Although shifting and running well my transmission is leaking badly; when running it drips out fluid from the bell housing at an alarming rate. I'm no longer driving it as I don't want to damage the transmission itself. Given the quotes to R&R with a used, rebuilt unit range about $3,000 - $4,000 and I can buy a new used Discovery for about $2,000 I'm contemplating options. I'm worried about the "while we're in there" factor when removing all the stuff required for the transmission removal escalating the price into the $4,000 - $5,000 range. Atlanta shops seem to all be saying that it isn't ever as simple as a leaking seal on the front, citing the fiex plate, vibration, etc., causing seals to fail and they will again.
I could buy a used, same model, etc., with a good engine and gearbox for about $2,000 - $3,000, transfer all my stuff over to it, and essentially build what I have in a used truck. I could concurrently build my existing truck using the parts from the new one and donate the old one as a junker, or part it out.
I could fix it for a cost roughly 2/3 of what it is worth
I could donate it as is or part it out
Reading about these transmissions I simply don't have a shop setup to do the R&R myself. Shame really, this Discovery is in wonderful shape...except of course for the transmission.
Thoughts?
I could buy a used, same model, etc., with a good engine and gearbox for about $2,000 - $3,000, transfer all my stuff over to it, and essentially build what I have in a used truck. I could concurrently build my existing truck using the parts from the new one and donate the old one as a junker, or part it out.
I could fix it for a cost roughly 2/3 of what it is worth
I could donate it as is or part it out
Reading about these transmissions I simply don't have a shop setup to do the R&R myself. Shame really, this Discovery is in wonderful shape...except of course for the transmission.
Thoughts?