To answer you original question yes!!! they are correct, but I don't think it matters if you swap a 97 4l65e with a 2002 4l65e as long as you use the whole unit as far as the comp goes. I'm not going to explain because everyone here is such a genious and they will prove me wrong, but what the shop is trying to explain to you is why mess with refabrication on a unit you think is good when they could rebuild yours for the price they give... which is a fair price!! You can listen to whomever you want, but the cheapest price a shop and i mean SHOP can do your rebuild is just under 2000, so get your tear down estimate and if the price isn't right you got options. You want answers about the real world? these 20 year olds won't help you, but if you want it straight! I'll look at any estimates you have got and point you in the right direction. atra.com is here for you we are a family
That's right i'm in a wheel chair!