It could be a front seal, in which case you'll need to hae the transmission removed to replace the seal. It could be an axle shaft seal, which isn't quite as bad but requres that the leaking half-shaft be removed to replace the seal. It could be a coolant line, which should be quite easy. Or it could be just the pan gasket, which can probably be resolved if you'll climb under and tighten it a little, but don't go too far or you'll cause more problems.
Currently have an '01 Z66 av, coming up on 358,000 miles. Rebuilt tranny @ 250,000 mi. Other than that, only routine maint
You can find them online for about $1400 or so rebuilt. Not too sure about new. Aamco charges about $3000 for a rebuilt plus about $1000 in labor. Our 99 Venture had the tranny rebuilt at about 30k miles and now at 65k miles it had to be completely replaced. This is a very common problem with these POS vehicles along with a long list of other problems.
50,000 miles is usually the average for rebuilt trannys in my experience. Of course there are exceptions like driving it the right way, etc and also getting a good mechanic. But i think 50k is about what you will get. A new tranny direct from the dealer is the better bet. It will cost you an extra $1,000 but it worth it
Drop the tranny pan and change the tranny filter at 50,000 miles.
i got a rebuilt tranny plus install for my 98 blazer for 1800 from lee miles, i also had problems with it (the torque converter came loose once and it stated leaking trans fluid as well at one point.)
PUT A GAS CAP LOCK ON! ..Someone is stealing your gas
OK my 90 Silverado did the same. I played with the TV Cable, runs from the Throttle Valve to the Tranny, and it shifted better for awhile. You can snatch the cable while its running from under the hood and then drive it to see. Eventually miles from home the tranny started dying. 1 gear until about 5K RPM's, then it hit second, and never 3rd. I don't know how I didn't blow my engine (recent rebuild and only 128K Miles on the truck and rebuilt at 98K Miles) but I managed to get it home. 2 miles away the tranny died completely and all I had was 1st gear. So I parked it, Replaced the tranny, and did a burn out after I ensured it was shifting fine.
My 1997 Grand Caravan SE 3.8L w/169K just got a rebuilt transmission for $2495 at AAA. It's guaranteed for 3yrs Since the rest of the car is in very good condition, I thought it was worth it
check your ignition timing.
I have an 03' powerstroke 7.3 with 560,000 original miles on the engine and tranny, and she is still going strong.
Our 1600cc '72 engine gets about 25mpg in town...it has been rebuilt and has 17000 miles on it.
it's cheaper in the short run to have it rebuilt. but if the van is in excellent condition and you plan to keep it for a few more years, i'd replace it. i had mine replaced at a dealer for about $2000 at around 115K miles and it's guaranteed for 3yr/36K miles. I think the rebuilt was about $1500 with a 1 yr/12K miles. I'm now at 165,000 miles. knock on wood.