Did YOU have your tranny done by Doug's Transmissions in AZ??? Tell me about it...

[wabbit]

I'm interested in getting my tranny done by Doug's in Mesa AZ. It's the only place I've heard of that specializes in A4LD build-up's. I'd like to hear from some that have done business with Doug's.
What did you have done? What "upgrade" parts were added? How much did it cost?
Any testimonials out there???
I will continue to "scour the boards" in an attempt to get somewhat educated about my poor dead tranny but I need to start getting info on the best fix for it.
BTW the only symptom other than running hot is it all of a sudden started whining VERY LOUD when in gear at an idle. As soon as I start going, the noise quits.?.?
Any ideas???

 

[Tom Wilk]

Do a search, I think Gloria Z (extreme4x4) had hers done at Doug's, but I could very well be wrong. It just sticks out in my mind for some reason.

 

[wabbit]

I looked up her website...

Based on the info I have seen on a search, she does advocate Doug's in Mesa AZ. Thing is, I live in Colorado and I don't really know just what Doug's has to offer that would prompt me to deal with the distance issue.
I'm looking for satisfied customers and info on upgrades and costs.
I just wanna see what it costs to have a basic rebuild done using better than basic parts. I'm not looking to race the Baja 500 with my tranny but I cringe thinking about shelling out 1-2K to have some yahoo throw a new set of seals in it and call it done...

 

[Ray Lobato]

Tom, you got it partly right. It's Gloria R and yes she is Extreme4x4.

wabbit, Gloria would be the person to talk to about Dougs' Transmission.
Infact she could probably help you out herself. She does know her stuff. Here's an article she wrote up on the
Rangerstation about transmissions. rangerstation

 

[mattadams]

wabbit, I too have considered getting my transmission done by "doug", haven't called abut information yet. Occasionally my tranny will throw a little fit, but so far it hasn't been serious enough to justify spending all that money rebuilding it. but if I were to get it rebuilt I'd definately call and get some info from him.

 

[Extreme4x4]

I am sorry to burst your bubble, but Doug does not want to talk to you. Hell, he won't even talk to me anymore. The new transmission I got from him does not work right at all, and I cannot drive the truck. As a matter of fact, I am going to have to tow the Beast to AZ to have him fix it because I am sick of it. The converter has not locked up since I got it back. Also, I cannot split the gears with overdrive, unless my selector is in overdrive. Basically, I think I got a normal A4LD with no special parts in it, and got charged for the off-road racing tranny.

Doug also blew my lawsuit from my accident by telling everyone at the deposition that he never saw the estimate THAT HE SIGNED. To say that I am disillusioned with him would be a major understatement....... frankly, I just keep trying to figure out how I pissed him off so badly (considering I wasn't even there anymore)

Sorry, I am sure you can all tell how frustrated I am.

 

[wabbit]

Bummer... I recently "broke-up" with my mechanic also...

He was constantly griping and coming-off like if it didn't zoom around a 1/4 mi dirt track it was not good for anything but getting groceries. Not that I expected him to fully "embrace" my Explorer, but he had no appreciation for the purpose it serves for me, the customer.
So Gloria, you went for the ultra-performance option and now it's not working at all or not like it should? But it sounds like you have arrangements for Doug to fix it if you get it there. I too, am wondering how your advocacy of Doug has fizzled? It's a long way between what I've read previously to suggesting he scammed you on the performance parts list.
At any rate, that's a trip I'd rather not take. It would help if I could just get some p/n's or links for a better torque converter and other internals that will make for a better rebuild.
I will most likely have mine done locally, just for the convenience factor. But, I would like to be able to talk specifics about the components to be replaced.

Warren

 

[PhxExplorer]

Wabbit, I know of a shop in the Denver area called AC Transmissions located on 704 S.Monaco Parkway that does a great job on rebuilding transmisions. They include all upgrades for the A4LD and offer a 1 year 12,000 mile warranty. I bought mine (pre-built) from them about 8,000 miles ago and it is running beautifully. Another great thing is that they have places all over the country that honor the warranty and I experienced exceptional customer service. Hope this helps you and good luck!!

 

[wabbit]

Thx for the tip...

PhxExplorer,
I'm glad you posted. I seem to recall you had a breakdown while in the Denver area and they did a good job for you.
Can you fill me in on how it priced out? For the rebuilt and for the labor?
I got an estimate from the local Aatco for $1450 plus hard parts but they didn't seem wise to potential upgrades to a 91 A4LD.
Thanks,
Warren

 

[PhxExplorer]

The prebuilt tranny with torque converter was $1495 and labor was $675 + fluids. Total bill was $2365.97. I could have gotten a cheaper tranny, but AC offered the best warranty. Also I don't know what they would charge to rebuild your tranny since I got a pre-built? Don't forget that if you have AAA you can get 10 to 15% off parts and labor by showing your card. If you don't have AAA may I suggest you get it. Membership is about $50 per year and it would more than pay for itself with this repair. They require you to wait for a period of 1 week before requesting any discounts, and remember to find a shop that offers AAA discount. I didn't have AAA at the time of my mishap and it would have saved me about $350. Just my 2 cents. Let me know how it turns out.
BTW, the shop that installed my tranny was the Amoco Gas and Go on 6405 E. Hampden Ave and the master mech. does an outstanding job on the install if that's the route you go.

 

[TimR211]

Early in August I posted about my tranny going bad on a mountain in NE Georgia. Well, my options were limited as to where/how I could get the thing fixed since I was about 700 miles from home.

The nearest tranny shop was 65 miles away. So, sadly, I had to take it to the Ford dealer in this little out-of-the-way town. They ended up putting a re-built Jasper A4LD tranny int it. It has a pretty good warranty plan, and the Explorer is running (and pulling my travel-trailer) better than it ever has.

My after-market warranty picked-up all but $50 of the $2300+ repair bill. They also picked up rental car and food/lodging. The only bad part was, it took them 3 weeks to decide whether or not they'd cover it.

Thought I'd share my experience with the Jasper re-build...so far so good!

Later,
TimR><>

 

[Extreme4x4]

Well, since my last post on Dougs Transmissions was erased, and I was not even informed about it........ (ahhhh, censorship at its best)........ if anyone has any questions about them, they can feel free to e-mail me. I would be more than happy to relate my entire experience.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

Who erased your last post? It wasn't me. I'm kinda curious as to why it was erased myself because I never got to read it.

 

[Extreme4x4]

I have no idea. It was there when I posted it. It was long...... as it was a full explanation on everything that has occurred with Doug since my accident.

Noone e-mailed me to tell me it was gone either...... or that I needed to modify it or it would be removed. It did come off as a slam to him...... but it is certainly deserved. Actually, it kinda makes me mad, because everything I said was completely true. Maybe someone thinks I was just making up things to complain about.

Geez, I have plenty of REAL things to complain about. I don't need to make up anything. )

 

[Paul Gagnon]

I got a private message last night about the missing post. Funny thing is I was online when it dissapeared and I never got to read it. Strange because I am the moderator of this forum.

 

[Extreme4x4]

Well that is nice. It sure would be nice to know who erased my post. I spent quality time on it, as I wanted people to know how strange the series of events have been. Goodness knows that none of it has made sense to me.

Who knows, maybe Lee has become a computer geek and is terrorizing me on-line. j/k

The bizarre thing is that this is the second weird computer related thing that has happened to me recently. Friday night I noticed that my e-mail wasn't working. When it still wasn't working on Sat I called Mindspring about it (I still subscribe to them to keep my e-mail address). They said that I had sent an e-mail telling them to cancel my service........

It would appear I have made an enemy. ???????????

 

[Ray Lobato]

Well, it wasn't me. I would have like to have seen it my self. :-(