Well, I had my transmission serviced at the dealer yesterday. I ask to have a flush and the new Dextron VI put in it with a new filter. When I was picking my car up today they gave me a piece of plastic they said was in the pan. They called it a thrust washer and said it was from fourth gear. It was only a small piece of it. They said they only went ahead and changed the filter and replaced the six quarts that was needed. That it would be a wast to flush it because of what they found. They said that it may last a while longer or not but to take it easy on the car. The funny thing is it still drives like the day I bought it. I would have never guessed it'* getting ready to break. That really sucks because This has been my favorite car.
Here is a picture of the piece out of the pan.

If its your favorite car then get it fixed... get the broken part replaced befor it started to do damage to other things in there and cost more money

Definitely...take it over to a trans specialist or something like AAMCO and see what they think you should do, what they CAN do, and how much. Definitely jump on it, if you let it go, it starts a domino effect. It will be cheaper to do now than later.

Also, wow, didn't know they came out with Dextron 6 already! Wonder how much better it actually is...

Good Luck.

I didn't think about doing that because I was thinking this would require a lot of work to fix and with that it might as well be overhauled. I'll take the piece in and talk with them. I did however get a quote on my 93 Park Avenue about two years ago for $1900 to overhaul it because the seals were going bad. I went ahead and sold that car. To me it wasn't worth repairing. But I don't have any problem putting that much in this car because it'* in great shape mechanically less the trans which still drives like new??? I guess it'* only a matter of time though. I'll talk to a tranny shop and post what they say when I do. Thanks you guys.

not nessecarely, just because you have one Funky part doesnt mean everything else is like that..just dont let this one part do in the rest of the parts

He'* right, I had my differential chew itself to hell and surprisingly nothing else was touched by the metal shavings. (thank you filter)

On another note. If you have the tools and time, you could rebuild this yourself. I have a manual (ATSG) that I used on mine. It takes you a step by step with illustrations.

Didn't know thrust washers were made out of plastic? If they were your tranny would last like a week. Sounds more like a plastic frame assy. or the dealer is looking for service. Forward clutch assemblies have friction matl plates and steel thrust washers.

just keep it in second and drive. never touch 4th :P just get it serviced

I think they are made out of teflon.

Follow up news.
I went to one transmission shop with that piece and they did identified it as a thrust washer. They said I have two choices, one drive it until it goes. Since it'* still driving fine, that'* what he said he would do. or two get it overhauled now so I don't have to worry about breaking down on the side of the road. Cost would be between 1600-2200 depending on how much is needed. I also called two others and told them what was found and they also said that it'* time to rebuild it. I think I am going to ride it out and I'm pretty sure I'll rebuild it when it goes. But I am also going to look into getting a newer one early next year and just drive this one to work. I know the car is only worth 2K and that'* what it will cost just to rebuild it but to me it'* worth it if nothing else is a problem when it does go. I'll call it my beater. Thanks everyone for your comments and please wish my tranny luck.