Help: Buy a used transmission or rebuild

[Davidislas]

This is my first post on here and I really hope I can get some opinions on an issue I am going back and forth with. I currently have a 96 Explorer XLT, 4x2, V6, with 166,000 miles on it. Everything seems to run fine except for the transmission. I get a P0756 code and have tried swapping out the solenoids but I still have the slow-shift from 1 to 2. My questions is with the amount of miles should I have the transmission rebuilt which will cost me from $1,200 to 2,200 according to the transmission shop or should I buy a used one from the junkyard and have it put in.

The used one has 84,000 miles on it and was a roll-over. Supposedly the truck still runs and the transmission works. It will have a 90 day warranty but they must install it. It will cost about $1000.00 ($600/tranny and $400/install) for the install with the transmission included. Does this used transmission sound good for the miles and warranty?

The rebuild will be from a reputable shop and I am connected with them by way of a friend. I won't get a big discount but I am confident I will get honest work. The shop will give me a 1-year warranty on my rebuild.

I guess I'm wondering how much to spend if my engine doesn't have much miles left. I change my oil regularly, it doesn't smoke, but if the engine goes, I expect I'll get a new car before I buy another engine.

Excuse me if the post is unclear but if anyone has an opinion on my dilemna I'd appreciate hearing it.

David

 

[IZwack]

Considering the fact that most 2nd generation Explorer transmissions typically go sour between 70k and 120k miles, I would say that you should get that transmission rebuilt and not take chances with a junk yard transmission with 84k miles on it already. The difference between the used tranmission and the rebuilt transmission is really not that much considering that 1) your taking chances with the used transmission and 2) the rebuilt transmission will outlast the junk yard transmission.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! A third option is to rebuild, and install it yourself.

 

[Davidislas]

Well I'm a decent part-swapper mechanic and I do alright with my Chilton's and Haynes manual, but I don't really have the space/environment to do that kind of work.

I appreciate the suggestion though.

Based on what IZwack replied I guess I was pretty lucky with 166,000 miles on the original transmission.

I'm also assuming that its pretty common for my Explorer engine to go beyond 166,000 since the issue wasn't raised that it might be ready to go.

Thanks all,
David

 

[N8IWS]

I just completed this, search around, you could find a better transmission for that amount of money. I got a 2000 5r555e with 6000 miles on it for 600.00, had a friends shop change it out, I don't have the time or room to do it. I got my original trans, it still works, just not reliably. Now I can install the TSB and Sonaxx parts to make it last. 126,000 miles and still going strong.