Long shot, but a great family could really use some help

[reconman]

A friend of mine for over twelve years now has come upon a very difficult situation. His minivan's transmission went caput this weekend. He has five children, and that's the only transportation they have to carry everyone at once to school, dinner, so on and so forth. Thankfully they do have another vehicle, but it's a single cab chevy truck and won't fit everyone obviously. He has been quoted anywhere from $1500 - $3000 for a rebuilt tranny to be put in. This is way out of the range he can afford right now even with both he and his wife working. I'm gonna do the labor for him and put it in, but we need to find a tranny that we can afford together to get his family back up and running. If anyone owns a shop or knows where we can get one, I'd greatly appreciate the help. We've tried junkyards, but they can't even say if they are working or not, and he needs something that he knows will run. Like I said, any info or help would be a lifesaver. I told him I'd try the greenscreen on the chance that we could find something, so here goes! The van is a 2001 Honda Odyssey with a 3.5 VTEC engine.

[low_tec]

I sure hope you find something that will work for the van

And Bless you for helping him out with the labor

[tx07]

In the junkyards, i know it will take some time if you get a bad one. But make sure they will exchange it if it doesnt work and give it a shot at finding one that works.

Tips on knowing if it has a good chance of being a good trans, steer clear of one with real clean fluid "like out of the bottle" and real dark smelly fluid. You want to pick one that has a medium to lighter good red looking fluid.

Now, if one does have a clean fluid "like right out of the bottle" it could be a fresh rebuilt trans, i would crawl under the car and look on top or sides of the trans for some marker writing saying what shop built it. Allot of time they write on the case. If you find that on the case and a date you might have found a great one.
If i was closer i wouldnt mind going shopping with you guys to help find one.

[reconman]

Thanks for the tips Tomkat. I plan on going to try and find some at some of the yards around here. My bud called several and they won't warranty the tranny at all, which I understand especially since these are notorious for wearing out apparently. It never hurts to try and find a good one though, especially when you're kinda in a bind and desparate. Anyways, thanks again, I'll be sure to look at the fluid real close now.

[Jaspro]

It would be a jog for you but try Highway Autoparts in Brownwood, Tx. If they have one it will come with a 90 day warranty. I have bought 4 transmissions from there and had great luck with all of them.

[Brett C]

PM Flurryoftexas he is a tranny man , & a good one i have heard.

[username]

try www.greenleafauto.com. You can get used transmissions, and they provide a 6 mo warranty. got one in my accord, hope to pick it up tomorrow

[reconman]

Good deal! Thanks for the info guys! This gives some new direction.

[junkmanhunter]

Reconman, there is a greenleaf on old 287 in Kennedale. There area few Wrecking yards along there that deal in foreign parts. A buddy of mine owns Proformance Transmissions on old 287 right across from some wrecking yards, might stop in and see what advice he has. His name is Brett Young. Tell him Custard sent you.

[reconman]

Will do junkman! That's just a few minutes from my house. I live by Kennedale High.

[torkers]

dont forget to try eric @ greenleaf 800-433-7880 tell him Arley said to call .

[torkers]

another is mark @ 800-331-6388 again tell them Arley.

[reconman]

I definately give em a call torkers! Thanks again for all the help!

[junkmanhunter]

Recon, I am not responsible for the greeting you might get after you mention my name. HAHA.

[J BOW]

Way to help a brother out! You are a good freind, and this place and the people here are great too!