Chrysler Repair: 91 electronic trans-Chrysler LeBaron-fix or get a used unit?, chrysler lebaron, gear ratios

Question
I drove my 1991 labaron 1 mile and drove great,shifted good then pulled into a station and it would not go forward since but it goes good in reverse. It also pours fluid out the crack at the trans housing. strange to me but what other trans will fit mine as in dodge,etc. its a 3.0 engine and front wheel drive. its a tiny size unit.I was told the front trans seal is shot.HELP!

Answer
Hi Victoria,
Any electronic transaxle from the years 90-92 on a Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth that had a 3.0 L engine should work but you might want to stay closer to the Daytona, LeBaron, models so you get the same gear ratios. The main problem though is that finding a good one in a wrecking yard may be difficult because I suspect that a reasonable fraction of these vehicles are in the wrecking yard because of trans failure. If your unit is otherwise good I would be inclined to have the trans removed (which you have to do in any case) and have the front seal replaced. How may miles on the transmission? If it has never been rebuilt and has over 100,000 then you might want to invest in getting it rebuilt now so as to save on the cost of taking it out again in the near future if you want to keep it for the indefinite future. Otherwise just do the front seal. I would not buy a trans from a wreck because it is almost surely going to need to be rebuilt now or soon.