Hello. It's my first post on this forum. I recently purchased an 88 Montero 2-door with a 2.6 and 5-speed. The tranny is out (broken gear), and I called Autozone about an exchange. The person there said there are three different "models" of that tranny, and I need to know the # of it. The vin won't do it. I've been cleaning off the housing, but can't find a number like they were talking about. Was that person clicking on the wrong menus in their parts software? Or do I really need to find a number? Anyone know where the number would be? Thanks.

km145

Better go to the dealer, or a junkyard. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

If Autozone can get it, does anyone know of any quality issues with theirs?

Not a lot of good feedback from folks who've gotten engines and trannies from places such as AutoZone, Advance Auto, and the like. As mentioned, see if you can snag one from a junkyard. Look for one that isn't leaking. You may end up with a bad one, but at the cost of what a reman unit is going to be you could buy 4 junkyard trannies. I'd say odds are you'll come across a good one by that time.

If possible, look for one that might have spent it's life being towed behind an RV (Good Sam Club stickers, tow hitch up front, etc). If an elderly couple drove it around it may not have been abused as much.

BTW...the data plate which should show your tranny number should be in the engine bay, right about at the top/middle of the firewall (back-end of the engine bay).

The bellhousing patterns are different in some KM145. You should have the wide pattern. I have had two of these fail in two different trucks. Definitely the weakest link of the drivetrain. Even quality rebuilds fail. I second the notion of getting a used one at the junkyard with a guarantee. It will last just as long (or short) as a new one! The tranny issue is what prompted me to go automatic for my current project.

I think KM145-B-FSL is the full model number.

Thanks, dudes. I'm off to the junkyard.