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.

 

Moved to Car Talk

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I got ya. Congrats on the mini-Jared.

 

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


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

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.