700r4 "butterfly" governor

[TugOwar]

Finally got my driveshaft shortened today. Stabbed it and gave the truck a try. Wouldn't shift from low, couldn't get it to shift no way no how. grrr

So I pulled the cover off the butterfly govenor thinger and pulled it out... the plastic gear is broke off even with the tiny wrist pin that holds it in.

I'll go to the trans shop tomorrow and get the plastic gear replaced, hopefully not too expensive.

But now I'm wondering what causes the gear to break off in the first place? Just age/mileage? And what happens to the rest of the gear that is in the trans, is it still there and I just have to pull it out or does it fall down or get chewed up somehow?

I feel like I'm sooo close to having the old girl on the road again, woohoo!

Any knowledge you guys have to offer is appreciated.

P.S. If it matters, this is a used trans I picked up for $75.00. Hoping this gear is all that is wrong with it.