I've always wanted to overhaul an automatic transmission and got my chance when the center support bearing (in the trans) came apart. It started to shift erratic and I found metal grindings and pieces of a small bearing cage on the pan magnet. Good thing I found it when I did before more serious damage occurred. I increased clutch count on all the forward clutch packs with Alto Red Eagle & Kryptonite clutches and Kolene steels. A Transgo Reprogramming kit provided the mods to the front pump and valve bodies. I also upgraded to a billet cover 3 clutch low stall lock up converter. I have also switched to synthetic trans fluid. Hope to post later with mpg improvements due to the new torque converter. So far, so good!

 

Nice Job, I hope you get your MPG increase, what ended up being your cost of parts?

 

Approximately $2500 with all the shipping charges. Still much less than the cost of a rebuilt with lesser upgrades. I forgot to mention the upgraded drum and HD sprag to eliminate the "mechanical diode", along with a 300-M high torque input shaft.

 

mueckster,
Are you a tranny mechanic? Ive been toying with the idea of rebuilding my trans, but I have never rebuilt one. I have rebuilt everything else! Did you have a book, do you need alot of special tools?
Thanks
Rich

 

Richard,
No, I'm not a transmission mechanic. I have over 27 years mechanical experience (15 yrs automotive & 12 1/2 on OTR trucks and heavy equip maintenance). I have rebuilt several manual trans in the past and this was my first auto. I purchased a repair manual and the parts from a trans rebuilder/ parts supplier. They have the torque converters custom built for them (no core chg). I did have to fabricate a few tools needed to do the job, but turned out to be fairly easy to do. The manual is put out by Automatic Transmission Service Group (ATSG) and is very well written with good illustrations. They produce manuals that are specific to the model you are repairing. If you decide to do one yourself or have any ???, PM or email me and I can give you more details about the rebuild and the increased size clutch packs.

 

Thanks,
I will check into getting the repair manual, Ive been working on engines of all types all my life, I went to diesel mech school after high school but found out quick I wanted more in life and full time wrenching wasnt for me. Thanks for the info, My trans dosent need it right now, but it will in the near future and wanted to do it myself! Well see.
Thanks
Richard