Repair or replace engine and transmission?

[EXT4ME]

My last two "good" transmission (all of them have been good) rebuilds were slightly less than $2500.

The first one I traded off the truck 100K miles after the rebuild with the transmission still working good.

The second one has over 125K on the rebuild and it is still in my current fleet.

As always, your mileage may vary, but our small transmission repair shop in my area that I use has a good rep and does good work at a fair price.

Knock on wood, in my over 40+ years of driving and the many transmissions I have had rebuilt over the years, I have never had to go back and have one rebuilt a second time.

And I do not spec any special or exotic parts to be installed.

Just what the shop's experience has told them they should upgrade.

I leave those details up to them.

I trust them to know better than me.

And, I tend to drive my vehicles way longer than I should, as well.

Here's to hoping your transmission lasts as long as you are comfortable with.

 

[74Rallye]

It's at the point now that I'd feel better rebuilding the trans myself with no experience or special tools. Likely just a few youtube videos. I don't have access to a shop that I know will do the best job possible. This situation reminds of getting fast food where the people behind the counter feel that they're allowing you the privilege to order food, but couldn't care less if it's old and cold.

BTW, the AT-205 additive for rear main seal leaks is still working great.

 

[-JRW-]

74, I think it's not terrible to try to do it yourself, how else will you learn? Go here and find the transmission that you have. It's not a trrible website but take it for a website. Also get a manual to verify everything.

To be honest I've never opened an automatic but I watched in person a few times and it doesn't seem terribly hard. Of course this guy had all the special tools (transmission hanger, arbor presses, and various what-nots) but nothing that was actually unique or couldn't be made or farmed out to a shop. A shop press is an example of that, as is the arbor press. There is a need a for a wide variety of snap ring pliers I believe, from large to small. C- ring style and others too. A small screwdriver also works.

Actually this video guy shows how to make a transmission stand out of 2x4's because everything has to come out and go in the front of it.