Finally got the Tracker out of the garage for the first time since New Year. Even though it took much longer than I had planned, I am psyched about the results. I didn't realize how much noise the transmission was making until I took it on it's test ride. Not only is it quieter, it feels like its pulling up the hills much easier than before. Maybe I'll grab a few more MPGs as a result.
Was it more cost effective than finding a low-mileage used one? If you don't count the cost of a couple of tools and the down-time, it was much cheaper. When you factor those in, I'm not so sure. I ran into more than just bearings and synchros when I needed to locate a new input shaft. The new input shaft prompted me to look closely at the pilot bearing which led to a clutch kit.
After I got it back together, I had a few problems from it sitting in the garage for a few weeks. I live out in the woods and have a problem with the native wood rats out here. Well, they got into the heater and filled the blower motor up with all sorts of stuff. It took me nearly 4 hours to clean it all out. Then I noticed they got the wiring for my fog lights and the right side turn signal. A couple of hours this morning and I got that fixed. Lets not forget the tire that went flat.
The question is - would I do it again? Probably. The way I look at it, I KNOW that I have new bearings & synchros installed and that should last me another 170,000 miles. Anyone can say a used transmission has low mileage, but can you really tell for sure? That said, this is not a job for the feint of heart. There was a number of times that I had to ask myself what was I thinking, but I stuck it out and got it done.
Thanks go out to Frank84 for his support and assistance.
David
