[Davidg01234]

So i am looking at buying this 04 titan se 2wd. It has 150k miles. Runs great. Here's where things go south. I am looking at the truck at the used dealer and notice the radiator has a very minor drip. I told the guy that if they replace that rad they have a deal.he agreed. The truck was still running great and pulling hard as it should. Fast forward the next day and they have a new radiator on it.

Now, i hop in and drive off. Get about 8 mins down the rd and the tranny started slipping. Pull over and check the fluid, dipstick is dry!!.
I call him and tell him his mechanic failed to check the level after replacing the radiator.
He finds me on the side of the rd brings me more fluid and all is well now.

However, the only difference i am noticing now is that once i put it into drive it takes about 2 or 3 seconds to engage and actually go. Reverse is fine and engages instantly. The truck still shifts perfect and everything. It just now has a 2 or 3 second delay going into "D". He is owning up to his mistake and towed the truck to a tranny shop. He sent me pics of the pan and it looks normal to me. Looks like the normal shavings you would find in any tranny. What do you guys think is going on here as far as the delay in drive engagment.

 

[Davidg01234]

 

[Blackbeauty]

You are in a mess... I can tell you from experience.

I had a trans coolant line blow on me. I smelled something funky, pulled over to the side of the road. Sure enough, tranny fluid all over the underside.

Long story short... within a year I was putting in a Level 10 transmission as the old one went kaput. More than likely, that is what will happen to you as well now that it has been run without fluid in it.

Maybe not... but you're taking a chance. Just my 2¢... :dunno:

 

[Pale Rider]

walk away from that deal unless they are rebuilding the trans. if it blows on you we are talking 4-6K in repair...

 

[danman]

Level 10 replacement is an option as well. Don't know how much you have in the truck at the moment and if you want to invest and keep it around for a little longer, but that is an alternative as well. Shavings like that in anything that moves is not a good thing. Good luck.

 

[Davidg01234]

I will know something on monday about the status of the tranny. Judging by the pics though does that look like excessive shavings for a truck with 150k?

 

[Pale Rider]

I will know something on monday about the status of the tranny. Judging by the pics though does that look like excessive shavings for a truck with 150k?

besides the mechanical damage, The TCM/valvebody is super sensitive and needs to be totally disassembled to be cleaned and made sure there is no debris in the spool vales and solenoids.
the fact it these transmission in our truck are weak and prone to disaster on their own. run it dry and poof their gone.

 

[danman]

Don't know about 150K mine isn't there yet. I wouldn't can't think that it would be a good thing. Shavings are a sign of wear, although I don't know much about automatic transmissions...but I can say with confidence that you are doubtful and I would be too. You could run it till it fails, then decide what to do or buy something else...I would stay clear I think...

 

[Davidg01234]

What exactly is a "level 10" replacement?

I am very concerned now because i have a 18ft ski boat i would like to pull with the truck on weekends to the lake. Now im scared the tranny will fail soon. ::crying::

 

[danman]

What exactly is a "level 10" replacement?

I am very concerned now because i have a 18ft ski boat i would like to pull with the truck on weekends to the lake. Now im scared the tranny will fail soon. ::crying::

Level 10 TRANSMISSION

It is a popular performance replacement trans.

 

[Pale Rider]

What exactly is a "level 10" replacement?

I am very concerned now because i have a 18ft ski boat i would like to pull with the truck on weekends to the lake. Now im scared the tranny will fail soon. ::crying::

Nissan Performance Parts & Upgrades | Nissan Transmission, Torque Converter & Valve Body

 

[Davidg01234]

Wow that level 10 stuff is not cheap. The only thing i would use the truck for is pulling a 2500 to 3000 pound boat. I dont think a level 10 is necessary for my needs. If i do decide to go ahead and get the truck it will have a rebuilt trans or if not he will have to knock off quite a bit and i will have the trans rebuilt when it goes out. Because other than the delay in drive it really does run perfect still...for now.

I appreciate everyone's response

 

[Pale Rider]

ok, keep in mind that a normal rebuild is 2800-3500 depending on where and what they use. and it will still shift like crap.

 

[SuperTighty5.6]

Make sure they warranty the tranny for atleast a year or 2 after the rebuild if it needs it and you still take the deal.

 

[Davidg01234]

ok, keep in mind that a normal rebuild is 2800-3500 depending on where and what they use. and it will still shift like crap.

why would it still shift like crap? It doesnt shift like crap now. It shifts very smooth up and down. Just the little delay issue now

 

[Davidg01234]

ok, keep in mind that a normal rebuild is 2800-3500 depending on where and what they use. and it will still shift like crap.

what is the real cost of a trans rebuild for these 2wd trucks? your saying 28 to 35. the guy above says 4 to 6k??

 

[danman]

I think what PR means is that the OE trans is a soft shift, the Level 10 shifts with authority, positive engagement and such. If you aren't into the performance shifts associated with the upgrade, then the Level 10 is probably not for you. I agree with SuperT, and didn't think of that in the previous discussion but if you could contract for a warranty program that would be a superior alternative.

 

[RobKar]

what is the real cost of a trans rebuild for these 2wd trucks? your saying 28 to 35. the guy above says 4 to 6k??

Mine cost ~ 5K

lasted 200,000 miles

 

[Davidg01234]

Mine cost ~ 5K

lasted 200,000 miles

What year u got? 4wd or 2wd?
Whats the secret to making it last that long? Ive been reading lots of horror stories on these trucks trannys.

 

[Pale Rider]

what is the real cost of a trans rebuild for these 2wd trucks? your saying 28 to 35. the guy above says 4 to 6k??

For level 10 and you doing the install, VS a shop doing the install with purchase.

I think what PR means is that the OE trans is a soft shift, the Level 10 shifts with authority, positive engagement and such. If you aren't into the performance shifts associated with the upgrade, then the Level 10 is probably not for you. I agree with SuperT, and didn't think of that in the previous discussion but if you could contract for a warranty program that would be a superior alternative.

yup yup,,, a lot of overlap in the stock shift program, which creates heat, in turn is no bueno for towing.
shift harshness or very aggressive shifts also have to do with line pressures and the amount of torque given at X rpm for the shift duration. the more power/trq your trucks makes the more aggressive the shift will feel.

firm quick shift verses tires barking or lighting up during the shift point. I doubt that 04 stock is going to bark the tires, but a level 10 trans will shift nice and tight.

the cheaper version is a local trans shop who is versed in the titan trans with basic parts that is 2800-3500.

the other option is to have the seller warranty the trans that`s in it and call it a day. get it in writing. the fact is when these transmissions loose the oil level in the pan, sheet starts happening.
"that" valvebody needs to be taken apart and cleaned regardless.