Demolished transaxle on Craftsman 917256544

Hi Everyone.

I recently got a barn-find craftsman 917256544

I got the thing to run, but quickly found out why it was left to rot.

The transaxle loooks like someone tried to pull out a stump with the mower. The case is smashed open and the large gear is hanging down.

So I need to source a new one.
Sears has them, but they are way to expensive to put on a mower that I got for free

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/par...SMAN&modelDesc=TRACTOR&blt=11&shdMod=&keyId=1





My question...

I see a lot of used ones on ebay, but with different part numbers, but they look exactly the same.

Are these old transaxles universal? Can I use any old craftsman rear from that period. Are there any generic ones?

Any ideas were I can find them?

Thanks for your help in advance. I am a total NEWB.

Dan