Tranny went out today

FDC · 09-05-2012, 08:41 PM

My transmission is toast on my 98 Adventure Workhorse. My question is where do I take it? To a Aamco or a workhorse service center. The nearest Workhorse center is over 100 miles away. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

harv12 · 09-05-2012, 09:52 PM

Hey FDC,
So sorry to hear of your bad luck! What a bummer! I can't tell you where to take it from experience, but the chassis manufacturer would be my best guess!
We've had our share of issues too, but, you'll find plenty of help here. You'll probably want to post questions under the "Manufacturers", "Chassis" or "RV Systems & Tech" forums. I've had great deal help from nice folks with much experience.
You can even do a detailed search and find people who've had similar issues.

Best of luck and safe travels!

FDC · 09-05-2012, 10:53 PM

Thanks harv12. I just got this thing a few months ago so Im not up to snuff on CLASS A'S. Apparently it's not a workhorse chassis it's a Chevy 454.

sc3283 · 09-05-2012, 10:57 PM

AAMCO would NOT be my choice!

Any reputable independent trans shops in your area? I'm sure there is...

Hikerdogs · 09-06-2012, 08:39 AM

I would definately take it to a Workhorse Service Center. I don't know what transmission you have, but I assume it was used in the Workhorse chassis for several years. My experience has been that every year or 2 the factory makes some upgrades and changes to improve the performance and longevity. All the information about those changes is not necessarily passed along to the aftermarket rebuilders.

We had a problem with the transmission in our Ford chassis several years ago. It was an earlier model of the 4R100 and there were several running production changes throughout the years it used. Rather than just repair and attempt to update our original transmission Ford decided to replace it with the latest version. Even though it wasn't under warranty we had a whole new transmission installed for far less than it would have cost for just the repairs at an independent shop.

tomwalt · 09-06-2012, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDC

Thanks harv12. I just got this thing a few months ago so Im not up to snuff on CLASS A'S. Apparently it's not a workhorse chassis it's a Chevy 454.

I think you have the Chevy P-32 with a 4L80 transmission. Send 'oemtech' (search on this site) a note and ask him what to do. I think this is a common Chevy xmission and any auto shop can rebuild or swap a Jasper transmittion in for you.
Ask 'oemtech', the parking prong vs. AutoPark may change what you do.

ga traveler · 09-06-2012, 08:52 AM

I have never dealt directly with AAmco. I can say, I have had many customers who were unhappy with them. at least 75% of them said stay away from AAmco.

FDC · 09-07-2012, 09:24 PM

Winnebago said it's a 4L80E. It does have the auto park feature on it, Park Pawl I call it. Had three quotes. A rebuild for $2800.00 A Jasper replacement for $3576.00. Also a GM replacement for $3500.00. This is overwhelming considering I just purchased this from Camping world 2 months ago.

DriVer · 09-07-2012, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDC

Thanks harv12. I just got this thing a few months ago so Im not up to snuff on CLASS A'S. Apparently it's not a workhorse chassis it's a Chevy 454.

That's correct. Most good transmission shops will be able to service your GM transmission.

(Your transmission may be a 4L80E)

Workhorse did use the 454 early on in 1999. You just missed being a Workhorse by 1 year.

genesimmons · 09-07-2012, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDC

Winnebago said it's a 4L80E. It does have the auto park feature on it, Park Pawl I call it. Had three quotes. A rebuild for $2800.00 A Jasper replacement for $3576.00. Also a GM replacement for $3500.00. This is overwhelming considering I just purchased this from Camping world 2 months ago.

thats why it got traded more than likely, owners probably new the tranny was going out

Arch Hoagland · 09-07-2012, 11:51 PM

Ever since Zsa Zsa Gabor did commercials for AAmco I decided to never use them. That woman annoyed me.

That's a pretty good way to pick your service center, huh?

Mr_D · 09-07-2012, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FDC

Winnebago said it's a 4L80E. It does have the auto park feature on it, Park Pawl I call it. Had three quotes. A rebuild for $2800.00 A Jasper replacement for $3576.00. Also a GM replacement for $3500.00. This is overwhelming considering I just purchased this from Camping world 2 months ago.

Personally I'd go with the Jasper, yep, more expensive but I bet it's better than new or even the new GM one. Jasper uses the latest, heavy duty parts on theirs.

FDC · 09-08-2012, 04:21 PM

Thanks all. Being a full timer this will be tuff to be without my home for over a week. Ole well life goes on.

ga traveler · 09-08-2012, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Personally I'd go with the Jasper, yep, more expensive but I bet it's better than new or even the new GM one. Jasper uses the latest, heavy duty parts on theirs.

Another reason to use Jasper. They hook up every engine and transmission and run them on a test stand. That is why some garages will only use Jasper.