This is to let everyone know there is a part substitution issue with IPD's transmission tailshaft tool that the company rents for tailshaft bushing removal without removing the tailshaft. I had detailed a problem earlier about the tool breaking in the tailshaft and having problems retrieving the broken tool's bolt from the tailshaft, where it had threaded in.

First, on the technical side, Ken Pruett, of IPD, has identified that when they received a new shipment of these tools, the dimensions were changed on the tool and they weren't notified. This is where the problem originated. I can happily tell you that although the mistake was unfortunate for both IPD and me, they backed up their equipment 100%. I was fully compensated for the repairs necessary to my car as a result of the tool incompatibility.Thank you, Ken and IPD.

I would still recommend IPD to friends, especially since they showed such excellent support after a problem appeared, which is the real test of customer service. I would even recommend the tool, but make sure the bolt head requires a 1- 1/4" socket or that it doesn't look like the bolt could possibly fit into the tailshaft bolt hole. Hopefully this message will help ensure that anyone who has this tool in hand doesn't get into trouble with it, although I doubt IPD will let the wrong tool back out the door now that they've found the problem.

BTW, please don't feel this message was part of my negotiations, it wasn't. They did the right thing on their own and that impressed me.

someguyfromMaryland