Walt Johnson

Hi all, I've got a 2000 Tracker (2 dr, 4x4, 2.0L) with a 5 speed manual that currently sounds like it's grinding itself into dust. It's still shifting fine and running through the gears as always, but it sounds like it could go at any minute. Grinding rather than whining. The noises disappear in 4th, which I understand is a sign that the problem may be the bearings on the secondary shaft (countershaft?). I hear there's a synchro/bearing kit available, and that's fine, but the local shop (trustworthy, but not tranny specialists) is talking about 12+ hours labor. I love the Tracker, it's my 2nd for a reason, but two grand for a 16 year old vehicle I don't know about. Any advice? Am I better off trying the crapshoot of a used one and saving 2/3 of the labor, if one can be sourced? Down here in the FL Keys labor is going at $110 hr. Is 12 hrs reasonable? I do a lot of work myself, on this and previously a couple of Jeeps, but have always drawn the line at the transmission.