Rebuilding your own transmission

[mistypotato]

Hi,

Who has rebuilt their own?

Not too bad is it?

[Madbradthe2nd]

Are you frickin' nuts??

[mistypotato]

Maybe....who knows.

I've rebuilt engines for decades and reading up on it it seems pretty straight forward. I'm also very technically oriented so things like this are not beyond me ;)

I don't believe it's as bad as it sounds. I'll pick up a matching unit at the local DIY parts yard and set it up on a clean bench in the garage and take it slow. There are complete overhaul kits available from places like Rock Auto for around $200.00.

Looking at the pieces and the rebuild instructions, it looks doable....and if I pull it off, I save a hefty chuck of pocket change :rck:

[Gary E]

Rock on, no help but just a bit of encouragement! Its tough to know if its mechanical or electrical. I knew somebody that ran a tranny shop they are all the biggest ripoffs around, basically they rip you off as much as possible, if its a bad solenoid they charge you for a rebuild, if its a bad internal part they replace just that part and call it rebuilt, you get the picture, from my understanding this is standard in the industry :( This is why the one time I had a tranny shop "rebuild" My tranny broke twice, first time they warrantied it next time I went to a stick.

[mistypotato]

You hit the nail right on the head.

I would estimate that most "rebuilds" are just as you say.....

"REPAIRS" that are billed as rebuilds.

I refuse to be part of the scam. I WILL rebuild my own and it WILL work perfectly. :rck:

[RickMN]

Misty,
It's not rocket science, but it's actually far more complicated than an engine. The key to it all? A good factory manual. You have to take precise measurements along the way and install shims based on the readings. You'll also need a few special tools like a lip seal installer and a clutch pack spring depressor. Probably find those on ebay.

Just as an FYI, cleanliness is incredibly important. Be especially careful when disassembling the valve body. There are tiny parts in there submerged in fluid.

Here's a source for manuals http://www.txchange.com/atsg.htm

[mistypotato]

Thanks RickMN,

Will do. I have a vast array of inside / outside / standard mics and measuring tools. Probably $5000 worth of mics etc.

Agreed that the factory transmission overhaul manual is best.

I've done motorcycle trannys but they're manual of course. I feel very confident.
Not really concerned that I can't do it and get it right :gr_patrio

My current tranny is working fine so I'm doing this basically for the fun of it and to have a ready spare if and when I do need one.

Best Regards

[dlm4ut]

I rebuilt mine and it still works! 96 Grand Voyager 4 speed 3.3 Engine. It was easier than I expected but I took my time. I created some tools from stuff I had or could get cheaply to take place of some of the expensive tools needed to put it back together. I found a site that walks you through it too. I will check to see if I can find the reference to the site.

I found it:

http://img.betchuk.com/thumbnails.php?album=10

You can check some of my posts about my rebuild in previous post. I describe some of what I did and the problems I had and the tools I created.

dlm4ut

[mistypotato]

AWSOME !!!

CONGRATS on a successful DIY rebuild :worthy:

You have the satisfaction of KNOWING exactly what you have there.


You are an inspiration.

THANKS also for the link...its GREAT :rck:

[mistypotato]

Those photos are awsome and will be invaluable during rebuild. I'm looking forward to it :rck:

[w_c_b]

dlm4ut, THANKS!!

After my attempt at the "cheap and easy" failed (I tried swapping out the solenoid pack first), I've decided that I need to rebuild my tranny, too. It is a '96 T&C with the 3.8L engine, and should basically be the same as your job.

So, mistypotato, we're in this thing (or in these things) together! I'm going for it, too!! BTW, I'll not be starting on mine for another week or so. If you find that you acquire any special tools to make your life easier, and you're willing to rent them out to a fellow amateur rebuilder, let me know! ;)

[mistypotato]

YOU CAN DO IT :rck:

Mine is working perfectly right now, I just want a spare so I may not do this immediately (in fact I know I won't).

I have a few big projects ahead of the tranny but it's on my "to do" list.

First I have to replace my Caravan Radiator.....next I'm in the final stages of painting my 300ZX Turbo and after that I have a few motorcycle engine jobs I need to do.....THEN I'll get on the tranny.