Everyone has a bad g/box story whether it was rebuilt ,reco or even new.
Im not trying to put you off going local as its still the best option if you can get a good deal.
I havent been able to track down which companies do it on a national basis.
I believe its unlikely they will sell direct anyway.You normally have to go through a shop that stocks that brand eg like Repco,Gem engines ect
I did find a list of every gearbox rebuider in Vic/Melbourne
http://www.whosbusiness.com/vict74.htm
Maybe the best way is to ring a few of them and get an idea of what they are offering on the mainland and then see if you can replicate the deal down your way.
In regards to the AS for gearboxes you maybe able to access them for free if you have a student #

.Its my understanding they come in about 10 years ago for manual gearboxes only .Apparently they couldnt agree on what constituted a reco auto

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Some other good places to compare prices is in the 4x4 Trader,Just 4x4 and Just Parts
One good bit of news .I always look at the prices of new,used and reco engine and g/boxes in the trader mags and I have seen the prices fall about 3-4 times in the last 9 months.I reckon an engine or gearbox has dropped about $500.Probably due to our dollar being stronger.
Double clutching can make them last for years
