my speedometer doesn't worked. it's not the cable and it's not the instrument cluster...so it must be inside the transmission/front differential. i'm hosed aren't i?

You are looking at the VSS#2

Here is a picture of what might be bad

 

Here is a post that explains in much detail what you

may be describing

VSS#2

 

-would be a good idea to tell

the folks what car this is

oh right on skip. 4EAT in an XT6 AWD automatic.

okay looks like i'm hosed. gotta swap trans. how was that guy offering to fix it for $100? he was going to pull the trans and tear it down for that much?