Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some honest advice. I’ve been driving a 2021 Ranger (10R80 transmission) that I’m now considering buying. However, it has a chronic issue that makes me hesitate.

The Issue:

A very noticeable shudder and hard shift when moving from 3rd to 4th gear.

The History:

• 30,000 miles: This is when I first started driving it. The issue was already there, but it happened occasionally.

• Recent Update: A few months ago (and several thousand miles later), it went to the dealership for a software TSB update/reflash. It drove perfectly for exactly one week, but then the shudder came back.

• Current Status: The truck now has 90,000 miles. The hard shift is happening much more frequently now than it did at 30k. It happens regardless of whether the transmission is cold or at operating temperature.

My Question:

Given that the software flash only worked for a week (likely just resetting the adaptive learning) and the problem has persisted and worsened over 60,000 miles, is this a definitive CDF Drum/bushing failure?

I’m worried that at 90k miles, I’m about to buy a truck that needs a $5,000+ transmission rebuild. Would you recommend staying away from this purchase, or is there a simpler fix I’m missing?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

sounds to me like the CDF drum is failing, don't buy it

 

You've been driving this 2021 from 30K to 90k and it's not yours?
Is your employer selling this vehicle with you having the option to buy it?

I'd steer clear too unless it was a give-a-way price,.AND I had a transmission repair facility nearby.

 

It is a company work truck. I’ve been the primary driver since 30k miles, and the company offers employees the option to buy fleet vehicles at 'book price' before they go to auction.

The truck is at 90k miles now, but based on my driving schedule, it will be at 105k miles by the time they actually sell it at the end of the year. I was considering it as a second car because I know the history, but the 3rd-to-4th gear shudder is getting worse.

My employer paid for the dealer software flash, so they know the issue exists, but they likely don't know it's a major internal failure. I'm in South Texas, so I have shops nearby, but I'm not paying full book value for a truck with a failing 10R80 that will be over the 100k mark.

What would you guys consider a fair 'as-is' price for an XL trim at 105k miles with a bad CDF drum?

 

That’s what I’m afraid of. The fact that the software flash only masked the problem for a week definitely points to a mechanical failure like the CDF drum. I'm only considering it if the price is low enough to cover a full rebuild. Thanks for the heads up!

 

i wouldn't even waste time with a rebuild, get a price for a full blown replacement much much better warranty

 

+1 to that idea.
But still, only if the math works out.

My bet is that no company would go near a "Book Value minus $7,000" formula.
Please do get back to us with the outcome.

 

https://www.swizzauto.com/ offers no cost life time warranty on both engines and transmissions well worth a look!!~!

 

Autotrader had none listed with 105k, but your trim at 75k-90k have dealer prices around $18,000.
What's a new trans with installation bring to the party?
Is there anyone at your job willing to listen to the specifics of your situation?
....$10,000?

 

i would pass on that. are you in corpus or in the valley? i would look for a 6th gen because the 10r60 is a way less troubled transmission.

autonation ford in corpus has a nice 25 ranger raptor with only 5k miles on the lot right now. i have test driven it a few times and if my truck was not a 24, i would get it. the orginal owner lived in portland tx and traded it for a full size raptor.