97 41TE replacement question

I just had the transmission in our 97 T&C grenade on us. I have read a lot of posts about having these things repaired and it costing anywhere from 2 to $3000. The dealer I have it at wants $2700. I don't suspect it's the clutch packs or solenoids. When it went it sounded like I dropped my tool box down the steps. The dealer stated there was irrepairable internal damage and wants to put in a remanufactured unit. My question is has anyone here done this job? It looks like I can find remanufactured units for ~$1200(might be less but if my internals are truely trashed then I won't get the $350-450 core charge back). How hard is it to R&R one of these? Is there anything I'll need besides the new transmission? Any info or advice is welcome.
ByronP

I had the transmission in my 97 T&C do the same thing. I had AAMCO replace it for me to the tune of $1700 installed. They put in a reman. and replaced the torque convertor. They gave a 12/12000 warranty too. I was well pleased and had another 32K on it the van when I finally traded it. As for the r&r the job takes a lot of time if you have never done it. You will also need a couple of special tools to do the job, like an engine support bar and transmission jack. I would recommend that you shop around for someone with a lift to do the job for you. Also get a couple of other quotes from some tranny shops. $2700 seems quite high to me.

I got a quote from AAMCO for $1500-1600. As far as doing it myself I'm not too worried about the swap. I've tackled projects like this before. The problem is that I'm getting eye surgery tomorrow and I'm not sure I want to take the chance of not being able to see straight and not getting the job done. So it's looking like AAMCO will be getting a call this afternoon. To tell you the truth I was kind of looking forward to doing it. Oh well. Now I can relax over the holidays.

Sit back and enjoy your holiday. Let the professionals do the work. Happy Thanksgiving!

I got a quote from AAMCO for $1500-1600. As far as doing it myself I'm not too worried about the swap. I've tackled projects like this before. The problem is that I'm getting eye surgery tomorrow and I'm not sure I want to take the chance of not being able to see straight and not getting the job done. So it's looking like AAMCO will be getting a call this afternoon. To tell you the truth I was kind of looking forward to doing it. Oh well. Now I can relax over the holidays.

Question.....Did you need eye surgery BEFORE you saw the $2,700.00 dealer quote?? LOL


(o:

DNO.

Yeah. I had to pop my eyes back in after looking at the bill. Surgery went well. Had it at 2:00 and here I am typing away. Though it hasn't increased my words per minute. :-) The trans is in by the way. Mechanic said the planetary gear blew and sent gears crashing around in the case. That explains the tool box down the steps sound when it blew. Fortunately it didn't crack or bust the case so I could turn it in as a core. Have a good holiday all.
ByronP