I took the truck to the transmission shop and had them diagnose all the problems for me for $120. Then, they wanted $3200 to rebuild it the way I wanted it. So I took my other option and now I will do it myself.

They sold me all the parts I will need for 1300 dollars.

I did use my truck as a daily driver but, I just bought a beater car for 500 bucks until the transmission is done.

I just ordered a way bigger transmission cooler for 200 bucks.

I bought all new lines for the transmission for 100 bucks.

They said my torque converter was fine so thankfully I don't have to buy a new one.

Right now I'm at $2,220. So I figure even if I can save myself $300 in the long run by doing it myself I gained experience, A new beater car, new transmission lines and a new transmission cooler.

I know I'm going to have more money into it than $2,220 because there is aways little stuff that adds up.

But I'm going to follow BC's write up and see how it goes for me!

If I have any questions I will post in here. Or if anyone has any suggestions before I start on the transmission let me know. Thanks

 

I would defiantly see about having the TQ flushed out to get all old fluid and any other unwanted material out that may have made its way into it. It's a small price to pay to ensure that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
But thats just my opinion.

 

What exactly did they sell you for $1300?

Check your total input shaft endplay before you take it apart.

On reassembly, it is important to setup the overdrive section properly. Special tools to measure with will be needed. Check the selective spacer on the intermediate shaft to see if it's worn beyond being serviceable.

 

They sold me everything but the torque converter. And I have on a signed paper from them that if any parts were forgotten to be included in this kit by them that they would be giving to me for free and included in the 1300 dollar price.
That shows how sure they are that i have everything needed.

 

At a minimum, you need a re-manufactured torque converter. As has been mentioned, the old converter threatens to contaminate the rebuilt trans.

Do you have an FSM?

Crap! I sure hope it works out for you seeing my name thrown in the mix.

A word to the wise: Mike (JD730) offers sound advice.

Don't hesitate to post even seemingly silly questions.





CLEAN ~ Learn it, Love it, Live it.

 

I will take the torque converter back to them and have them clean it if they can.

I have a FSM and JD730 sent me a manual on it also.

And if I screw up BC847 its not your fault haha. Others have used your post and successfully rebuilt their transmission.


I just finally got done dropping my transmission out tonight. Wasn't as bad as thought it would be..

 

I know it is a little more but these folks do a great job, they are about 30 minutes from me.
http://www.suncoastconverters.com/do..._products.html

 

What is in a 518 that costs $1300 and doesn't even get a TC. I admit I haven't done a 518 trans but I have done 727s, AODs, 350s, C4s, and C6s among others and I rarely spent over a couple of hundred for overhaul kits. Other than a couple of extra steels and clutche discs, what costs more for the diesel that you wouldn't run into behind a big block V8?

 

I was thinking that too I rebuilt my 518 gas trans for under 200 if I remember correctly.

 

You can get a built up Suncoast for $2200 converter and all.

 

How are you going to take the OD apart without the special tools? There is a big spring in there and you need a special tool and a press to take it apart and a line up tool and the press tool to put it together.

 

If my trans goes out and costs me that much, I would be searching the yards for an NV4500 and hardware. I did find this for a factory new NV4500, but its out of my budget (seems reasonable though) http://www.high-impact.net/transmiss...88-03_auto.htm

 

And if you don't want to spend top dollar on a high perf. converter, you can pick up stock one for $300 or so. So seems like the big ? is, what exactly did you get for $1300? I had a 518 rebuilt about a year ago for $1050 with a stock converter. That was parts and labor.

 

The parts i was sold was EVERYTHING in the tranny. anything and everything i would need. They guarantee that the transmission could see 600+ horsepower without any problems. I was also supplied with an after market flex plate. A performance valve body was also included. And the fluids i needed were included along with the filter and a BIG trans pan.

My dad has a huge business. So any tools for the OD i would need he would have.

I don't plan on stopping with performance modding quite yet. Thats why i needed a transmission to hold up to 500 hp. which is in the area im looking to be.

I thought i got a good deal on all my parts. or am i wrong?

 

If you got all that and I am assuming all the heavy duty hardware (one piece input shaft/hub assy), then it sounds like a great deal. You will spend a little more for buying from a shop as compared to getting the stuff from a supplier like TPS. I am not sure what goes into beefing up a trans like the 518. I have installed a lot of shift kits but by and large I never thought I was smarter than the design engineers so I usually try to stick with the factory configuration of the trans (though sometimes I do sit back and wonder what the engineer was thinking). That input shaft alone is pushing $650 so yea I think you did OK.