To replace Transmission '94 Caravan or scrap?

I'm just agonizing over scrapping my '94 Caravan with 209,000
kilometers.

Never had a major problem. Not so much as a muffler replacement! Body
is virtually rust free. Got 90,000 kms rubber left. Engine burns
little oil. Car has been impeccably maintained.

Garage wants $3,000 (gross of taxes) for new tranny installed.

Replacement would be 2001 Sport for about $20,000 Cdn.

Tough decision.

Bruce

 

I just went through the same thing with a '95. Mine wasn't in as good shape
as yours (rust demons), so I ended up letting it go.

The price you mention to replace the trans, if I'm guessing properly at the
exchange rate, is about par for the course. If the vehicle is in as good
condition as you say it is, and has been well maintained overall, I'd repair
the trans, and drive it for a few more years. Especially if you have a 3.3L
or a 3.8L engine, which are known to be long lasting units. OTOH, if you
think you might be looking at other major repairs in the not-too-distant
future, if you're feeling like your luck might be running out....trade it.

As far as your 2001 Sport option is concerned, again, guessing about the
exchange rate and local market conditions where you are: I just picked up an
'03 for roughly the same money. I'd look around some more before getting
what's basically a 4-year-old van for the same price as a 1-year-old.

Good luck,
--Geoff

 

If you live in Edmonton I can show you where you can get it done for
$1200 installed with a 1 year 20,000 km. warranty. My mechanic says
that they are a very easy transmission to work on, relatively
speaking.
The flat rate manual says that the complete job, from removal to
rebuilding and reinstalling is 10.5 hours. ABS adds 0.4 hours. To
renew driveplate, Add 0.2. To check cooler system flow, Add 0.7. To
reverse flush cooler system, add 0.8. To replace torque converter, add
0.4.
The 41TE 4 speed actually has fewer parts than the 31TH 3 speed due to
the fact that the 41TE is totally electronically controlled.
Even at a shop labour rate of $100 per hour, the basic labour would be
$1050 and I refuse to believe that there are $2000 worth of parts used
in a typical rebuild.

--

(Jim, single dad to Lesleigh [Autistic] 04/20/94)

"What, Me Worry?" A. E. Newman

Please note: All unsolicited e-mail sent to me may, at
my discretion, be posted in this newsgroup verbatim.

 

Thanks. Have decided to replace tranny.

Bruce

 

Hey Bruce, where do you live???

There is an EXCELLENT trans shop not far from me that will completely
rebuild the 4 speed for $1595 CDN!

When I asked why so cheap he said that have a rebuild assembly line
and have it down to a SCIENCE. They just happen to be a shop with a
platinum reputation - hell they even use the proper ATF fluid!

I'd be happy to pass on the info. Also if you are in my area, i can
tell you who NOT to go to! )))

hth

 

<blink blink blink... confused look... blink blink...>

What's tough about spending 17,000 less instead of taking maybe $300 in
scrap?

 

Look around and find the *best* shop you can in your area, and have the
tranny repaired. How much would you be spending on payments for the newer
van? $400/mo? The old van could explode in a year with the new transmission
and financially you'd still be ahead. Anything more than that is added
benefit. Your van still has at least 1/3 of its life left.

 

Thanks to all.

The situation was "complicated" because because #1 wife who is primary
driver decided that the idea of "rebuilt" didn't provide comfort level
she wanted.

So I decided to go with factory original.

Situation was also complicated by having the breakdown occur away from
home and so there were physical and communication problems. Reality is
that when tranny breaks down away from home there is a whole new set
of problems which do not relate to best cost.

You know the saying; "Happy wife, happy life!".

Bruce

 

In my house it's "if momma ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" = :-0

--Geoff

 

Bruce,

You did not mention the tranny symptoms. Have you changed the tranny
oil and filter recently? If so what kind of oil did you use?

Hank

 

Chrysler dealer did transmission service a month ago. He said he used
TRF3! I haven't heard yet what was wrong but it felt as though I'd
hit a 2x4. It went with a huge bang as I went over an expansion joint
on an elevated road.

I am wondering if my tires might have contributed. I have Sears
Roadhandlers and they are harder riding than the usual.

Anyway, I'll know in a few days. I pulled my car from the dealer after
waiting 4 days and getting the run around. (I had to call them
continuosly to find out what was happening).

Anyway I have a lot of confidence in the Transmission shop. All the
local garage managers swear by him. I see his name on local drag
racing cars and he seems to know his business.

Bruce

 

Go to this web site for a look at tranny problems and what kind of oil
to use. http://www.allpar.com/fix/trans.html

Hank