Recommendations on a reliable transmission repair shop north of Boston. And is it worth fixing?

[Bob Explorer 200]

My 2002 2WD Explorer wont engage when I put it in reverse (the other gears seem to operate as usual), so I have to find a reliable transmission shop that will give me a fair price and fix the problem too. Cost is definitely a factor. I live on the north shore of Massachusetts and am looking for a place within a reasonable distance. Anyone out there who's familiar with my area have any suggestions on a good shop to do the work.

Also, if things weren't so weird price wise right now, I'd probably just get rid of the truck and buy or lease a replacement. But prices for even used vehicles are so high right now and the cost of leasing a truck is equally brutal that I'm considering getting it fixed even though it's an old truck and I'll never get my money back when I sell it. Truck has 170, 000 miles on it right now. Anybody have any opinions on this?

Bob

 

[drdoom]

I would get it repaired or rebuilt. I am not in your area so I am afraid I can make no recommendations on a shop. But I understand completely your concerns! For years many transmission shops don't repair anything, only complete replacement. They sell hard with THE nationally known brand of rebuilt units. Warranty, rental car, etc. Usually costs more than vehicle will be worth.
Personally I want repair or rebuild as an option.
I ended up just doing them myself now for pennies on the dollar, and so far both have far surpassed in mileage the warranty period of THE BIG CO.

 

[mountaineer2004]

FWIW, just last week I got a Ford reman transmission at 264k.
Financially questionable, definitely. But my Mounty is a keeper and that's that.
Just for fun, I raced a ricer and won. First time racing someone in well over a decade.
Felt good, although I wouldn't have tried that with the old tranny.

 

[drdoom]

Bob I also recommend you post as well in the transmission sub-forum, really top drawer members and an amazing amount of knowledge and experience from seasoned industry mechanics.

 

[Bob Explorer 200]

Thanks for the help and suggestions, friends. After reading your posts and mulling it over for a while, I decided to look for a shop near me that sounded like it might do a rebuild for a reasonable cost. I finally located one and will have it done within the next couple of weeks if all goes as planned. I'll let you know how it all works out. And thanks again for the assistance here.