First of all, don't panic, Tex is doing just fine. I just know how many miles are on his transmission, and know nothing about how it was maintained except that it was probably not. I've just been researching and reading a lot in the past couple weeks about rebuilding the 4R100, and it doesn't look like something that I can't handle. The only issue is, I know nothing about transmissions.

Seriously, aside from the few threads I've read about it, I'm pretty clueless. It really seems like it's as simple as stacking everything in the right order. I've got to be missing something here, because my whole life I've been told how intricate transmissions are and to not touch them. To leave it to professionals. I consider myself to be very capable when it comes to pretty much anything, I've just never been inside a transmission.

I know there are some very capable brothers that have built their own, and I really just want to get a used up core and tackle it on my own like they did. It's not even about saving money, it's about learning and becoming familiar with something I'm naive to. (And yeah, a little bragging rights too )

What I'm thinking is to just build something equivalent to the HD4R100. I don't care to go all out and figure out all the secrets of Brian and John, I just want to research and learn what needs to be replaced and upgraded. So is this something I can do considering I'm a newb to transmissions? What are the cons of building my own?

 

Cons, IMO, is no warranty. Your IT...

I applaud you, and have thought many times that i would love to take one apart, and put it back together. and see if it still operated correctly. If i can do that. the rest is parts replacement.

Now to find that $100 4r100 to mess with.

 

That is the issue isn't it lol. I really think I could do a 3 day weekend build on mine, but that's a big chance to take considering its a daily driver.

As far as warranty, I'd offer myself the same warranty that Brian would lol.

 

I more or less want to make sure it isn't going to be something like changing gears in the axle or something along those lines. Reading some of the how to's there made me decide that it isn't worth it. That's way too involved.

 

You MUST have a good manual to be able to do it. There is a lot more than stacking the parts in the right order. Go to Automatic Transmission Service Group and buy a 4R100 manual. It will show you how to rebuild the trans and what tools are required.

 

Thanks Mark, I'll do that. No way I'd consider tackling this without

 

Jeff: PM rudedogii

after you watch his rebuild experience with the similar auto trans in his 95 Bronco on his Youtube channel:

RUDEDOGII - YouTube

 

Same here. Thanks Mark!

There are more issues than finding the cheap 4r100 to play with. Garage space, lack of proper tools and fixtures, a clean work bench that will support the weight of the trans among others (lack of time to make the commitment to learn the trans).

I will keep working on aquiiring the manual, tools, and knowledge. then I will go search for the junk trans to practice on.

 

+1 on the ATSG service manual!

Mueckster is great to answer ?'s too. He helped me out. He's very knowledgeable and been into his a few times...

My $100 core was completely tore down with all the parts in a couple of boxes. I would recommend getting one complete to learn about it as you tear it down. The tools can be made too without having to buy them.

 

I will definitely be picking Roland's brain. He's actually the one who got me to thinking about doing it myself, although indirectly. When I was under Tex's hood doing the injector cups at the Texas Tech day, he and Bob were watching and discussing everything under the sun, including some of the things he did to his trans. Now I couldn't repeat anything he said, it was a LONG weekend for Tex and I, but overhearing left enough of an impression. Plus I like the way he put it in his signature, "built by me". That's something to be proud of.

 

The 4R100 is easy. Two medium-large flat screwdrivers and a home-made clutch spring compressor (for the overdrive clutch piston) is it (besides the 8mm, 10mm, and T30 sockets for the valve body and the 12 point socket for the center support bolts). There is one external snap ring (on the output shaft) that is a pain without the proper pliers though....

Having rebuilt a dozen or so.....
Pie.


One thing to consider is that you will find people that are quick to point out that they'd much rather rebuild a manual than an automatic. This is a sure way to rule out those people as ones you'd want to listen to....because they've obviously never rebuilt either one. Manuals are a pain in the *** and stupid. They are also a million times more time consuming and far less forgiving when it comes to dirt/contaminants. No thanks.

I've rebuilt a couple of them on a tailgate of a manure spreading truck during a sandstorm (figuratively speaking)......they still work just fine.

No worries.

 

I know this is a E40D but this will give you an idea of what you'll be up against

E4OD rebuild

 

Thanks Cody, that makes me feel a little more at ease. I was reading a great thread about it over at the Nation, tons of pics and step by step (for an e40d) and it doesn't look that bad. A bit more than just stacking the plates like I mentioned earlier, but still just assembling the parts in the correct order while checking tolerances here and there. I'm ordering the book tomorrow, and will keep my eyes out for a used one.

I'm ready to dive into it, and the house we're moving into next month has a shed that will make a perfect shop.

 

Rebuilding a transmission is considerably more involved that building a differential.

 

I'd have to disagree there. But hey, we all have different "levels" of comfort.

Without derailing too much, it depends completely on the style of differential. If you're talking 9" Ford, 8-3/4" or 9-1/4" Chrysler, or 10.5" AAM..heck yes they're easier. However, the closer you get to most other "Saginaw" styles and especially the Dana offerings.....No. An automatic transmission is an automatic transmission is an automatic transmission.