My car has about 192,000 miles on the trans. That'* a pretty big number, but up until now, it has shifted smoothly. Sunday afternoon, I started it up, let it idle for a few minutes then put it into reverse. It clunked into reverse. Then I put it in drive and started going....it banged into second, and banged into third (not as hard as second but definitely noticeable). I wasn't going fast, maybe got up to 40mph. Shifting out of 1st gear, your whole body jolts. Not good. I checked the trans fluid while the car was running, and it was full and looked okay.
Is this a typical sign of trans failure? I hope not because I can't afford another costly repair. A few weeks ago, I had to replace the fuel pump and strainer. And I just found out that it needs both front hub bearings, ball joints and a water pump. My Bonnie is killing my wallet!!!

192k on an original L67 trans is outstanding. Though it may not be the answer you want to hear, I'm sure the trans is sick. If you have someone that has access to a scantool that can show data in realtime, I would see if any of the solenoids are kicking in like they should. But, from the sounds of it, something mechanical inside gave...on these transmissions, I have heard the reverse reaction drum is one of the common parts to fail.

You are looking at a range of 1300-1900 in repair costs if you have your current transmission rehashed by a shop. I've been quoted 350.00 for them to just change out a trans though, so if you can find one in good shape that would be a wallet saver.

Don't feel bad...mines limping too

I got 186k miles out of my original tranny, and that was with 2 years of drag racing the snot outta it.

Go and get the fluid changed out at the bare minimum. Have the shop inspect it while they have the pan droped and see how bad it really is

Good luck!

I feel your pain! :(

There'* no slipping. Downshifts, kickdown and overdrive all feel fine. It'* just the clunk into reverse and 1st & 2nd gear that'* scary. I'll check out the modulator.
If it does need a trans, I'm not fixing it. Too much aggravation.

motor/trans mount gone bad possibly?

Have you inspected the trans mounts?

Does the tranny start grinding/all confused at WOT?