[Jonesy]

My mechanic just dropped a bombshell - my 89 Vitara 16a's gearbox needs a rebuild. He's looking to outsource the job to a specialist, but everyone he's contacted is saying it'll be tough to find the necessary parts. Has anyone got any leads? Should I be on the hunt for a second-hand gearbox instead? Located on the NSW Central Coast.

[fordem]

What parts? What were the symptoms that lead to this diagnosis? A lot, I'm inclined to say the majority, of gearbox "rebuilds" just need the support bearings (the ones that support the various shafts), seals and possibly synchro rings replaced, and these are usually available as a "kit".