JaredGMS

I've got a 2000 Tahoe with the 4L60E trans - and I'm pretty sure the sunshell just blew. Looking online for a replacement, and I've found prices anywhere from $650 up to well over $3000. I have no clue what's what. I do know that I refuse to pay a local AAMCO or the like $3000 for a rebuild.

Has anyone bought a rebuilt tranny online, and if so, can you give me a reference to use? Did you like the company, and did the transmission perform well?

TIA



So, this is not an Acura problem - not sure where else to post this, so Mods, if you want this elsewhere, move as you see fit, please.

NSXNEXT

iTrader: (2)

Moved to Car Talk

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Move to Car Talk.

I've never bought one. The shop I use to take my Infiniti to always worked with Jasper. How about a used one?

JaredGMS

I've thought about it, but replacing the trans in my garage is going to be a complete PITA, so I'd like to only do it once.

Plus, this is the wife's car, so I want to make sure she and the kid are safe and have a reliable ride.

All that said, there is a used one with 70K miles at the local pick and pull for $99. VERY tempting.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I'm sure you can find a shop to do the work for you. $99 - hell that's probably worth looking at.

See if they have any Acura CL/TL trans while you're there. Everyone needs a spare one of those.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

I've bought 1 from Phoenix Remanufactured Transmissions 10 years ago. I never had a problem with it. But I see they are gone now & filled with complaints. Maybe I got lucky.

The 460LE trans is popular in many Gm cars/trucks. You should be able to find a replacement pretty easy from a major place like jegs, summit racing, etc.

JaredGMS

Oh, I've got plenty of quotes - it's the $$ I have issue with. Kid is due May 2, so cash is at a major premium right now.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I got ya. Congrats on the mini-Jared.

JaredGMS

Thanks, but more like Mini-Nettie (Wife is Annette).


If this little girl looks like me, she is FUCKED. haha

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

Funny thing is my son looks just like I did at his age. I have to talk to him about hair loss and weight control when he gets older.

Professor

A quality replacement will cost more than the value of the vehicle. Take 1/2 of $3K and go lease a new vehicle.

teranfon

Hi Jared

I've never bought transmissions online, always rebuilding them myself instead, but in this situation you may want to consider a used one from a wrecker.

Buying any driveline part from a wrecker is always a risk, but you have to consider the value of a vehicle that you're repairing and what you plan to do with it. Buying a $3000 transmission for a vehicle that is now twelve years old or one that you may not plan to have much longer are definitely considerations. If you plan to use the vehicle for a few more years, however, then perhaps spending a substantial amount for repairs makes some sort of sense.

When buying a transmission from a wrecker always insist, in writing, that it have a guarantee. Many wrecker will offer a guarantee on their used parts, usually from thirty days to six months. Generally it's on the part however, and not on labour costs to R&R it if it's faulty. In this regard you are indeed taking a chance. If you do go with a used one, have it delivered to the shop that is performing the work. Transmissions aren't hard to replace, although they can be a little messy for the inexperienced and a little difficult if 4WD due to the transfer case and additional crossmember, such as your Tahoe (assuming it's 4WD).

Before doing anything however, have your current transmission looked at by a reputable shop. Make sure it warrants replacement and not something a service won't help.

Shoofin

I really only see 2 options. Buy a used transmission and hope for the best, or have your transmission rebuilt, which usually comes with a warranty. Which would you choose?

JaredGMS

Thanks everyone.

This truck needs to last another 3-4 years, with kid duty, so it is gonna have to be a rebuilt deal. I'm really just trying to figure out where online would be a good place to buy.

Maybe I'll just have AAMCO do the damn rebuild - it's costlier, but I know I get a 3-year warranty, parts and labor, and the shops are everywhere.

I think, more than anything, I've known what needs to happen all along - I'm just trying to find justification for going cheaper. Self-delusion is never a good thing. haha

Legend2TL

The other choose is to get a factory rebuilt transmission. Most modern automatics are far too complicated even for the dealers to work on. Contact a GM parts place and see how much they want for a factory rebuilt transmission. Now-a-days I won't trust even the dealer with properly repairing a automatic.

I'd also steer clear of a used auto unless it was stored properly and you knew it's history.

fuzzy02CLS

iTrader: (2)

Please do not use AAMCO. They are pure garbage. It's like the fast food drive through of transmissions. Find a local shop. There has to be one around somewhere. Go into a GM dealer & ask the techs. As I said it's a common trans that needs rebuilds a lot on those SUV's. Friend of mine has his rebuilt last year for his Tahoe.

Will Y.

Call the local speed shop/Chevy hi-po shops to see if they use a local rebuilder or remanufactured trans supplier. Unfortunately, I can't give you any names from when I was in Sacto in the late '80s (I did most of my own-- minor-- work with Ford & Mercury parts). IIRC, there was a Supershops speed shop in Sacto then, but I think the entire chain closed down.

Failing that, AAA (Auto Club) can give you a list of recommended repair shops if you're a member-- I bet there's no AAMCO on there.