The TA just split each gear giving you 16 speeds instead of 8. I had a 966 with TA and put 7000hrs on it before the TA quit. I opted to eliminate it instead of rebuild because of the big price difference in parts. I did the repair myself so shop labor charges were not involved. I put another 5000hrs on the tractor and didnt miss it @ all.
Just curious but did you get a price quote on rebuild versus elimination?