Transmission Rebuild... Difficulty?

**Bedwards** · 12-03-2010

Hey guys. I'm having issues with my current transmission, but since I'm a student, there is no way I'm going to have a shop rebuild it. It's way too expensive. I was thinking I would buy a cheap, used transmission from a junk yard and buy the parts to rebuild it. I would obviously buy the GM manual as well. How difficult would this be for a first timer? I have done a lot of engine internal work, so I'm fairly mechanically inclined.

**FordMan77** · 12-03-2010

Shouldn't be too hard as long as you get everything back in the right order. I considered this too, but after being told I needed some specialty tools to do it right, I just opted to stick a used one in and call it done.

If I keep my GP long enough to need another trans, then I'll get a TEP and call it done. Rebuilding the most complicated part of a car is NOT something I want to do twice. Not cost or time effective in my book. If I can't be 100% sure I have it right the first time, then I feel it's better left to the pros, and a warranty

Jay

**BillBoost37** · 12-03-2010

It's not horrible, it is a ton of time the first time around.

Tools: you can not get around needing a clutch compressor tools and the 3rd/input housing teflon seal resizer. The rest of the stuff can be worked with. I found that a trans mounting bracket on the engine stand made things much easier as well.

The seals are the main PITA as some are in places that are difficult to get to, slow and steady...they can be done. Clutch pack clearance is another thing to keep in mind. You may need/want different steels to take up some of the added space.

There is some valve body stuff that it would be nice to send out to Dave at TEP. It's $350 for that. If you add up the parts, they come to ~$300.

Having the VB and channel plate work done from Dave and allt he other parts semi cleaned and inspected. My first time reassembling took me a full 24 hours. That's a pretty high number, and you can shave a lot off it if you don't pull the seals off everything before the new parts arrive. I had to match things up and it took extra time.