Used vs. Remanufactured Transmissions?

[FlyingFinn]

My 4Runner needs a new transmission, the options are either to buy a used one with somewhat unknown miles on it or to get a remanufactured one.

 

A known low-mileage used one would be the best I think, but how do you know the quoted miles are even close to correct, you don't.

Remanufactured has fresh wear parts in it but the quality of new parts is not going to be OEM and what ever parts were not replaced...

 

I'm really torn on this. I've had really good track record with original Toyota parts, the "remanufactured" seems bit more of an unknown to me.

 

Any and all inputs are welcome.

 

Oh, on the positive news, I got the GS back today. BMW NA picked up the repair tab. New seals and a input pinion bearing on the final drive.

 

--

Mikko

[ragtoplvr]

a quality remanufactured transmission is actually better than OE, as the correct the weak parts. How many miles did the OE tranny last, and what did it do when it failed?

 

And the used transmission should be less expensive than remanufactured. How much less.

 

these things should help you with the decision.

 

Rod

 

 

[FlyingFinn]

Hi Rod, thanks for the inputs.

If you have any pointers to how to pick a quality re-mfg from a not-so good re-mfg, I'd appreciate.

 

The OE tranny suffered a premature death at 125K miles. The kids borrowed my truck for a ski trip, apparently somehow the shifter slipped into Reverse while underway. From what I can tell just looking at it quickly there on the driveway the torque converter was the weakest link...

 

What does irk me a little is that I've actually been replacing the transmission fluid, unlike most people.

Partial DIY drain & fill once a year and complete flush at 60K and 120K. The plan was to keep this thing for a long time.

 

--

Mikko

[longjohn]

Mikko, you're certainly having bad luck lately. The tranny on my t-bird went out at about 75k. The choice I was given by the dealer was a re-manufactured one or having them rebuild it for a few hundred less dollars, and a shorter warranty. I chose the later. It's been fine so far. What irked me is that I drive the car like an old lady, which I though would extend the life of things like trannies.

 

Glad to hear they picked up the tab for you on the GS.

[realshelby]

Mikko, working in the automotive industry for a while and also building some of my own automatic/manual transmissions has taught me a couples things that might help.

 

IF, yes IF, you can find a transmission out of a wrecked ( not flooded ) vehicle that will fit yours that has reasonable mileage they are the best value. Especially if replacing a transmission that typically has a reputation for being reliable ( 150-200K with no problems on average). Your failure sounds like a fluke so a "used" transmission should be a viable option. A reputable salvage yard that specializes in later model vehicles should be able to give the mileage and details of where the transmission came from.

 

OEM rebuilds are not built by OEM's. They contract this out. BUT, these can be a great value and are probably a better bet than one built buy a "typical" local transmission shop. They usually have a really good warranty.

 

You will need a good shop to install it. Assuming you are not doing it yourself. Most of these will install a salvage or dealer purchased transmission for you. Or they will remove yours and fix it! Depending on exactly what happened, your transmission may not need a complete rebuild. A really good local transmission shop that has experience with your transmission would be hard to beat. But, I find that there are more not very good shops than there is very good shops.

 

Sourcing a replacement transmission will cut your down time considerably. Should be in/out in a day or so that way.

[FlyingFinn]

Thanks guys!

That right there is the problem, how pick the good supplier and a shop from bad one. But generally, I think and seems like you agree, that there is less risk with a remanufacture one.

 

My plan is take out the old transmission today and visually verify the type.

 

Then order one of these

 

Again install the rebuilt by myself after it gets here.

 

On these high-clearance 4wd vehicles it's doesn't seem to be too hard to get the tranny in and out of there.

 

--

Mikko

[markgoodrich]

Thanks guys!

That right there is the problem, how pick the good supplier and a shop from bad one. But generally, I think and seems like you agree, that there is less risk with a remanufacture one.

 

My plan is take out the old transmission today and visually verify the type.

 

Then order one of these

 

Again install the rebuilt by myself after it gets here.

 

On these high-clearance 4wd vehicles it's doesn't seem to be too hard to get the tranny in and out of there.

 

--

Mikko

 

Nuh uh, Mikko. "And make the kids get under the thing and help me with the install."

 

 

[FlyingFinn]

Not that it matters much, but we don't need a new transmission.

And that's not good news.

[philbytx]

Uh Oh!?

Tranny, Torque converter AND/OR center diff !

Sorry to hear about your travails.

 

 

[FlyingFinn]

The engine is toast.

I got a bad feeling when the liquid that is spilled under the truck looked decidedly more like engine oil rather than transmission fluid.

After I pulled the starter motor I could see a hole on side of the engine block and conrod scrap wedged behind the starter.

 

I was kind of hoping to get a new KTM this year. I guess that will have to wait.

 

--

Mikko

[CoarsegoldKid]

That there my friend is called a seal failure in the racing world. The rod goes through the block and oil leaks.

How about a low mileage motor from the salvage market?