Transmission rebuild help
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2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Va
Transmission rebuild help
I am planning a transmission rebuild due to worn 2nd gear synchronizers and a failed reverse gear synchronizer, and I am looking for recommendations on a high-quality rebuild kit as I do not have extensive experience in this area; I have also seen multiple reports that the stock shift fork pads are prone to failure, so I am considering upgrading to bronze fork pads and would like input on whether that is a worthwhile upgrade for reliability, as well as any specific kit brands, components, or considerations I should prioritize during this rebuild.
(edit: im not the one doing the rebuild the shop of years of corvette experience is)
(edit: im not the one doing the rebuild the shop of years of corvette experience is)
Last edited by tylerd02; Apr 2, 2026 at 01:10 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,679
Likes: 692
From: Pingree Grove IL
Way to many stories out there where rebuilds have gone wrong and the extra money spent for a shop to fix the mistakes that were made. So, IMO, just get an RPM transmission and swap it out. You will thank me later. Buy once, cry once. Otherwise, heres a bump to keep this thread at the top for the transmission rebuild experts.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 529
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From: Columbus, MS
If you don't have extensive experience in this subject, it may be best to send it to the people who do. If you go into it as an opportunity to learn and build that experience-- more power to you! If you go into it thinking you're going to save time and money, that's likely not how it will work out.
Transmission rebuilds take some specialized tools beyond what most people have in their garage or backyard shop. It also takes a level of precision and knowledge that most people don't have and is difficult to learn in a pure DIY job.
When I stripped reverse in my transmission I put it on a pallet and sent it off to Tick. I'm glad I did. I got it back promptly and it's better than ever. IMO the extra cost was worth it. I paid them to buy my time back and avoid the stress, headaches, and likely failure of a DIY job.
It's also better to send them a complete, unopened unit. They're used to dealing with an OEM assembly that needs work. Trying to sort through a partial-DIY job that has gone off the rails is usually a lot more challenging, which will add time and expense to the job.
Transmission rebuilds take some specialized tools beyond what most people have in their garage or backyard shop. It also takes a level of precision and knowledge that most people don't have and is difficult to learn in a pure DIY job.
When I stripped reverse in my transmission I put it on a pallet and sent it off to Tick. I'm glad I did. I got it back promptly and it's better than ever. IMO the extra cost was worth it. I paid them to buy my time back and avoid the stress, headaches, and likely failure of a DIY job.
It's also better to send them a complete, unopened unit. They're used to dealing with an OEM assembly that needs work. Trying to sort through a partial-DIY job that has gone off the rails is usually a lot more challenging, which will add time and expense to the job.
