The automatic transmission rebuild kit you choose will depend on your needs as a repair shop and the needs of your clients.
Transmission overhaul kits contain the non-metal components that you need to rebuild a transmission. They include, but are not limited to, parts such as O-rings, D-rings, paper gaskets, and seals, many of which take a ton of wear and tear. One thing to keep in mind is that not all overhaul kits are made equally—some on the market will not contain all the soft parts you need for a rebuild. Different makers may include items they deem essential to the type of transmission.
Transmission master kits contain all these non-metal components and more. They include additional parts like clutch plates. These parts may not be considered hard parts, but they usually take more wear and tear than soft parts.
When to Buy an Overhaul or Master Automatic Transmission Rebuild Kit?
When your clients come in with transmission issues, you may wish to do an entire transmission rebuild for liability purposes or customize the rebuild according to the needs of the job.
For complete transmission rebuilds, you will likely wish to purchase transmission master kits since they include a broader range of products than overhaul kits.
Want more flexibility or customization in your repairs? Ask your mechanic for differences.
Which one you choose will also depend on your client’s budget and time constraints. Naturally, if you are replacing every piece of a transmission, regardless of whether a piece is worn down or not, the repair will be more expensive and time-consuming.
A Word of Caution: Kit Variations
As a shop, it is important to do your research when it comes to master or overhaul kits—not all brands create them equally or include the same parts.
Unfortunately, many kits are not always up to date with variations that occur in the production of certain transmission applications. The best kits are the ones that match variations in design and assembly precisely to avoid missing or extra items.
Is a Transmission Overhaul Worth the Cost?
Rebuilding your transmission over replacing it can save money over the short-term. A rebuilt transmission takes only a fraction of cost of a new car, so you won’t have to worry about adding a payment to your monthly expenses.
Lower Up-Front Investment
A transmission rebuild can cost $2500 or more, which is quite an investment. However, in comparison with buying a new car, or even replacing your transmission, the cost doesn’t even come close. Rebuilding a transmission is an excellent option for those who are trying to save money.
Better Long-Term Savings
With a lower initial cost, you can protect your finances from excessive strain by going with a rebuild instead of a replacement transmission or new car. You may even be able to avoid going into debt altogether. Without that debt and the cost of interest over time, your finances will be in much better shape than if you had bought a new car. This is a long-term benefit of trying to rebuild your transmission.
Improved Vehicle Life
Choosing to rebuild your transmission can also improve the overall life of your vehicle. If you are considering buying a new car instead, think of it like this–your vehicle may not fetch that much as a trade-in at a dealership anyway.
If you just recently experienced difficulties with your transmission, think twice before buying a new car. Depending on the model of your current vehicle, it may be worth it to have you’re existing transmission repaired.
Need an Overhaul or Master Kit?
Curious about the automatic transmission rebuild kit? For almost 60 years, GFX has helped auto repair shops like yours to keep their clients’ cars running longer and more efficiently. We know that fixing transmissions is a complicated job that needs to be done right the first time to create repeat, loyal customers.
Maintain your peace of mind knowing that our kits are comprehensive, made to fix cars worldwide, and regularly to stand up to the repeat wear and tear that transmissions undergo.
Looking for tough and durable aftermarket parts? Work with a manufacturer who specializes in transmission rebuilds. Call our office at +1(305) 499-9789. We are available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM EST.
Need general aftermarket parts? Check out our catalog to find powertrain parts for your clients’ cars. We offer both used and new aftermarket parts to fit your clients’ budgets and needs.