I was able to pick up a donor tranny from an 04 spec V for $300 and plan on just using the differential instead of the whole gear set.

I was wondering if there is any way of testing or inspecting it? does its simple internal design just make it super reliable?

 

Everyone that's done it, said it's not worth the trouble (too much labor and keeping track of **** to disassemble).

 

I've had my transmission apart to put in new bearings a few years ago and it wasn't too bad, plus I already picked up the transmission. only cost me $300 + $150 core charge. they will be getting the same tranny back minus the diff for the core. I was thinking core charges were for when you buy new parts and they want the old one back to remanufacture.