I am a proud owner of a 1996 F250 7.3 TD of course. It has just over 200K on the speedo and while towing a fifth wheel to Glamis Sand Dunes, the transmission stopped. (Not un-common for E4OD and 4R100s). This has been my second in 2 trucks. Yeah, 200K it might have been time.

Anyway, I asked everyone I could find verbally who was a good shop in Phoenix for Ford transmissions. And I got really nothing. Sure there are several rebuilders, but who was any good? I had no idea. Of course I could have just ordered a BTS or hauled the rig down to John Wood and had it done. But thats pretty expensive in many ways. Besides, I wanted to keep the work in Phoenix and have somewhat of a closer warranty. And I'm getting to old to wrench out this unit.

So, after some careful research and talking, I landed on Strictly Diesel in Scottsdale. This morning, I towed the beast over to them and they have it. I am hoping these guys are good. Their shop is busy and they seem to know their stuff. I was early quoted $2500 for a "strong" rebuilt trans and torque converter. The usuals, like wider and more clutch bands, shift kit, etc. Most of the upgrades I know of. Tomorrow, SD will take in the rig and check it over.

I wanted to post all the events that occur with this activity in hopes that the experience will be awesome... After talking to Mike today (a way cool guy and seemed to know is stuff) I have the utmost in confidence. If its good, maybe others can use this as a reference to a Phoenix shop with some talent.

But I will be truthful. So if there is any issues or oddities, I will post them here as well.

(this is my way of doing a little for Diesel Bombers after so many here have helped me.)

I promise not to be this wordy as the experience unfolds.

 

ive not heard anything bad about strictly diesel, got friends on heartland diesel that use him, and some that wish they would have . good luck with the trans man

 

Ok.. Mike called me back at the end of the day today. They pulled the beast in and did the review.. and shocking as it may seem, the transmission was bad. Funny I know, seeing its a Ford E4OD. (right...)

Mike gave me the quote at $2550 for a "well built" and updated rebuild. Stated rebuilt converter as well... Mild SHift Kit, more clutch bands, all the recent updates and well anything else a pro does to get a transmission ready.

Warranty is 3yr/36000Miles including trans and labor.

He also is putting in synthetic for a bit more.

Mike also talked about a deeper pan, Hughes Performance, a larger magnet and maybe even a bigger transmission cooler.

Whatya think? His prices where real far on the upgrades. Are they that important? Pan and Cooler that is...

 

Ok.. with some advice from others in Phoenix (and SD), I did decide to go for the Hughes deep pan. From what I hear, putting in a 6.0 cooler would also not be a bad idea, just that I am running out of cash at this point. Strictly advised to go with the Hughes pan. Alum and adds 4 qts to the transmission. Also I opted for synthetic in the new unit.

So far SD has been forthright in everything they have said. They have called me everyday to give status, advised on proper things to do and even worked with me on different quote options today. So far so good. They seem to really have it together.. and communication has been great.

Truck is promised back on Friday, although I am in no hurray and would prefer quality. Ok.. I do miss the old rig. But I can be patient! Thats it for now...

 

glad there doin ya right man

 

have you thought about john wood transmissions?

 

Strictly Diesel delivered a day early. Again, they did a great job of communicating with me. Mike was pretty good at laying out what I should expect, and the truck is really shifting nice. The mild shift kit makes it snap a bit at shift, but not too much.

In all, I'm pretty happy with this shop. They are in a bigger auto area near the Scottsdale airport and have a few bays there. I think Nate is the master Ford wrench and Mike had stated he did the work on the trans and installation.

I'll post again if there is any new details or actions that happen. In the mean time, I recommend this shop if you are on the North side of Phoenix or Scottsdale.

 

 

Truck is rolling great... shifts firmly and is smooth all the way around. I like these guys. They have a cool shop and seem very down to earth. I'm not affiliated at all, just simple wanted to post the experience.

I'll follow up if there are any issues.

 

glad its working good for ya man