Hypothetical Transmission Question

[southtxexplorer]

This purely hypothetical right now (knock on wood), but I would like to be prepared in the event it becomes a reality.

Where is the best place to have transmission work done. I mean actual repairs as opposed to just service. I use an independent mechanic in my area and they do a pretty good job. They say they do transmission work, but I wonder if a general mechanic is qualified to do transmission work. I have always heard negative things about the national/regional chains and would be reluctant to use them. Lastly, the Ford dealer in my area sucks. I have little confidence in anything the do. I hate to be so pessimistic, but I hate being unprepared. Also, is better to rebuild the existing transmission, replace with a rebuilt, or replace with a new one. Finally, how much can one expect to pay for the above options. Thanks for the help.

 

[Triton46]

I think it depends on the mechanic and the transmission.

The Auto is far more complicated than my M5. As such, when it came time for my rebuild, I had the choice of buying a rebuilt and having my mechanic put it in or letting him rebuild it.

On the side, my mechanic rebuilds transfer cases. He is very thorough, read ****, which is good. I let him rebuild it, because the price was roughly the same. He bead blasted the case and rebuilt the 'innards'. Before replacing, he painted my case and refilled with ATF. Not bad for $1700.