Transmission Rebuild?

[dankcorey22]

Im wondering if i should get a transmission shop to rebuild my trans. Or if i should buy a used one for cheaper than i can get it rebuild. I know my Trans is bad cause the 5th gear is about to fall out of it. and when i bought it there was no gear oil in there.
The shops wont really quote how much it will take to rebuild it cause they dont know how many hours its gonna take.
But my Trans. code is : FN 28 05 2 the other number on the trans is: 020 301 103 H

Dont know much about any tranmission but i was looking for advice or help

Thanks!

[Henchman]

Are you pulling the tranny and bringing it to the shop?  If so, the time shouldn't be an issue.  Rebuild is going to take pretty well same amount of time regardless of what is wrong with it.  The big unknown is what internals need replacing!  That tranny sounds pretty wrough.  You might be better picking up anotherone cheap that is either known "OK" or minor issue and having that one rebuilt.  For sure your into blocking rings, some synchros, 5th gear.  Being that yours may have been run dry, bearings, re-shimming, differential could even be an issue.  I'd feel better brining in a tranny that was running rather than yours.  At least have a line on one, so if you bring yours in and they crack it open, they'll be able to tell pretty quick if it's worth rebuilding (an hour I'd say).

Ian

[rallydiesel]

Depends on how much you want to spend. A rebuild is great if you have the money because you know what you end up with is a solid trans. A used one is way cheaper but you never really know what's inside.

[dankcorey22]

Ive already pulled the tranny out. i was just going to take it and have them look at it first, and tell me if it need rebuilding or tell me if i need a new one. My 5th gear sounds pretty rough but only in 5th though. Im debating on which is cheaper rebuilding one or get a "good" used one.

Rebuilt one: Pros-you know it wont fail for along time. Warranty on it usually. Cons- cost is usually high

"good" used one: Pros-Maybe wont fail. Cheaper  Cons- you gotta trust the person that says its "good". shipping. How many miles its got on it.

Are you pulling the tranny and bringing it to the shop?  If so, the time shouldn't be an issue.  Rebuild is going to take pretty well same amount of time regardless of what is wrong with it.  The big unknown is what internals need replacing!  That tranny sounds pretty wrough.  You might be better picking up anotherone cheap that is either known "OK" or minor issue and having that one rebuilt.  For sure your into blocking rings, some synchros, 5th gear.  Being that yours may have been run dry, bearings, re-shimming, differential could even be an issue.  I'd feel better brining in a tranny that was running rather than yours.  At least have a line on one, so if you bring yours in and they crack it open, they'll be able to tell pretty quick if it's worth rebuilding (an hour I'd say).

Ian

[dankcorey22]

Anyone know how much to get a fully rebuilt Tranny is? with labor and everything.

[maxfax]

There's really no good way to say unless you know exactly what all it needs..     Check out http://brokevw.com/020info.html..  That may give you some idea..   

[dankcorey22]

Thanks for the INFO man. I think ill try to find a good used one for the price there showing. $1100 to fully rebuild  There crazy lol

[GEE-BEE]

VWTRANSAXLES.COM

OR NEW BLACKFORESTINDUSTRIES

I sent vw transaxles a CHD,it had bad Ring & pinon gear and a peloquin

He did 16V internal's and a FF final 3.67/ .71

He sent the case back to me for powdercoating and I returned it back to him with a complete set of ARP external bolt's ( 12 PT Stainless Steel)

OHC was 1089.00
Bolt kit 105.00
Peloquin 785.00
Powder Coating satin black 85.00

I was tring to find a 3.42 Ring and pinon , But no luck...

Gee-Bee

[rallydiesel]

Another option is to rebuild yourself. Only special tools needed is a basic shop press (Harbour Freight cheapy is fine), good snap-ring pliers, and a dial gauge. Brian from brokevw can get you any bearings, etc. you need and is very helpful.

[dankcorey22]

I did consider rebuilding it myself but i have never even been into a transmission. Im not confident with it. If i was i would in a heart beat.

Another option is to rebuild yourself. Only special tools needed is a basic shop press (Harbour Freight cheapy is fine), good snap-ring pliers, and a dial gauge. Brian from brokevw can get you any bearings, etc. you need and is very helpful.

[rumbling_caddy]

  another option is to find somebody parting out a running car.  I bought a good 020 ACH tranny this way after test driving the 85 Golf that it was in.  Good way to make sure you are not buying a big paper weight

[theman53]

I have "IMO" the biggest fail trans VW ever had in the 2H. But it is just the gearing that is a fail. The ring gear rivots never fail in them or shouldn't according to Brian aka brokevw. I need to get rid of it. Works perfect and was went through less than 50,000 miles ago. 100.-- plus shipping if you want it and some time to get it out. It is out of an 83 GTI

[fatmobile]

I know you aren't familiar with a trany teardown.
 But if you wanted to try;
 5th gear is the easiest to get a look at.

[Quantum TD]

I have a couple of transmissions that I have on hand if you decide to buy a used one. I inspect them all for external signs of internal problems. They're all diesel geared, so they'll match up to what you had before (a bit lower, since I don't have any FN-code trannies left).

I can ship, and will guarantee it's good. If not, i replace the cost of the trans or replace it with another.

But I'd check local first. The big thing is getting a good gearing for a diesel (as determined by the trans code).

If you have a 1.6NA, then these are about the only transmissions that are "ideal" for your car/truck:

AGS
AOP
ACH
4S
7A
FF
FN
FO

If you have a modified motor, then you can consider the other lower-geared transmissions (in terms of R&P):

ASF
ACN
CHE
etc.

[RustyCaddy]

020 trannys are really pretty...but a little harder to wrap your brain around at first that resealing a early Bosch injection pump (for comparison).

Brian at Brokevw is a really nice guy and sells parts.

VW tranny has most parts for 020 transmissions and also sells a rebuild kit for DIY but it does not look as complete as what Broke offers.

Like Rallydiesel said you need a shop press.

If you get a used one it is probably a good idea to make sure it isn't rusty (very rusty) or have the seller certify that beforehand if sight unseen.