I just took my tranny to a reputable local transmission shop. Shop said they would be happy to rebuild($1,500) but suggested to me that I probbably could pick up a decent tranny for far less.

So I called about 15 salvage yards. 1 tranny for $800.


Can anyone suggest my options. Looked at ebay as well. Not sure to trust some of the sites. Plus the shipping.

Please help.

I have a:

1998 Dodge Dakota
Automatic 4x4
Ext Cab

 

to tell the true these tran's are hard to find good ones you'd actually probably be better off getting it rebuilt especially if its a reputable shop maybe have then install a shift kit in it too

 

$1500 seems about right for an automatic rebuild. If you trust the shop, then I would seriously consider letting them do it. You will probably get more miles out of it than it has on it now in its broken state (just based on my experience with people having their transmission rebuilt, nothing specifically related to your particular transmission).

The alternative is a $700 gamble. Junk yard tranny could die tomorrow, or it could go forever. You just don't know. But, if it dies, you will be right back here, making this same decision again.

My buddy had his 3/4 ton Chevy 4x4 transmission rebuilt like two weeks ago and the shop gave him a price break because he pulled it and took it to them. Saved him quite a lot of labor cost. Of course, he had to argue A LOT about a warranty given the shop didn't want to be on the hook for some dimwit putting the thing back together improperly, but they are only going to cover parts anyhow, so it didn't take TOO MUCH discussion to get them to agree to give him a warranty on the parts. Of course, not every shop will be willing to do this, so that might make this whole idea moot.

I would pay a little (maybe a lot?) more up-front and get some peace of mind and expected, as opposed to hoped for, reliability.

 

1500 sounds right to me also. Mine is on its way out but im not wasting my time with putting another auto in my truck(Its just going to go out again) im going to spend a lil extra time and do a 5 speed.

 

got mine for 400.00(connections)500.00 install,70.00 filters&gasket,100.00 fluid,just have to replace output speed shaft sensor.6month-6,000km warranty.

 

dodgeramguy, I could only find one write up on a auto to 5 speed swap, but im not sure if its accurate.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...on-swap-2.html

 

Congratulations DodgeRamGuy.

 

I read it when he posted in and from what I know it seems pretty accurate.

Thanks I know it will take some time to do but will be worth it in the end. My buddy and his friend did it on his 97 sliverado in a weekend. Hell if I really have to Ill make our 78 cj5 my DD till it gets done but that ole 304 3 speed will suck that gas up hope gas isnt to much $$$ in the summer lol

 

too true, But to me it would be well worth it. Seems like NV3500 are going for about 500 in my area and compared to my old R/T I'd rather have my 5.2 5speed.

 

You think ill have any trouble following that link i posted, if my truck is a 4x4? I honestly am still learning about all this stuff lol.