GRM parts relay? Need to get a transmission from Oklahoma to Michigan

Friends, I need your help. As you may know, the trans in my troubled 986 has developed a bit of an issue. Forum member AAZCD (Jon) has kindly offered to sell me a used trans at a very reasonable price, but the sticky bit is that he's in Oklahoma and I'm in Michigan. I realize that this isn't exactly a heavily-traveled route, but it never hurts to ask.

If you can help me out, I'd be very appreciative, and might be willing to throw some gift cards your way. If we can somehow get it to within a day's drive (like Indiana/northern Illinois), I'll go pick it up for the last leg.

If this doesn't work, we'll figure some other way to get it here, but I thought I'd ask the community first.

What size/weight is it and what's the timeframe?
Also -where in OK?

I will be in Missouri (Lake of the Ozarks) the week of the 11th. If it can get to me I can get it back to Climax, MI.

P3PPY said:

What size/weight is it and what's the timeframe?
Also -where in OK?

I'll let Jon weigh in with his specific location. Size is, I dunno, a typical transmission? 

Right now I'm having internet problems and can't send my reply to Quasimofo for some reason. ...or he may get a few replies and copies of replies from me. HughesNet Satillite internet and Thunderstorms don't mix.

Anyway, I may be able to drive it up to meet him on the 11th, but it will be a full day for me there and back. I may get some family members in Missouri to bring it there as well.

The transmission is about 27"x 16"x16" if I remove the rear bracket (and I will). I don't know the weight, but two people can lift it without much trouble. For transport, I'll plan to wrap it in plastic, then cover it with a mover's blanket

I'm located in Northeast Oklahoma about 1/2 way between Tulsa and Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Now to see if this posts using my phone hotspot...

Edit: looks like it did and the email went out too.

I will be near Branson, MO last two weeks of August if it can wait that long. 

Thanks, guys. And there's no urgent need, other than I'd like to get it sooner than later.

Again, I don't want anyone going out of their way for this. If you happen to be making a trip and can take it along, great. But if not, I'll find another way to get it. No biggie.

Wrap transmission in plastic, very well. Place in large rubbermaid container, fill with expanding foam. Ship. 

I've shipped numerous transmissions and differentials this way before. No idea what shipping would cost, but it cuts down on all the logistical issues of trying to coordinate multiple people with multiple stops, etc. 

Lots of Michigan boaters coming home from the Ozarks at the end of August.   Know anyone in the power boat or fast boat community?

z31maniac said:

Wrap transmission in plastic, very well. Place in large rubbermaid container, fill with expanding foam. Ship. 

I've shipped numerous transmissions and differentials this way before. No idea what shipping would cost, but it cuts down on all the logistical issues of trying to coordinate multiple people with multiple stops, etc. 

Hmm.... that's interesting.

That rubbermaid tote might ship well through Greyhound bus??? 

I have never used but others have posted positive comments.  I seem to remember that the right move is to make the item seem worthless or uninteresting.  Not a recommended venue for shipping fancy wheels that look like fancy wheels. Also not perfect for items that might need special handling like a flexible front fender. 

Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:

z31maniac said:

Wrap transmission in plastic, very well. Place in large rubbermaid container, fill with expanding foam. Ship. 

I've shipped numerous transmissions and differentials this way before. No idea what shipping would cost, but it cuts down on all the logistical issues of trying to coordinate multiple people with multiple stops, etc. 

Hmm.... that's interesting.

Of course, this assumes you can find a container that the transmission will fit in. And it doesn't matter that it's a floppy rubbermaid container, the foam takes care of that and protects the transmission from rough handling, since due to it's weight, it will be coming freight.

I think Greyhound has a 100 lb limit. I'd look into Fastenal. 

Just to update, the transmission has started on its journey. My daughter brought it to Western Missouri last night and dropped it off with her ex. He is going to bring it to meet Quasimofo. Quasi is taking it to Michigan, then Tom with his broken foot will pick it up from there.

Strange event: On the way home from Missouri last night, my daughter was one of the first to come upon a head-on accident. A mortuary van with three bodies in the back went across the median and hit an oncoming car. While my daughter was stopping the bleeding and treating injuries of the driver that was hit, my 'pretty much son in law' went down an embankment to the mortuary van which had rolled a few times. The driver was outside the van in shock. He asked, "Is there anyone else inside?" She said, "Yes, but they're all dead." It took a few moments for that story to get sorted out. Meanwhile I was flying an EMS helicopter back from a hospital in Tulsa and was diverted to that scene without knowing my daughter was there. We were canceled just before we arrived, since the bleeding was controlled and none of the other injuries were life-threatening.

Packaged transmission:

In reply to AAZCD (Forum Supporter) :

THAT is a crazy story!

Whoa! That's wild.

Yes, I'll be needing some help when I pick it up from Quasi, I'll probably drag my son along with me, but we'll get it done.

Seriously, thanks a zillion, guys.

Next on News at 11. 

A head on accident injures two, three remain dead from prior events. But first an advertisement from our sponsors.

In reply to AAZCD (Forum Supporter) :

That's wild! 

The trans is home. My repeated thanks to Jon and John. John has a beautiful spot out in the country and some pretty cool Challenge plans. I'll be watching!

Big thanks to QuasiJohn for planning a vacation just to bring that home for you. You should be able to swap any ancillary parts from your old one onto that, but if you come up short, let me know. Anything else should be mailable.

A real shame those three in the back of the van couldn't be revived.