Hey guys,
My usual transmission noises recently started getting louder. I figured my input shaft bearing was starting to go and I knew something was wrong when it started slipping out of 4th when shifting. Upon draining the oil I knew things weren't looking good and after tearing it out I discovered 2 chipped teeth on the input shaft gear (4th) and one chipped tooth on its opposing gear (not sure what these are called). So my question is, am I better off replacing the entire transmission for $1000, or buying an input shaft for $75, bearing for $15, and the lower gear assembly for however much that will be, and possibly a $200-300 rebuild kit? I searched Craigslist for a suitable replacement transmission to no avail. Your expertise and advice is much appreciated. Thanks! (See attached picture)

 

Find out what other vehicles and years this transmission was available and go to car-part.com to search junk yard inventory. Ebay is another good option.

How much will it cost for a local shop to rebuild it?

 

My rebuild was $600 and it seemed pretty competitive. If you can get new for $1000 that's not too bad.

 

It would also help to add what vehicle you have as part of your sig and your general location as well. That way people can more easily try and help.

For what its worth I'm in MA and just went to car-part.com and there are about 10 W-56's in the New England area ranging from $250-500. I imagine out west or down south there are tons more.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm checking with some local shops and getting estimates and I also found a few transmissions an hour away from Walla Walla Washington on car-part.com. I'll do some more checking and see what I can find. Also my vehicle is an 87
4Runner SR5 with a 22RE.

 

What makes you think you are gonna get a good transmission if you buy one ?

If the case of your transmission is in good condition (no structural damage) then I would rebuild it. A full rebuild. Mine in So Cal cost $1300 and that is the best deal around. People above mentioned $600, that doesn't seem like a full rebuild to me... if it is, I am willing to drive to Atlanta next time I need one

 

Fair point. If I buy a replacement I will try to find one with a warranty (if it's rebuilt). The only problem with mine is the chipped gear teeth, everything else seems fine. If I can find parts rebuilding it myself seems like the best option, but I'll check with a few shops and see how much they charge for a complete rebuild.

 

Gopher, you should give us the information about what vehicle you have, and which transmission. You can find the Tranny info on the sticker on the drivers side door frame.

From what I saw when the mechanic called me over to check out the internals of my tranny (I asked to see them), at 216k miles everything was on it's last leg, so forking out the $1300 will be cheaper in the not so distance future.

 

Marlin is right in that price range: https://www.marlincrawler.com/transm...complete/w56-b

 

My bad, I didn't realize this is a manual. All my talk was for auto. ignore. sorry.

 

After more searching the best route seems to be getting a rebuilt transmission from AutoZone for right around $1000 after a core. If parts such as the countershaft were easier to come by I might just rebuild it myself, but I need it fixed sooner then later and it would be nice to know it's been done right. Thanks for the input guys!

 

I would go with Marlin Crawler before Autozone even if it cost more.

 

What wyoming said. If you are willing to pay $1000 you might as well pay $1250. You will get the best and be done with it. And it will probably last longer than you will.

If money is an issue I'd recommend getting a used one locally. As far as I know these transmissions aren't known for failing. And they don't see much abuse behind their 110 squirrels.

Plus even the junkyard ones usually come with a 30 day warranty. So if you install it quick and you have a problem....you at least get your money back.

 

The only thing keeping me from going with Marlin is the 9-11 week wait as opposed to less than two weeks at AutoZone and it is my only vehicle other than my motorcycle. AutoZone has a one year warranty so I feel better about that but normally I wouldn't go through them.