Semi-trucks are some of the largest machines on the road and so require equally tough parts. When it comes to semi-truck manufacturing and parts, Eaton is a big name. Their Fuller manual transmissions are some of the best in the industry and are the core transmission of semi-truck companies.
Overall, you can expect to spend about $5,000 on an Eaton Fuller transmission rebuild. The typical price range is between $3,000 on the low end and $7,000 on the high end. The cost depends on the kind of transmission you buy and the make and model of your car, as well as your mechanic’s location.
There are several things that go into performing an Eaton Fuller rebuild. So we put together this comprehensive article on the costs of an Eaton Fuller Transmission rebuild cost. We will cover the costs of an Eaton Fuller rebuild and also compare Fuller transmissions to competitors.
What is an Eaton Fuller Transmission?
Eaton Corporation is a US-based company specializing in industrial equipment for cars, planes, and other heavy-duty vehicles. The Fuller transmission is one of their signature models and is known around the world for its solid dependability and precision.
Eaton’s current Fuller transmission model is the UltraShift which comes in both manual and automatic versions. The UltraShift PLUS is an advanced, tougher model made for the absolute toughest jobs. Each version has six sub-models ranging from a 5-speed to 13-speed transmission.
Eaton Fuller transmissions are a major figure in the commercial trucking industry thanks to their extremely tough build and precise handling.
How Much Does an Eaton Fuller Transmission Rebuilds Cost?
Overall, you can expect to pay about $5,000 for a complete Eaton Fuller transmission rebuild. The typical price range is between $3,000 on the low end and $7,000 on the high end. Depending on your location and the extent of the damage, you could end up paying over $8,000 to rebuild an Eaton Fuller transmission.
Factors that Affect Eaton Fuller Transmission Rebuild Costs
Type of transmission
There are several types of Eaton transmissions, ranging from the F Series 5-speed transmission to the super precise FO 18-speed transmission.
The cost for Fuller transmission varies heavily depending on item availability and your location. One transmission model may cost $3,000 while another may cost over $8,000. If you are searching for a specific transmission model, it’s a good idea to compare prices from several retailers.
Truck Make
Like with regular cars, your semi-trucks make and model will affect costs. If you want to add a Fuller transmission to your semi-truck, then you will have to pay more than rebuilding an already existing transmission.
Age of truck
Depending on the age of your truck and the specific Fuller transmission you want, you may have to pay more for a transmission rebuild. Certain older trucks may be incompatible with model Fuller transmission models.
Extent of damage
The extent of the damage you need to repair also matters. If the damage is extensive, then other parts of the truck’s driveshaft might be damaged as well. At that point, you may have to replace the entire drivetrain system.
Eaton Fuller vs Competitors
Rockwell
A new Rockwell transmission will most likely cost an average of $4,000 to buy and replace it. Rockwell transmissions are known for their durability and utility for long-range trucking routes.
Rockwell transmissions are generally cheaper than Fuller transmissions, but they do not offer the same amount of power or handling.
Spicer
The average cost to rebuild a Spicer transmission is around $4,500. Spicer transmissions are known for their speedy transitioning and light handling, but they are not as suited for larger rigs.
They do, however, have excellent reliability and are relatively inexpensive to repair.
Mack
Mack transmissions are another famous semi-truck transmission brand and typically cost about $4,500 for a new model.
You can often find used Mack transmissions for around $2,000, although Mack transmissions are not as reliable as the other brands that we listed here. Mack transmissions are also great for fuel economy thanks to their two-pedal transmission design.
Allison
Allison transmissions come in at an average price of $3,800 for a new model and $2,700 for a used model. Allison transmissions are fully automatic and are exceptionally durable. The company has won awards for transmission quality and has relatively lower operating costs than several other famous global brands.
Eaton Fuller Transmission Pros and Cons
Pros
Computer Assist
Modern Eaton Fuller models have computer assist technology to help make shifting smoother and easier. Electronic circuits provide extra torque when shifting to smoothly transition from one gear ratio to another. Eaton transmissions are known for their smooth action and precise handling.
Multiple Models
There are several models of Fuller transmissions ranging from 5-speed models to 18-speed models. You can find a Fuller transmission for virtually any purpose and truck size.
Extremely High Power
Fuller transmissions are some of the most powerful in the world and are a staple in the commercial trucking industry. The components are made from the highest quality materials and manufactured with precision mechanical engineering. Eaton’s manual transmissions are a cut above the rest, which is one reason they are so popular.
Widely Compatible
Eaton Fuller transmissions are compatible with essentially any modern type of semi-truck from varying brands and manufacturers. Some truck models will cost more to install a Fuller transmission but you should be able to use one with most brands.
Cons
Gear Slip
The Eaton Fuller uses computer guidance to help with shifting, but this guidance can lose calibration, causing difficult shifting and gear slippage. Gear slippage can cause your transmission to fall out of gear while driving, which can be very dangerous as you may lose control of the car.
Rattling
Another commonly reported problem with Eaton transmissions is rattling and vibrating while the car shifts. This happens when the internal components start to grind against one another, producing a high level of friction and heat. If you don’t get your transmission fixed, it can cause extensive damage to the drivetrain and the rest of the gearbox.
Price
Lastly, Fuller transmissions are fairly expensive and are a significant financial investment. If you are a semi-owner, a transmission replacement can cost over $5,000 on average.
However, Fuller transmissions are legendary for their incredible performance, so the price is justified by the quality you receive.
Transmission Rebuild vs Replacement
The main question many semi owners have to face is: should I rebuild or replace my transmission?
In most cases, a transmission build is a good idea because it means you are only replacing the parts that are broken. Generally speaking, a transmission rebuild is cheaper than a complete replacement as you may not have to completely remove the transmission from the assembly.
If the damage is too sustained, however, then you’ll need to get the entire transmission replaced. Transmission replacement costs depend heavily on the specific nature of the damage and the chosen replacement transmission.
If you are trying to decide between a transmission rebuild or replacement, consider comparing quotes from several mechanics. If the cost of rebuilding a transmission is more than 50% of the cost of entirely replacing it, replacing is most likely the best option.
Used vs New
If you do want to replace your transmission, another consideration is whether you want a used or new model. Used Fuller transmissions can be just as good as new ones provided the manufacturer refurbished them correctly. Used models are often up to 40% less than identical new models, making them a smart choice if you want a good price to performance ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Eaton Fuller transmission rebuild cost?
You can expect to pay at least $5,000 for a Fuller transmission rebuild. Semi-truck transmissions are typically fairly expensive because they require fine-tuning and precise configuration.
How can I identify an Eaton Fuller transmission?
All official Eaton transmissions contain a model designator and separate identification number stamped into the side of the assembly. Each code represents a specific transmission configuration and includes a prefix, model number, and 2 character suffix. For example, the Fuller Advantage Automatic transmission is FA0M-16810C-EA3.
How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
Depending on the extent of the damage and the type of semi-truck, it can take anywhere from a few days to a full week to fully rebuild an Eaton transmission.
Where can I buy Eaton Fuller transmissions?
You can buy Eaton transmissions directly from the manufacturer or you can buy them from a third-party retailer. Third-party retailers also often offer rebuilt and remanufactured Eaton transmissions. If you are buying from a third-party dealer, make sure that you verify the transmission as a genuine Eaton product by finding the product code.
Final Words
Eaton transmissions are a one-of-a0-kind mechanism and feature incredible performance. Of course, with that performance comes a considerable price tag. Truck owners have the option of buying a used transmission or buying a new one, depending on what fits their budget.
Eaton transmissions are powerful but you need to keep them maintained to consistently get optimal performance. As always, make sure that you get quotes from several mechanics so you can get the best possible price.