I've gotten good advice on BlazerForum in the past and have looked hard at the threads to find some info on my latest question but didn't see what I was looking for. I apologize if the answer is already available. My question is: If I need to replace/rebuild my transmission, should I install a factory rebuilt unit from a Chevy dealership or have a franchise (such as AAMCO for example) or other shop rebuild mine? It's a 95 Blazer-4wd (2wd normally), 6 cyl. Got it w/49K in 1999, paid for rebuilt tranny in '04 ($1800) @ about 110K mi + added external trans oil cooler at same time. Changed trans fluid at recommended intervals since and now at 160K miles just lost another transmission (stopped shifting and painted the road with fluid). Don't know if cause was engine coolant system or other. Waiting now for the the exact diagnosis from the shop. Runs great (w prem gas) in every other respect. I have not mistreated the car at all (not a lead foot) and am wondering if 6 yrs or 50K miles is normal life for a rebuilt tran in this vehicle. By the way is the unit a 4L60E as I have read in some threads? I am open to suggestions/recommendations/perspective on this decision. A car payment is not in my immediate plans or budget so keeping the blazer for another 50+Kmi is my leading option. Should I expect more miles or reliability from a factory rebuilt one? Anyone know the relative cost difference & pros/cons for factory vs shop rebuilt? Other ideas? Thank you for your time to respond.

 

I personally would stay away from a franchise, especially AAMCO. I'd find out where the local police send their cars for tranny work and take my truck there.

 

I know a couple of people who had a GM rebuilt tranny in their trucks and they said it costs a little more but thay haven't had any problems with them and one guy has a 45 - 50 mile commute to work and has really racked the miles up. The warranty is probably better than you'll get at an AAMCO or other shop.

 

In my 89 Jimmy when the trans went the first time I had a local transmission shop rebuild it with a 1 year warranty. Then the next time it went I opted for the GM Goodwrench Remanuafactored transmision. The dealer wanted too much money for the removal and installation but the parts counter delivered the new transmission and picked up the core at no additional cost to the same transmission shop that rebuilt it the first time. The labor was half that of the dealership to remove and install. The GM Goodwrench transmission has a very good warranty that can be honored at any GM dealer. I would stay away from AAMCO because of two things. 1. They do not rebuild but swap out transmissions. 3. Most of the cost is for the warranty. It just so happens that this local transmission shop does do the local police department as well and they are not affilliated with any national chain. In fact I believe this shop is the only one in my area that actaully rebuilds transmissions and not just a swap shop. The GM Goodwrench Transmission is rebuilt to factory specifications and any improvements that have been incorporated are also part of the process. My engine is also a GM Goodwrench Engine.

 

Thank you all for your assistance and perspective so far. As of 2Mar2010 I'm still awaiting a diagnosis from the shop I had it towed to (at 1:30 AM)...AAMCO. I didn't know where else to go. I've been researching reman units from Jasper and others online, will also check the Goodwrench price as well. My former shop - about 100 miles away quoted $300-400 labor to install the factory reman unit I provide. Still don't know who the cops bring their cars to yet - but am working on it. Still open to any more suggestions. Thanks.

 

Just a forewarning: A lot of transmission shops will charge you a fee for the inspection and diagnosis that will be applied to the cost of their replacement if you have them do the job. If you decline I always wondered if they will put it back together as it was so if you drove it in you can still drive it out. When I was in college and broke, my transmission started slipping and I went to Cottman and before I would let them diagnose the transmission I wanted to know the cost of a replacement transmission and the manager refused to answer my question. He finally pointed to a wall chart and the replacement was well over $1,0000 and this was in 1988. I went to the local dodge dealer parts counter was inquiring about a rebuild kit. It just so happend one of the factory techs. did trans. rebuilds on the side. It was $50 for the removal and installation and I believe $200 for the rebuild and he backed it up for 6 months. The was on a 75 Plymouth Duster and I never had another problem with the transmission. The Duster lasted me untill it got totalled parked in front of my house. Got rear ended by a drunk at about 30 mph. Total loss.

 

Just wanted to throw my two cents in...

IMO, I wouldn't get a factory rebuild nor would I have it rebuilt by a local shop to factory specs. What I WOULD do is have a local shop very knowledgeable in the 4L60E rebuild it with heavier duty parts than stock.

My tranny has given me no issues for the past 188K miles but I plan on having it rebuilt to better than factory by a shop I found in Odessa, TX next time I'm out that way (in-laws live there). The guy has been in the business since the '50s and knows the 700R4/4L60E/4l80E better than most people know the back of their hand. He knows the weak spots and the parts needed to correct said weakness. And he does it all for one heck of a price for a complete rebuild.

 

Hey man. For us Texas boys who is this guy and what's his address.

 

Jack Automotive Transmission
501 N Grandview Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 337-6241

Its a small shop but the guy knows what he's doing.

 

That's the best kind. He's probably small because he doesn't hose people. Thanks for the address.