QuestionQUESTION: I own a k1500 4x4 1992 it has a 5.0l and a th700r4. I need a rebuilt one or one with low miles, my problem is that there is many versions of my tranny but with differences like rear housing length and # of splines, etc...how can i know what i buy and what do I look for when they claim it is rebuilt and hi-perf? What other models would have a compatible, (drop-in) version and can I go to the 4L60E or is that worth the wiring I assume is needed?
ANSWER: Hey Dan,
I get a little leary myself when buying used transmissions. I have seen them come and not even back out of the shop when installed and opened pans that were full of water. I have also had units that once installed last forever.
700R4 that only has clutch and seal damage can usually be professionally rebuild for under 1500.00 2000.00 and that would include the labor to remove and replace it. For whats it's worth if you buy a used one for 700-1000 and install it and have a problem there isn't a shop in the world that will give you labor warranty on it (unless they sold it to you). And you could end up spending more in the long run.
K1500 4x4's are also the most common plow truck out there and they receive a huge amount of beating. The reality is that you are going to have to know all of the specifications before you buy a used one because who knows what kind of modifications or swaps have been made.
The best thing to do is make all of your measurements such as tailstock length, output shaft spline etc. I wish I could be more helpful than that but I have seen some really disgusting used units and try to avoid it like the plague now.
Wayne Howie
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QUESTION: Thanks for your quick reply! I have found a local unit that has been rebuilt to heavy duty or high performance, and the guy is near retirement and comes well recommended. Is $1100.00 a fair price, I have been unable to work recently,(hurt) so am on a budget. I should mention that I have a 5th wheel that this will tow. There is only 110,000 km, or 60k on the truck and I want to travel... My question is should I trust this 'rebuilt' or what should I do? How do I be sure of correct match and quality parts were installed?
ANSWER: Heya,
Thats a really good price if its a performance unit but be wary that is has a high stall torque converter in it. That last thing you need is the thing getting fluid shear at 3800rpm and knocking all of furniture over in your trailer on the 5th wheel.
Ask if the trans was built for street, strip or towing. If its a towing package kit it will shift a little later and a little harder. Hard and late are a bit uncomfortable and you may think its a bad thing but for trans longevity its a great thing. No slippage and full line pressure when shifting will make it last forever. Banging in at 6500rpm under light load is not though. lol.
About the best I can suggest about the honesty and internal parts is just like anything else in life. You either get a good or bad feeling from someone. There are very good people out there and there are very bad people that could care a less about your situation and care more about the presidents that you americans have on your bills. (We have british royalty and prominent canadian figures like bob and doug mckenzie! just kidding)
Some of the things to look for on a rebuilt is to see if it is painted nicely. If there is aluminum paint over mud and debris chances are it has never been in a proper cleaning system. Trans shops have stand up high pressure heated cleaners that take everything off including the oe stickers. Another thing to look for is new seals. New seals have usually a red or blue colour around the outside of the seal. If it has been freshly rebuilt it will have a red coloured grease around all of the open components to keep debris out and keep the components from early corrosion.
I truly wish the best for your purchase. Life is sometimes a roll of the dice. If the guy is smoking a cigar, shuffling his feet and looking at the ground while staring at the cash in your hand.... Well..... YOu know what to do :)
WAyne
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QUESTION: Hello again,
I have more info that I hope you can shed some light on...The tranny has these modifications: Hi energy 3-4 clutch, hi energy 2-4 band, heavy duty center support, heavy duty forward spragg, and hardened vein rings. It has the stock torque converter. He says that I should upgrade the torque conv. to a heavy duty one and increase the tranny cooler if I am towing alot, I wanted to get a better cooling unit anyway, should I spend the ? $200 ? or whatever if I use it for primary vehicle, and only tow maybe 1000 km a year? What do you think of the modifications, in terms of needing them vs. the cost? A stock rebuilt one should last how long, if I abuse it occasionally? Thanks Wayne for your time and expertise!
Respectfully, Dan M. from Chilliwack B.C.
AnswerHey,
Sounds like it was beefed up quite a bit but you will want to get a better torque converter and definitely an external high volume trans cooler with an inline filter to boot. Make sure if you plug into your existing pluming to have the cooler flushed properly to avoid sucking in old contaminants. A reman trans that is completely stock should last anywhere from 250k and up if looked after with regular service.
