used transmission advice

The transmission in our 87 900S was getting clunkier, then suddenly froze up this summer, due to a sudden (or maybe not so sudden) lack of fluid.

It has sat in our garage since then while we debated what to do about it. It's really my wife's car, and she has decided she wants to spend the money on a new (used) transmission.

It's not the kind of thing I can tackle (obviously, if I can't even keep fluids up). What's the best way to proceed? The Saab guy at one local shop didn't seem too enthusiastic, but I assume I can find someone to do the work. What's the best way to find a good tranny for this beloved automobile?

Reply to
Drew A. Blank
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Fitting a used gearbox is only economically viable if you're doing the work yourself and not allocating a money value to your time (i.e. you're doing it because it's your hobby, or you have nothing better to do with your time).

This is because of the relatively high cost of the time involved.

Since you're not going to do the work yourself, it doesn't make sense. Either fit a rebuilt gearbox (and do all the other bits and pieces you should do at the same time [1]) or get rid of the car.

Rebuilding your gearbox should cost around £800 (~US$1200). Fitting should cost around £600.

[1] With the gearbox out, on a car of this age, you're mad if you don't replace the following:
  • Crank seal
  • Pilot bearing
  • Clutch (inc slave + master cyl)
  • CV boots

Total parts cost ~£200, 2 hours additional labour cost.

Reply to
Grunff

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