but abruptly quit accelerating again. Fluids are full, and I've driven it probably 1500mi all highway since i got it because I was told the solenoid wasn't a major issue. Is my transmission shot or could it just be the solenoid(s) finally failed? I'm not too knowledgeable in this area if you cant tell...

 

sounds like the bands between the gears are shot.

 

What color was the transmission oil? Does it move in reverse? Are you checking the oil with the engine running? Any noise coming from the transmission area......like a scretch or 'tinny' sound?

The previous owner just told you that to get you out of his yard. He knew there were "issues" with this truck.

Hollar back and I'll see if I can nail this one down for you.

Allan