Programbo

I have a 1994 Dodge Caravan that has a shot transmission. Other than that it ran fine so I`d like to get it back on the road for my brother to use. Obviously the cheapest way to go is to get a transmission from a van at the local pick-it yourself junkyard. ($80). Any words of advice on what to look at on one of these things? I know there`s only so much you can tell with it still in the van and it not running but anything is better than nothing.

Abovetimberline

Most will be drained of oil,but if you can open the drain plug and see if there is any metal,unusal looking material,that is one way,the other is ask the yard if any of the vans you are looking for are clunkers,this would at least tell you that it was running when it arrived at the dealership,the yard sometimes can help you also.