• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Chicago area transmission leads?

andante147

andante147

New member
Hi, all - my '03 GTP with 173K has a failing transmission. (no movement in drive, I can nurse it along with slipping, starting in 1st and shifting by hand.) I'm sure I'm not the only one, but trying to put a kid through college, etc., I'm trying to find the best, most affordable way to get a good HD rebuild. Any experience in how much you all have paid for this? I see that triple edge charges $750 just for the rebuild kit parts. I'm looking to pull a rabbit out of the hat here - any help is appreciated.

Also, in case triple edge is the best price, would you drive a car in this shape from chicago to them in Michigan?

Thanks
 


Have you considered doing it yourself?

With a good workbench, the ATSG manual, and this forum it's very doable. There are really only a couple "must have" specialty tools. (I'm thinking Teflon seal installer/sizer) For those instances, you could probably have a local trans shop put them on for the cost of some doughnuts.
 
I've done work like brakes, suspension, exhaust. I've never torn down an engine or transmission. So it's intimidating. And I have to clean a lot of junk out of my garage! But, if it's that or dump the car, I might consider it. I have no lift or trans jack, just a good garage jack. Also don't have any mechanically-minded buddies - I'd be more courageous if I wasn't out there by myself. I'll give it serious thought and look at how-to's. Thanks.
 
Another option might be to check Craigslist under automotive services, or ask around at some local small repair shops.

I have to believe there are guys that build transmissions professionally that also do side work. I've never met a technician who wasn't willing to do a cash job on the side.
 
You're only a 3 1/2 hour drive from TEP in Ft Wayne. Another option is to rent a U-Haul trailer and bring the car out there and drop it off. When it's ready, have a buddy give you a lift back to get it and drive it home. Not sure if you have something that will tow 5k lbs, but these U Haul trailers are pretty cheap to rent. I used one when I bought the GTP in CT:

20150801_165029_zpsqrugvelj.jpg


20150801_165039_zpsfvrvm1yg.jpg
 
Ive taken mine to Atomic Transmission in Villa Park. My family has gotten all of our rebuilds by them and they did mine too. Would highly recommend.
 


I'd for sure recommend a shift kit along with a tune after the rebuild...it'll prolong transmission life for sure.
 
Triple Edge Performance is not going to be the cheapest but it will be the most reliable. Do what you can afford. Unknown junkyard trans for a $100-200. Craigslist trans for several hundred. Rebuilt at a local shop for up to a grand. And TEP if you want quality. My friend had a local rebuild for $1,100 on a Bonnie that held up.

Also you got to think about are you going to pay for labor or do R&R yourself. Labor is a big part of the cost.
 
I have good trans have about 60000 miles on it pm me I drive though Chicago sometimes because I drive truck

Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top