Hello Yota fans,

My '88 4Runner needs a transmission and I recently discovered a company called Man-Trans, LLC out of Florida. I live in NC. http://www.manual-transmission.com/?q=node/1 Looks like they've been in business for almost 20 years and offer the same 1 year warranty as Marlin Crawler. I know Marlin has a great reputation, and their transmissions have a price to match. There's about a $400 difference (Marlin is higher) in a standard W56B rebuilt. Can anyone tell me what I might be getting from Marlin that I wouldn't get from Man-Trans? Anyone done business with Man-Trans? The $400 higher price and the fact that they're across the country have me looking at Man-Trans. Parts and Labor would be about the same on a local rebuild ($1400-$1800 rebuild and installation).
Looking for food for thought before I drop the $$$.

Thanks, Craig

 

Sort of like asking which oil to use. I've been building auto and manual trannys for about 20 years. What you want to look for is the internal parts the vendor is using. Bearings, gears, seals, synchros, etc. I do know Marlin uses quality parts and his business is Toyotas so his focus is on one brand. All his R&D has been with the Toy transmissions. That being said Man-Trans may very well use quality parts and have experienced builders.
Do a little research into your vendors. Call them, talk to them.

Personally, if I needed a trans I would go with Marlin. But, like oil, that is my choice.

 

I can tell you 3 things you won't be getting from anywhere but MC(unless they use MC parts).

1. Heavy duty shifter seat
2. Heavy duty shifter socket
3. EcoSeal HD Output Seal


4 things if you count the 100% chance of satisfaction guaranteed from purchasing anything from MC. Marlin don't mess around, PERIOD. I've never even heard of Man-Trans...so who knows what they be doin'? Might be as good...most certainly won't be any better.

 

. . . and a several month backorder / wait time. The shifter parts can be bought separately from Marlin and installed by anyone in a few minutes, so that shouldn't be much of a consideration.

When my HD Marlin trans started making noise, I pulled it out and had a local independent trans shop (lots of searching and reading reviews) re-bearing it for less than $400. That said, MC did offer a discount to ship it back to them for the rebuild and they were interested in seeing what wore out - I just didn't have a second vehicle to drive for a few months or so waiting for it to get back to me

 

Well, there's another reason right there actually.

Because you won't find ANY other HD Toyota transmissions, or any HD Toyota transmission parts even, being offered by ANYONE except Marlin Crawler. Aside from those selling said parts.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I definitely prefer the Marlin. I like the fact that Marlin specializes in Toyota. I don't want to wait 2-3 weeks to get it though... I should have the cash in a week and want to get it done. I don't need an HD tranny. Mine's a daily driver. Been babied for years. I wonder if Marlin uses superior parts in their rebuilds... I'll check on availability. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Craig