I busted a coolant line for my c5 tranny in my 84 ranger 4x4. It overheated and burned up the fluid. I repaired the line and have only driven about 45 miles since then. The fluid is dark and thick and I wanted to have it drained and replaced. The desk guy at aamco told me that doing this will make the overheating and slipping while hot worse and that I shouldn't proceed. I know it needs new plates and bands because it is old and weak and hasn't been serviced since I bought it 4 years ago. I just did a lot of engine and drivetrain rebuild work and the tranny just isn't up to snuff with the new hp. My question is; Is this desk guy full of ****? Should I change out the varnished fluid and go until I can rebuild? Or will doing this make my problem worse?

Also, I didn't have any issues w overheating until after the coolant line came off. Does this mean anything? Clogged filter, Maybe?

 

the transmission guy is correct

as you clearly stated yourself , the transmission is in dire need of a rebuild

changing out burnt fluid for fresh fluid will in fact make the transmission worse off

 

if it was me i would change the oil because oil like that will not shift or lube properly. i cant see how oil with contaminants and metal filings in it will help your transmission last longer. the filter is probably plugged too. transmission oil should be changed every 2 years. suggest mobil 1 synthetic if compatible. do not flush just change what is in the pan. good luck

 

Don't only change the oil but have the tranny flushed and the filter cleaned. As per burke above, leaving that burt crap in there sonly going to accelerate wear and ultimately a catastrophic failure which means you'll probably be looking for a new tranny versus being able to rebuild your. Best of luck.