Can of Worms Opened...Can I trust Datsunparts LLC for a transmission

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I am in WANT of a 5 speed for my 71 Z.

The current Type B four speed I bought from zcarsource and the reverse gear has knocked since day one. They offered to fix it for a fee if I ship it to them. I am was inclined to ship it but once you calculate shipping there and back and then the price for fixing it (he was going to work with me on the repair price) not sure I am not better off doing something else.

I have my orginal 4 speed that was smooth since day one, just it was a sloppy shifting Type A unit. It worked, but the B types shifting feel is so much better. I could put the A type unit back in.

Since I know the B type problems are isolated to the Reverse shaft, I figured I could repair that easy enough. It is only ONE shaft, how can it be.

Or I could purchase another transmission, from Datsunparts LLC. Who I have never done business with ever. Partly because of the reviews here, and partly because of the prices.

Can I trust this guy?

I know this is a can of worms, but I would really like any constructive criticism or complements.

[240260280z]

Do the 240sx transmission swap.

btw did you see my pm reply?

[Zedyone_kenobi]

nope, let me check buddy.!

PM. sent

Edited March 10, 2014 by Zedyone_kenobi

[EuroDat]

I agree with Blue. The 71C with the B&M shifter will be noticable improvement.

Note: there are basically three different 71C's that I know of. The 240SX has the reverse synchro and the 200wide gears. It is the preffered version, but the other version of the 71C will work just as well. There is a model in the 200SX that has a wierd shifter group.

I have one out of a 300ZX non turbo, but haven' got round to fitting it yet. See the links Zed head posted in post 2 for info on changing to a 71C.

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/parts-swapping-s30/47057-thinking-swapping-300zx-5sp-into-s30-280z-will-fit.html

Chas

Edited March 10, 2014 by EuroDat
Link

[Zedyone_kenobi]

It is an option. For now, my plan is to put my Type A back in the car. I will then open up my b type to see what is wrong with reverse. After that, I will decide what to do. But I cannot have the Z not running through some of the prettiest months of the year!

[Zed Head]

I've been watching datsunparts llc over the past few years and it seems like the guy is watching his reputation. But the stories from the past are still there so you know that at heart he's just a guy making money any way that he can. As you noted in your other thread, having a free repair or return policy without paying for return shipping is almost worthless on big heavy parts. zcarsource should have checked your bad transmission before they shipped it. Now you're stuck with the problem. I think that datsunparts will be the same risk.

Many of the wrecking yards have a full value replacement policy on their parts. You're still stuck removing and trying parts until you get a winner, but you're only out labor and gas money, instead of big shipping costs, if you can find a local yard.

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Sound advice that I will start to use more often.

Looks like I will be doing some phone shopping soon at the local pic and pull.

[Travel'n Man]

I purchased a 5 speed from Datsun-Parts LLC - "completely rebuilt by a professional company" was the pitch. I bought it - 1 year later had to rebuild it. I should have bought one from the a salvage yard - complete rebuilt - fresh POR15 and I would have been good to go. He did tell me to ship it back to him and he would have his company rebuild it again...........I said NO THANKS.

Datsun Z 240Z 260z 280z 280ZX Rebuilt 5 Speed Transmission Close Ratio | eBay

Once you go to a good 5 speed with the correct diff - you will NOT go back to a 4 speed!

Edited March 11, 2014 by Travel'n Man

[Zed Head]

There's a lot of "red flag" BS and nonsense in his eBay pitch.

We are a professional licensed Datsun Restoration Business. Our parts are backed with a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee.

Trust an ebay LICENSED Seller for all your Datsun needs!

All engines must be installed by an A.S.E. certified mechanic or other licensed professional shop for warranty to be valid.

Buyer responsible of all return shipping cost. SUbject to 10% restocking fee on all returns

[grannyknot]

Zedyone, you could also rebuild it yourself, I was very hesitant to open my tranny up this winter but with the help of a couple of youtube vids that deal specifically with our transmissions I got it done. It's very simple mechanism once you get it apart and you only have the reverse gear and syncro deal with, they are the first ones to come off.

[John Coffey]

The most expensive transmission shop in the world would charge $750 to rebuild a Nissan Type B 4 speed. $500 should get a solid rebuild with new synchros.

[Mark Maras]

Should you decide to rebuild it, along with syncros, replace all the bearings & then you still have to figure out what happened to the front yoke & tail shaft housing. These are not difficult trannys to work on. A little mechanical talent, A good FSM & desire is all it takes. I would drop in the 5-speed, get the car back on the road & then tear down the 4-speed if you need something else to work on. Mark in Portland