re: So I believe my old truck died today: updated

Don’t freak out. The issues may not be as bad as you think. DO NOT go have the tranny rebuilt or swapped before you take time to research and diagnose the issue. Late 80’s early 90’s trucks started going more electronic with the shift controls, which rely on a series of sensors to tell the truck when to shift. Learn where the sensors are and check those first before you do something drastic. I have an older F-150 that had the same issue. Mech wanted to rebuilt the tranny, turned out it was a $12 speed sensor. An 89 chevy with 149K should not have mechanical tranny issues if it has not been abused. Do your homework, it will save you $$.