Rattling sound again

[TroutFinder]

I read this thread, and it sounds like the same prob. I'm having. Tranny sounds like you threw a hand full of inch and a half rocks into an empty concrete mixer.
Started abruptly the morning after I installed new to me 1700# rear springs, took out the add-a-leaf because it raised the ass up 3" higher than the front and I could not find anywhere to get a "Mullet" to complete the look. They were off of a 2007 Ranger so there was < an 1/8" difference in the eye to eye measurement. Less than the dia. of the bolt so should not be a problem, however...
Thought heat shield, checked, nope. Only rattles in gear, forward or rev.
Changed fluid and filter and it got better, but did not go away.
Tranny gets hot as indicated when the OD light starts flashing and it wants to go int OD at about 30 mph. Shut down, cool down and computer reset abates that, until next time. It threw a pressure related code when it did this but I can't remember exactly what it was and am loath to try and recreate this condition.
It stalls when I go from drive to reverse or from reverse to drive. Not from park/neutral into gear.
Took it to the tranny shop prior to fluid change and the tech. looked at the fluid and said it needs rebuilt to the tune of $2600 plus labor. He didn't drive it or even touch the shifter. Not sure, but it looks like about 8 hours out and in. That's $3600 plus, OUCH!!!
When I drained the fluid there was a-lot of very fine metal dust in the pan stuck to the magnet and 3 rice grain (plain white rice, not arborio or other larger grained rice) sized pieces of non steel (aluminum?) pieces of metal in the pan.
Could it be just the TC, or do I need a tranny? Looks like I can get the TC for a buck and a half to two hundred. I can't find the tranny rebuilt for less than $1800 plus core and shipping that I ain't got right now.
Park it? burn it? leave the keys in it and put a sign out stating "Steal Me"?
Oh yeah, 2000 Ford Ranger XLT, ext. cab, 4.0l. pushrod. 4 speed auto, 4wd. electric transfer case. 110000 hard miles.
Any help, suggestions or even ridicule would be very appreciated.
Thank you all for such a great resource.

 

[brinker88]

Ever changed your filter? (tranny filter I mean)

 

[Ozwynn]

You need a rebuild bro. Or convert to 5spd manual. Those rice grain size piece are out of the torque converter and are likely throughout the transmission.

You might find a used one.

 

[TroutFinder]

Changed filter with fluid change, post tranny shop visit.

 

[TroutFinder]

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission. Words to live by, no lie. If I replace the TC and go for now, will it kill the new TC before I can afford to replace the tranny?

 

[Ozwynn]

Seriously, your transmission is screwed. When that overdrive light flashes like that your transmission has an internal temp of around 300*f. Your box is cooked........ Likely due to a disintegrated torque converter. You need a rebuild....... Check aamco....... They rebuilt the 4r70w in my Expedition for $2600 all inclusive.

 

[TroutFinder]

Thank you for your response. It's what I thought, but Having been out of the circle for a while I hoped for a different answer.
Peace.

 

[Ozwynn]

My expedition did the same thing in billings montana while on vacation. Internal temp of 312*f and non magnetic metal shavings throughout. The TC grenaded and took out the rest. It sucks, I wish I could give you better news. But a used car is a crap shoot, thats all there is to it.