I am wondering if anyone has rebuilt their own auto? I am looking to rebuild mine in the spring, probably going to go with goerand in Iowa. I am just wondering are their any super special skills or tools involved in rebuilding it, just pulling it out and onto a bench, and take your time with it? Are most of the things press fit, or bolt on? I don't have a ton of money to throw around, but when it comes to my tranny I want to do it right. I just hate to pay someone for something I could do myself. What do you guys think?

 

Mat, I have rebuilt gasser engines, but I won't touch an auto tranny. I know just enough about them to cost me a ton of money. I prefer that somebody that knows what they are doing work on mine. Check your P.M.s and you will see some good info.
Tom

 

I've never torn into a Dodge trans, but I've rebuilt a few TH400's and TH350's and a C4, so what I have to say is general. There are a few specialized tools involved to compress clutch springs, you'll need a dial indicator also. Everything has to be kept SPOTLESSLY clean, just like rebuilding an engine. There are a lot of little pieces in there and many of them look similar, but the trans only works with all of them in the right spot. If doing it right is important, I think you would be better off to pay a professional.

 

http://www.transmissioncenter.net/st...build_kits.htm

though i would want an update kit, converter, and valve body (or shift kit set up right to hold the power with converter and update internal parts)

http://www.levelten.com/store/chry/chry_pts.htm

 

If you are a good mechanic you can do an automatic, but you will need a press and the tools to check the OD clutch pack clearance. I took the OD unit to my local dealer and helped the trans guy do mine using his tools. Well worth the few dollars it cost me. I must tell you that even doing the work myself I still had $3500 in mine and I wouldn't do it again. Cost me extra due to worn parts from the sloppy factory endplay. Anyway I'll be glad to answer any PM's you send, Mr Crimedoggy.

 

If you really want to do this, I have a couple of tips. First do not touch it without a manual. I have built thousands of different transmissions and would not do one without the book.

Get a large bench or a bench with a 4x8 sheet of plywood. Take the parts out and lay them out as you took that apart. Going together, the parts must be spotless clean, like you could eat off them.

You need the book though to know how to set up the endplays and clutch pack clearance. You might buddy up with a transmission garage so that you can buy the necessary thickenss of snap rings that I assume Dodge still uses.

If you want to be sure it will be good, get it done. When you first start doing them, there are some expensive elementary lessons to be learned. Ask a transmission mechanic "did you ever have on go bad?" Wait till he is not drinking coffee though