About to buy Tremec 3550 what do I check out?

hi-tech cobra · #1 (**permalink**) 11-30-2006, 11:02 AM

I'm going to look at rebuilt 3550. Are there some things I should check before dropping the $?

keislerNick · #2 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 05:57 AM

To me I would dry shift and see if you noticed anything odd with the shifting, however to me the biggest thing to have checked is the bearings which you cant check without taking it apart. Most of the guys that call us for a rebuild they have bought one and found out the bearings were bad. There are so many things you can check though, I would take it to a well known trans shop and let them check it out.

Jimi G · #3 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 08:55 AM

If you can hook the input shaft up to a drill, you can spin the transmission in each gear. That way you will get an idea if there is any bearing noise in the unit. Also check if the input shaft has alot of play in it. jimig@standardtransmission.com

Bob In Ct · #4 (**permalink**) 12-01-2006, 10:07 AM

A little off the subject but I would want the 0.80 OD rather than the 0.68 OD. This assumes the proper differential gears to go with it. I have the 0.68 with a 3.73. Everytime I drive my car I wish I had the 0.80 with something around 3.25. It would yield the same highway RPMs (around 1900 at 60 MPH) but I would not have the big jump from 4th to 5th gear.

Bob