some of the 2.6 did come with automatics but I don't know what years. The 5 speed manual is the KM145 but my understanding is that at some point they changed some stuff in it. Maybe that is what the -9 stands for? The e-bay post has KM145-1 and -2 instead of -9.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Here is the "OUCH" factor. Transmission shop called me today, not just the Input Bearing is toast but also galled up the Input Shaft and Counter Shaft. Essentially transmission is SHOT ($1100 to rebuild) They are looking for either a better shape used or a "commercially" rebuilt unit.

I found these guys: http://www.kormextrans.com/
With a phone call these guys quoted rebuilt $500 (+$100 core) +$75 shipping. Web site says $600++. In Stock. 90 day unlimited mile warranty. Anybody have experience with this place?

I bought a rebuilt KM145 off Ebay from Kormex. I got it for the exact same price. I didn't pull it completely apart, but it appeared to be completely rebuilt (bearings, syncros, gears, etc.) Installed it about 4 months ago and I have about 4000 easy miles on it behind my turbo engine. It felt a little odd/notchy for the 1st 500 miles or so, but now that it's broken in it shifts like butter.

Thanks, mine will be here Friday. Will do a report.

Back on the road.
Kormex Rebuilt KM145 trans delivered with core $675
LUK Clutch, PP, TOB, $150 delivered (est... I've had it sitting in a box a long while).
Labor & Tax $575
5 quarts Redline MTL $52
SUB-TOTAL: $1452
I'll get $75 back for the core on the KM145 after shipping so $1377 spent on the repair.

$177 more than I paid for her 1 year ago <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />

well done.

I checked out that site and they want $900 for my trans!

I wonder if i should wait for it to blow up?

I put maybe 3000 a year or less on it. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

has anyone rebuilt there M/T trans? is there a repair manual any tips? any help would be appreciated

These guys seem to have quite a bit. They were labeled as the manufacturer of one of the Ebay items from earlier in this post. They carry a lot more than just trans kits. They also have diff and transfer kits plus all of the bearings and seals you can stand.

TranStar

New input shaft bearing every time.

New mainshaft locknut installed with loctite as well as piened.

New main shaft retainer plate / thrust plate. The original was superceded and there is a new PN. The original pounds out allowing the main shaft, as well as the counter shaft to move.

If your thrust plate is really bad, the mainshaft moves far enough to cause the shifter forks to rub. That puts a lot of metal in the bearings and you get very sloppy shifting and or popping out of gear.

The best input bearing is double shielded to keep the metal out.

Shim the counter shaft to the minimum end play but don't preload it.

Take a good look at the OD gears, they have been known to fail. That is the one part that should be checked for cracks. I dont know if where the cracks start can be seen if it's magnafluxed but it might be worth trying.

I would take the OD gear that rides on the main shaft to a shop and get the roots of the teeth shot-piened.

Kevin