91 Automatic Transmission Issue, won't engage Options

[bachlauter]

hey...noob here!

Ok...I got a transmission problem that has gotten worse over time. Slowly but surely it has nearly stopped engaging completely. Forget about driving up hills!
At first it seemed like you were always starting out in second gear...the engine would revvvv and you could only get it to crawl. Occasionally it would work and you'd take off from a stop sign like a rocket!
Now it barely crawls...It's really not drivable.
SO the question is....should I try to find a used tranny? A rebuilt tranny? Or try to get my current tranny rebuilt?
Has anyone gone thru this? How much for option three?

Also...I believe it is electronically controlled...any chances it's a simple fix? I know the PO pulled a boat around with this truck. EEEEEEEEEEEEEE
(it has about 120,000 miles)

~Christy

[fourwd1]

120,000 miles isn't much on a properly maintained trans. But if the PO didn't maintain it, in addition to towing with it, could lead to your symptoms.

I'd start by looking at the trans fluid, it should be bright red. If its dark red in needs changing, if it's brown it could be burned (and may smell burnt). Either way having the trans completely flushed might help. I'd take it to an reputable independant trans shop and see what they say. I'd avoid the nation wide transnission repair chains like the plague. I'd avoid a used one from a salvage yard unless I could see it run first. But you may be able to score good one from someone who has swapped their auto for a manual.

[bachlauter]

I ordered a remanufactured transmission from Transmission Planet...I have a guy who is gonna put it in...It might take a while...luckily we have back-up transportation. I'll let you know how it turns out!

~Christy

[fourwd1]

Do let us know how it goes with Transmission Planet (service, quality, etc).
I might need a new auto for my 89 some day.