FAQs

We are located in the Shenandoah Valley with a physical office and warehouse just outside of Harrisonburg VA (GO JMU)!

Remanufactured

A remanufactured product is restored to a condition as close to new as possible. This means the part has been rebuilt to meet the same standards as a brand-new part. Key components, such as the block casting, crankshaft, and camshafts, are thoroughly inspected to ensure they are free of defects. These components are then remachined to meet OEM tolerances. If a component cannot be restored to these specifications, it is discarded and replaced with either a remanufacturable component or a brand-new one. All internal wear-prone parts are replaced with brand-new components.

For remanufactured engines, every unit includes a new oil pump, with some applications featuring a high-flow oil pump when necessary. Additionally, remanufactured engines come with a complimentary gasket set to facilitate installation.

Rebuilt

Rebuilt parts are disassembled and repaired only at the points of failure. While this process addresses the specific issues, many wear-prone components are reused, and little to no comprehensive testing is conducted to ensure the overall reliability of the product.

Used

Used parts are salvaged directly from donor vehicles, often sourced from salvage yards. These parts are typically left in their original condition, though they may be cleaned and minimally tested, depending on the capabilities of the salvage yard and the condition of the donor vehicle.

A core charge is a refundable fee assessed based on the value of the core (your old part) associated with the item you are purchasing. This charge applies if you choose not to return your core, if your core is damaged, or if it is not returned within the specified time frame.

The amount of the core charge varies depending on the item, as there is no universal standard rate. Once you return the core, the charge is refunded. However, in some cases, the core charge may still apply if the returned item is deemed unusable or has no value for remanufacturing purposes.

Once your new unit is installed and ready for use, returning your core is easy:

1. Contact Us: Contact our Core Team, and we’ll provide you with a Bill of Lading (BOL). Alternatively, you can complete our online form, available under the "Core Return" tab at the top of any page.

2. Prepare for Pickup: Once you receive the BOL, print two copies and have them ready for the carrier. When the carrier arrives, provide both copies for the shipment. Your core will then be returned to us for remanufacturing, allowing another customer to benefit from it.

Important Notes

• If you return the core on your own without coordinating with Drivetrain Direct, you will be responsible for all freight charges. Reimbursement for freight costs will not be provided if the return is not arranged through Drivetrain Direct.

Return Guidelines

To qualify for core credit:

1. Original Packaging: The core must be returned in its original packaging.
2. Fully Assembled: The core must match the build level of the replacement part provided by Drivetrain Direct.
3. Visually Remanufacturable: The core must be in a condition suitable for remanufacturing.

Core Charge Policy

• The unit price does not include the core charge.
• Cores must be returned within 30 days to avoid being charged the value of the unreturned core.
• U.S. customers: Please contact Drivetrain Direct to schedule your core return.
• Non-U.S. customers: Core charges will be evaluated based on whether it is cost-effective to return the core.

Engine Blocks

• Every cast iron block undergoes magnaflux testing to detect cracks and is visually inspected for any damage or defects, including issues with threaded holes. After passing inspection, the block is repainted to its original color.
• Blocks are machined on five CNC centers programmed to meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring precision in every process.
• The blocks are bored, decked, and chamfered before each cylinder is honed to achieve the specified cross-hatch pattern.
• Quality audits verify that cylinder size and finish meet stringent specifications.
• Every engine is equipped with 100% new pistons, rings, and bearings for optimal performance.

Cylinder Heads

• All cylinder heads are resurfaced and inspected for cracks or visible damage.
• Valve seats are machined, inspected, and replaced as needed.
• Valve guides are air-gauge inspected and replaced if they fail to meet standards.
• For overhead cam engines, the cam bore is checked and machined if necessary.
• New valves, seals, and lifters are installed in every cylinder head.
• All plugs and fittings are replaced with new ones to prevent coolant leaks.

Connecting Rods

• Connecting rods are inspected against OEM specifications for bend, twist, and center-to-center length.
• The piston pin bore and bearing bore dimensions are verified using air gauges.
• New torque-to-yield rod bolts and nuts are installed to ensure reliability.

Crankshafts

• Crankshafts are machined using a fully automated Jucrank CNC crank grinder for consistent precision and adherence to critical tolerances for each journal.
• All oil galley holes are chamfered and brushed, followed by a final cleaning to ensure complete cleanliness.
• Each crankshaft is inspected for cracks, bow, and compliance with all applicable run-out specifications for rod and main journals.

• Dynamic Balancing: 100% of converters are dynamically balanced to ensure smooth operation and reduce vibration.

• Furnace Brazing: 100% of converter pumps undergo furnace brazing for added strength and durability.

• New Components:
  • Bearings and O-rings are entirely replaced with new ones.
  • Springs and rollers in the stator are 100% new.
  • Thrust washers are replaced with new components.
  • Friction liners in overdrive lockup converters are fully renewed.

• Precision Measurements:
  • Converter endplay is thoroughly checked.
  • Hub/pump runout and diameter are measured to meet exact specifications.

These rigorous quality checks ensure each torque converter delivers reliable performance and longevity.

• Inspection and Testing:

• • Case Halves: 100% inspected for cracks, stripped threads, and internal wear.
  • Internal Components: Every part is inspected, including chain stretch and main shaft straightness.
  • Viscous Clutch Testing: 100% torque-tested to ensure functionality.
  • Spin Testing: Each unit undergoes a spin test to verify shift-ability and detect noise issues.

1. Replacement and Certification:

   • Seals: 100% of seals are replaced with new ones.
   • Bearings: Certified to meet manufacturer specifications.

• Core Processing:

• • OEM cores are processed individually during teardown and assembly to maintain quality.
  • Cores are cleaned using a Hydro Blast cleaning and rinse process for superior cleanliness.

• Surface and Appearance:

• • Case halves and internal parts are blasted with zinc-cut wire to exceed OEM appearance specifications.
  • Expert aluminum case welding is performed when required.
  • Case halves are wet sanded to ensure perfect mating surfaces.

• Sealing and Leak Testing:

1. • Loctite Gasket Eliminator and primer are used on all aluminum mating surfaces for a secure seal.
   • An air pressure leak-down test is conducted to confirm the unit is free of leaks.

      

      

• Final Assembly and Shipping:

• • • Units are assembled with new mounting studs (where applicable) for easier installation.

These quality checks guarantee that each transfer case meets or exceeds OEM standards for performance and reliability.

• Compression: Compression testing verifies that the cylinder bore area seals properly, which is essential for optimal engine performance. Low or uneven compression across cylinders can indicate excessive wear on the rings or valves, potentially leading to high oil consumption, illuminated check engine lights, or premature engine failure.

• Oil Pressure and Flow: Proper oil pressure ensures adequate engine lubrication. Excessive oil flow resulting in low oil pressure may indicate severe bearing wear, while incorrect oil pressure can trigger diagnostic codes and illuminate the check engine light.

• Torque to Turn: Torque to Turn measures the resistance of the engine's components during operation. Excessive resistance or tightness may signal poor maintenance or internal damage.

• VVT/VCT (Variable Valve Timing/Variable Cam Timing): These systems, critical for optimizing performance in modern engines, ensure components work in harmony to control fuel efficiency and cylinder compression. When functioning correctly, they enhance fuel economy and maintain consistent performance as the engine reaches operating capacity.

Modern engines are highly sophisticated, featuring lower cubic inch designs that operate at higher RPMs to deliver better performance and fuel economy. Drivetrain Direct specializes in Certified Pre-Owned engines typically 3-7 years old, with varying mileage. However, mileage alone is not the best indicator of an engine's quality or longevity. Factors such as the maintenance history of the engine play a much more significant role.

The thorough inspection and testing process at Drivetrain Direct ensures that every Certified Pre-Owned engine meets high-quality standards. Our goal is to provide you with an engine that performs just as well as the day it was originally built.

A Certified Pre-Owned engine from Drivetrain Direct offers a dependable, high-value replacement solution without the modifications or remachining often required for remanufactured engines.

A Certified Pre-Owned engine from Drivetrain Direct is similar to purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. These engines undergo a rigorous inspection process based on a strict set of standards and criteria to ensure quality and reliability. Each engine is tested on a SIM test stand, which simulates normal running conditions by rotating the engine at typical operating RPM. This allows the following critical aspects to be evaluated:

• Compression: Compression testing verifies that the cylinder bore area seals properly, which is essential for optimal engine performance. Low or uneven compression across cylinders can indicate excessive wear on the rings or valves, potentially leading to high oil consumption, illuminated check engine lights, or premature engine failure.

• Oil Pressure and Flow: Proper oil pressure ensures adequate engine lubrication. Excessive oil flow resulting in low oil pressure may indicate severe bearing wear, while incorrect oil pressure can trigger diagnostic codes and illuminate the check engine light.

• Torque to Turn: Torque to Turn measures the resistance of the engine's components during operation. Excessive resistance or tightness may signal poor maintenance or internal damage.

• VVT/VCT (Variable Valve Timing/Variable Cam Timing): These systems, critical for optimizing performance in modern engines, ensure components work in harmony to control fuel efficiency and cylinder compression. When functioning correctly, they enhance fuel economy and maintain consistent performance as the engine reaches operating capacity.

Modern engines are highly sophisticated, featuring lower cubic inch designs that operate at higher RPMs to deliver better performance and fuel economy. Drivetrain Direct specializes in Certified Pre-Owned engines typically 3-7 years old, with varying mileage. However, mileage alone is not the best indicator of an engine's quality or longevity. Factors such as the maintenance history of the engine play a much more significant role.

The thorough inspection and testing process at Drivetrain Direct ensures that every Certified Pre-Owned engine meets high-quality standards. Our goal is to provide you with an engine that performs just as well as the day it was originally built.

A Certified Pre-Owned engine from Drivetrain Direct offers a dependable, high-value replacement solution without the modifications or remachining often required for remanufactured engines.