Transmission Problems?

I have an '03 automatic TRD 4DR with about 250k miles on it. I know, I've lived through this truck.

I recently took it into the shop because one of the cylinders wasn't firing properly, as it was shuddering and I could smell uncombusted fuel in the exhaust. I ran codes on the engine, and yes, the cylinder isn't firing properly. Easy fix - wires or plugs. Coils are ok.

Lo and behold, I get a call back the next day and the mechanic, who seems very honest, says that the truck won't budge. The engine revs, but the gears don't engage. He says that it's just a coincidence, but the transmission happened to give out at the same time.

I had *zero* symptoms of tranny failure before. I had an '01 Civic that had a transmission death, and there was *at least* a little slippage before it totally shit the bed. This Taco tranny just absolutely died from one minute to the next.

Has anyone had anything similar happen? I'm not an angry or suspicious guy, but I just find it so hard to believe a coincidence like this. Drives into the repair bay, doesn't budge after that.

I want to hear what others have to say before I drop $3100 on a remanufactured transmission.