Opting for a used transmission can save you a lot of money. Whether you are doing a repair, project car or restoration, used parts are the way to go. Getting the exact new transmission that you need for your vehicle can be difficult to find though. In this article I will discuss buying used transmissions near me, where to find one, research tips to find specific models, the pros and cons of used, and general info about places that sell them.
Map of Used Transmissions Near Me
If you are searching for “Used Transmissions Near Me”, see below for locations…
Where to Find Used Transmissions Near Me
Automobile junkyards (also called salvage yards) are the ideal place to pull for quality used transmissions near me. These places are located countrywide and some will even pull and ship you the parts you need for import car.
Salvages vary from business to business; some are general auto junkyards carrying most makes and models, while others specialize in a brand or genre specifically. For example, you can find a Volkswagen salvage, a Construction vehicle salvage, or even a Ford Mustang salvage. Any salvage yard or junkyard will have used transmissions, but you need to find the specific tranny for your vehicle…
How I Find A Specific Used Transmission Near Me…
Searching for a used transmission can be simple for a late-model vehicle. For example, if I was looking for a used 2014 Ford Fusion automatic transmission, I could find that at my local junkyard or simply google it and order it used.
Now on the other hand, if I’m trying to look for an A-904 TorqueFlite automatic transmission for a 1968 Dodge Charger, I have to do some research. For something like that, you want to look at salvage yards that specialize in automatic transmissions.
In this instance, I would call Steve’s Performance a specialized Mopar yard in Alabama. Even if they don’t have the transmission I need, they will know how to get it.
So how do you find the used transmission you need:
- Search for your specific manufacturer + salvage yard: for example “Dodge Salvage Yards Near Me”
- Do a Google search for the specific transmission: for example “used 69 Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi 727 Transmission” or “Used 69 Charger Transmission”, you may be able to have it shipped
- Check eBay Motors, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace
The more popular the brand the more likely they are going to have junkyards dedicated to them. Some of the most popular yards are for BMW, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, and Jeep. These places are the best places to get hard to find parts including used transmissions. Often if they don’t have the part, they may be able to guide you on where to find it. They will also be able to tell similar models that used the same transmission.
Pro Tip: Knowing when a manufacturer used the same transmission across several years or models can save you time. For example, 1 68 Dodge Charger Transmission can be an old transmission pulled from any Charger from 68 to 70. Knowing this expands the chances of finding what you need faster.
How Junkyards Work…
Junkyards are places that purchase junked vehicles and then sell of the used vehicle parts that still work. In a junkyard, you can find old rusted out vehicles with no parts left and brand new vehicles that have been in an accident. These places get their vehicles from sources like auctions, the police, insurance companies, and private owners.
Some junkyards post their inventory in an online searchable database, which makes it easier for customers to see what is in stock. You can search by year, make, and model to find what you need. Some even have pictures of the vehicle so you can see the condition. I usually find something I’m interested in and then call and ask more questions, like “is the transmission still in it”.
Various Styles of Junkyards
Every junkyard operates based on its individual business model. There are also national chains like Pick-N-Pull, LKQ, Pull-A-Part, etc that all follow a set of guidelines around how they charge, how you pick parts, and what kind of inventory they take in. Here are a few styles of salvage yards you may find…
Self Service Junkyards
These are the yards where you bring your own tools and you pull your own parts. For pulling a used transmission you are likely going to need to bring help with you as the yard attendant won’t provide any assistance.
Most self-service salvages charge a small fee just to enter the yard and look around. Self-service yards tend to have a wide selection and lower quality inventory, but the cheapest prices. I have had the best price and most luck finding used transmissions near me at self service yards.
Full-Service Junkyards
In these yards, you still need to look around for your parts, but they will pull it for you. They will use their own tools and expertise to get the parts out you need. This is done so that you don’t break any parts of the extraction.
Since they do business this way you tend to have higher quality part go to supplier inventory, but you pay more for the same quality parts too. That’s because they need to charge you for the work or pulling them out.
Warehouse Junkyards
These are yards that are more like warehouses. They are a warehouse of used transmissions. These have been pulled from vehicles, labeled, and then put out on shelves like a store. Some warehouse-style salvages test the used transmissions for sale first.
I find this style of salvage the easiest to find what I need since they are labeled and organized. These businesses usually have better quality used parts, especially those that test upfront before selling. Like a full-service yard sale, though you will pay more for parts than if you went to a self-service for sale or junkyard.
Online Junkyards
These places only sell their inventory online. Many have their own websites but also use Craigslist, eBay Motors, and Facebook Marketplace to sell their transmissions. Some of these businesses operate like a warehouse, where you order and they get it off the shelf and ship it.
Others take your order and then go and remove the transmission from the vehicle. Quality can vary based on when they pull the parts from the gasoline and diesel vehicles first, before the sale or after it. Prices are a bit higher because of labor and since it’s for sale online only you must factor in the cost to ship.
Ask About a Warranty
For a used transmission, you will want to ask if it comes with a warranty. Some salvages will automatically give you a 30-day warranty when you buy a used transmission. Other salvages charge a few dollars to add a warranty to your order. A warranty from a salvage is never cash back and you can make a return for exchange or credit.
What Does it Mean to Buy “Used”?
When you purchase a transmission used, you are buying it in “as-is” condition. You are accepting the entire transmission assembly and all it’s and all the internal components, in their current state. This is why you must ask about a warranty when buying used transmissions.
Alternatives to Getting a Used Transmission
There are other options to consider instead of a used tranny. For example, Rebuilt transmissions are often better options. There are good reasons to consider rebuilding your current transmission instead of buying a used one.
While rebuilds and remanufactures will be more expensive, they are a bit less risky in terms of performance. You can read more here about used vs rebuilt vs remanufactured transmissions.
Pros and Cons of Buying Used Transmissions
Pros
- You can save more then 65% vs buying new.
- Good for a quick fix or temporary repair.
- You can find almost new transmissions on newer vehicles in recent accidents.
- Cheaper then rebuilt and remanufactured transmissions.
- Often find original OEM factory installed and assembled transmissions at the junkyard.
Cons
- Finding quality working parts is a lot of searching around (you really need to inspect before you pull).
- You can’t entirely know how the transmission was used or if it has reached it’s end of life.
- If you can’t find what you need locally shipping a transmission is expensive.
- Not all places will offer a warranty.
- Finding the specific transmission you need can take a lot of research, the older the resto the harder it is.
- The longer a transmission sits outside in a salvage yard the more it deteriorates.
Tips for Pulling a Used Transmission at a Junkyard
This is the process I follow when pulling a used engine, transmission or any used auto parts.
- Remove the transmission from the vehicle that needs a replacement. Set aside all the tools you used, you will need them for the salvage yard. Bag and label all the nuts and bolts. By doing this first you will know the steps to take to remove a transmission in the salvage yard.
- Research online to know all the years and models of vehciles that the manufacturer used the transmission in. Find yards that have those vehicles and then call ahead to ask about availability, condition, and if the tranny is still intact.
- Do not pull the transmission without thoroughly inspecting it first..
- Ask about a warranty.
How to Evaluate a Used Transmission at a Salvage Yard
The below video covers how to properly evaluate a used engine or a used transmission before you pull it.
Maintenance Tips for Used Transmissions
Maintaining a used transmission is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some essential tips and practices to keep in mind.
Regular Maintenance Practices
- Regular Fluid Checks and Changes: The lifeblood of any automatic transmission or manual transmission is its fluid. Regularly checking the transmission fluid level and color is vital. For quality reconditioned transmissions, it’s recommended to change the fluid every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This helps in maintaining the quality of the transmission and ensures smooth operation.
- Inspecting the Torque Converter: The torque converter plays a critical role in the functioning of automatic transmissions. Ensure it’s inspected periodically for any signs of wear or damage. A well-maintained torque converter contributes significantly to the transmission’s health.
- Servicing the Transmission Filter: Just like engine oil filters, transmission filters need attention too. For remanufactured transmissions, it’s advisable to replace the filter as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. This helps in preventing any debris or worn or damaged parts from harming the transmission’s internal components.
Signs of Potential Issues
- Unusual Noises or Vibrations: If you hear strange noises or feel vibrations while driving, it could indicate an issue with the planetary gears or other internal components of the transmission. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they can lead to more significant problems.
- Transmission Fluid Leaks: Keep an eye out for any red fluid on your driveway. This could be a sign of a leak in the transmission, which needs immediate attention. Rebuilt transmissions might be more prone to such issues, especially if not properly maintained.
- Delayed or Rough Shifting: Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, any delay or roughness in shifting gears can be a sign of trouble. It could be due to low fluid levels or other internal issues.
Longevity of Used Transmissions
- Regular Professional Check-ups: To extend the life of a used transmission, regular check-ups by a professional are essential. They can spot issues early and prevent them from escalating.
- Driving Habits: Your driving habits significantly impact the longevity of the transmission. Avoid aggressive driving and ensure smooth transitions between gears. This is particularly important for continuously variable transmissions and remanufactured transmissions.
- Addressing Issues Promptly: If you notice any signs of trouble, address them immediately. Delaying repairs can turn minor issues into major, costly repairs. Whether it’s a rebuilt transmission or a used transmission, timely intervention can save you both time and money.
By following these maintenance tips and being mindful of the signs of potential issues, you can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your used transmission. Remember, a well-maintained transmission not only ensures a smoother ride but also contributes to the overall health of your car or truck.
Used Transmissions Near Me Conclusion
Getting a used transmission will save you a lot of money on parts. There are however risks that you should understand when buying used and you need to balance the risks vs savings. Finding the specific tranny you need for your repair or restoration can also be a lot of research upfront.
For finding used manual transmissions, the trick is that the older the vehicle is, the more specialized and narrow you need to look. That is what I have learned from pulling used automatic transmissions near me.