So, while stuck in the snow this last weekend, in 4 Lo with no traction, I broke my front drive shaft...Sucks, but not that big of a deal. However, apparently when the ds snapped it hit and took a chunk out of the transmission casing.

So question, can I replace just the casing and have someone go through the internals and flush it our really well, or am I out the entire transmission? Please help!

 

Also which sensor is it that goes above the drive shaft from the exhaust?

 

Looks like you just cracked the bell housing? if so it is replaceable.

 

if all the damage is is that little hole i would fish out the chunk the fell in and have someone weld it up! shouldn't cost too much at all

 

(edit) its helps if i can read.

I would agree on just welding or patching that hole in the case. Make sure all the bits are out of there though.

 

I called a transmission place and they asked if they could weld it, it thought that it was too big, it is about 1 to 1.5 inches long, and about .75 to 1 inch across.... Can this be welded?

 

also they said to weld it I need the piece that broke off. I don't have that. Is this something that a good aluminum welder can or should be able to patch. The front bell housing on this is pretty expensive, cheapest quote for one from Mopar so far is $687.

 

i'm no expert but a good shop should be able to patch it with a piece of metal. i'm not sure if you would have to get in touch of a metal fabrication place.

 

Problem also is chances are the labor will be more than the part unless you are doing it yourself.

 

go to a welding shop not trans shop!

I was a welder for years i still have a TIG in my garage if you were in MI i would do it for free for you if it was out of the car. I can tell you a good welder should be able to patch that no problem. Make sure that there is no pieces inside the case however!

they can just cut a small piece of aluminum that is roughly the same size/shape and tig it up for you. a good welder should be able to bridge any gap he can jump across! I cant imagine a shop charging more then $100. If you cut the patch yourself i bet they would charge 50 or less. would not take more then 10 min to patch if its easy to get to.


Also here is an idea... that looks like its on the bell housing. if this is true inspect the case for any hair line cracks propagating from around the hole. if there are no cracks to patch i would honestly just put some JB weld on it can call it a day. That doesn't appear big enough to compromise the structure at all and the JB weld would keep debris out. just my two cents.