Transmission help

[damarr30]

I have an 1988 dakota 2 wd 3.9 with an automatic trans. When I got it, I was told the torque converter was shot. Well, dropped the trans and the ears on the torque converter are broke off and some of it is beside the shaft of the transmission. I can't get the peices out. Dropped the pan, and fluid is black and alot of metal shavings. So, I am looking for a transmission and torque converter to go back into the truck. I was told that the transmission in it is an A500. So called around to local salvage yards and they want $500. for one. Does anyone know if there are any other transmissions that will work besides the A500? I was told a 727 would work, but the driveshaft off the truck is too large to go on the trans and the trans is too short. I am giving this truck to my daughter as her first vehicle. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[ChevyMan420]

call the dodge dealership and give them the vin # and they could tell you if there is any other tranny you can use but that old tranny is more than likely shot and you have to becarefuly buying a tranny from a junkyard it could have some probs with it i would just go to a trany shop and have them gut the old one and rebuild it from the ground up (cottman transmisson) does a good job

[chevyguy]

I took a car to cottman down in loisiana because I didnt have time or desire (it was a ford) to work on it. They did a terrible job and left my carriage bolts loose (thats the 4 bolts that hold the entire motor and transmission in the car. I am sure thay are all different, but they lost my business fo r good. Took about 3 hours to clean up all their mess as well. Back to the origional question, If you are giving this to your precious little girl ( all little girls are ) then make it right. Have it rebuilt and get a little peace of mind with her safety. As fir a suitable swap, i would nt think there were any without making a few mods. Just my thoughts