Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftsman Tiller Trans, sproket, transmission work

Question
I have a Craftsman tiller, from 1996, model # 917.295853
that needs another trans. Can you recommend someplace to locate a rebuilt trans for it as I cannot afford $335 for a new one from Sears.

Thanks very much for any direction you can give.

Answer
You might be able to get a complete transmission from MTD but I'm betting the price would be the same.

You can rebuild the transmission yourself...you could end up saving a lot of money or you might just break even as the parts could cost as much as a new unit.

Have you opened the transmission to see what is broke?  I have replaced the bare minimum parts, the ones that were broke, usually the chains and maybe a sproket, along with replacing the input bearing(s) and had the transmission work fine for several more years.  However, be prepared to spend several hours rebuilding.

Have you considered looking for an entire used tiller?  

Eric