Rebuild or replace?

[dickdl]

I am having transmission problems with my 1998 Conquest. Will not go into reverse and pops out of low at higher rpms. No problems with high gear. I am not sure what is wrong but am assuming it is going to require a rebuild of the transmission. Called dealer and he said I would be better off to replace the entire transmission with a new one. He said cost of a new one ($1700) is about equal to or less than cost to rebuild my transmission. Does this sound right? What should I do?

[rapidroy]

Depends on what parts may need replacing when you crack it open. A bearing kit with shims should be about 300 bucks, plus 4-5 hrs of your time. It may be just some worn bearings, but that usually leads to worn parts as well. Grab an overhaul manual and get an estimate for the input shaft and the sliding gear.

[dickdl]

Thanks for the input but I don't think it is something I want to do myself so I am looking at cost of labor plus parts.

[AlaskaGrizzly]

Sounds like you have worn gears. Might be bearings too but more likely just gear issues. If you are not wanting to work on it yourself do you have options for repair shops? Seems like you should be able to rebuild a tranny for less than the cost of a new one.

[Rock Doctor]

Sounds like you have worn gears. Might be bearings too but more likely just gear issues. If you are not wanting to work on it yourself do you have options for repair shops? Seems like you should be able to rebuild a tranny for less than the cost of a new one.

This is what I think as well. I just went through this with a friends Machine. If I remember correctly, we only had to replace the sliding gear and we flipped the reverse gear around. Not a terribly difficult job, but a bit of a PITA.
I believe you also have the option of exchanging your trans for one that is already rebuilt. $700 rings a bell, but not positive on that.

RD

[dickdl]

Where can I find rebuilt ones? I like that option because I think I also want to switch to CU (low geared) transmission. Does the motor have to be pulled to get the tranny out or does it come out through the firewall?

[Rock Doctor]

Where can I find rebuilt ones? I like that option because I think I also want to switch to CU (low geared) transmission. Does the motor have to be pulled to get the tranny out or does it come out through the firewall?

Phone around to some different Dealers, some may do exchanges, others may not. I did not "personally" look into doing it, was just told that it was an option.
GU is LOW geared I believe.
Tranny will come out through the Firewall.

RD

[spookum]

hi dickdl!

If you decide to go with a new one, i would be intersted in buying the old one. i think that i would like to take a crack at rebuilding it. im near fairbanks.... pm me with what you find out! but then again, you may need the old one for an exchange. mine pops out of high range, and it is an 80s, i think i would be best off rebuilding a new one.

thanks!

[dickdl]

Still checking prices. I'll probably go with a new one because I want to switch to a GU. Will let you know.

[rapidroy]

hi dickdl!

i think i would be best off rebuilding a new one.

thanks!

If you meant rebuilding a "newer one" you would be correct. The newer ones(conquest) have the splined output shafts for the brake rotors and they are an improvement over the keyed shafts/ rotors which are obsolete and NLA if I am not mistaken. Besides, the conquest trans will take more HP...

[spookum]

If you meant rebuilding a "newer one" you would be correct. The newer ones(conquest) have the splined output shafts for the brake rotors and they are an improvement over the keyed shafts/ rotors which are obsolete and NLA if I am not mistaken. Besides, the conquest trans will take more HP...

Hey rapidroy, if your hiding one up your sleeve let me know! If I can getll all the parsts together (and funding) i want to document the process of taking a plane jane (aka 1980s I/C 8X8) to an exteme.... just think plot hound build but with a geo metro engine and HDi axels and home made tracks

Let me know about the decision dickdl. I hope you can do it on the cheap, and if you have to, let me know and we will get together on Skype and rebuld your old trans!

[rapidroy]

[QUOTE=spookum;114189]Hey rapidroy, if your hiding one up your sleeve let me know!

Sorry, no spares here. My brother and I have been inside the trans on 3 different machines we have owned over the years. The conquest trans is the sturdiest so far. Just rebuilt the one on my 01 and had to replace both output shafts due to the previous owner over tensioning the primary chains. The input shaft spun the bearing on the shaft, clutch side, replaced that also. Good luck on your project! RR

[spookum]

almost sold a 99 RMK today to fund said upgrades.... oh well i'll keep trying. Thanks for the info. Nothing speaks truer than somone that has been through them. You just cant subsitute a one inch shaft for a inch and a half... or something like that. I totaly repsect your first hand opinon and knowledge.. Thanks man. Also, with any luck at all murphy will smile on or frined here and he will be able to fix his trans for chump change.. all we can do is hope!

[dickdl]

Used Transmission

I am probably going to replace my MU transmission that needs work with new/rebuilt GU. What is a fair price I should ask for my MU that needs work (no reverse and pops out of lo at high rpms - high range seems to work fine)?

[Rock Doctor]

Not sure if this was mentioned in another thread, but you have the option of just putting the low gears into your trans.

I don't know what a used trans is worth, but would also be interested to find out. I have 2 used MU trannies in a couple "parts" Argos that I picked up last fall.

RD