88 Durango with problems shifting to gear

[sirandas]

I have 88 durango, had good time with it till now, with 98K miles. I did not drive for almost 3 weeks after a oil change, and started my truck and put in Drive, the gear did not engage. i gave more gas and it jumped into gear with a jerk. I drove on for couple of miles and noticed the gears were not shifting properly and the engine was stopping at traffic lights.
i pulled over and noticed that oil was leaking from the engine and checked the trans dip stick and found it was completely empty.

Here is my question does this mean if i fill up the trans fluid (ATD+4), it should get back to normal shifting or is the transmission gone as i drove it with out any fluid for some time?
thanks,
sri

[DurangoDave]

Well, seems like you've got nothing to lose by trying! Just make sure you use only the fluid type recommended in the Owner's manual. Let us know what happens.
Dave
Westminster, MD USA

[s.gutsy]

I was having a lot of trouble w/ my durango not shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. I was told to change the transmission oil & filter. Cost @ $70 and solved the problem!!! Then I was told to change the transmission fluid & filter yearly.

[sirandas]

I filled up my car with ATF and drove it around. It still had the same problem. Therefore I took it to the mechanic and he said the hoses coming from the transmission (two of them ) were corroded and were leaking all the trans fluid.
He gave me a quote for $250 ( 120 for hoses + 130 labor ), no other choice, i am getting it done.
thanks for your suggestions

[sirandas]

Got my truck back from the shop. They changes the pipes(250) and also did a transmission flush(100) , total of $350. I hope the truck is worth all the money