Guys 100K on my stock trans, lots of heavy towing (real towing). I can feel the converter slip if i hammer down on it, like a drag race.
I got stuck this weekend and my trans temp light came on and I immediately shut it down. (I wouldn't have got stuck if the light wouldn't have came on) Anyways I wasn't that hard on it and it got hot, did I do damage?
Anyways, the real question is whats the basic transmission beef up that will support basic mods like Injectors, Smarty, intake, exhaust? I'm a good engine mechanic (gas), but have never done any trans work. Do yall think I could manage to swap a torque converter and valve body? Looks like I could pull the trans out in an hour or less, to change the conver, but can i do the valve body?

 

Well,

I am a pretty good wrench turner and it took me and a friend 3 hours to remove the transmission this last weekend. It is quite involved, but actually easy to remove.

You can change the VB and TC by yourself, but the hard part is knowing what to look for. Did you hurt the pump, do the seals and such need changing there. Are the discs and steels good? Do you know how to disect it and rebuild all of this. Is your OD clutchpack good, can you rebuild it? There is a lot to the transmissions...more so in what to look for.

I will say yes to just changing the VB and TC, but beyond that I would enlist the services of a good technician....I would not want a tv repairman fixing my spleen....if you know what I mean....

 

By the way here is the break down of removal:
Remove the front and rear driveshafts. (front I just disconnected from transfer case).

Using a barring tool remove all TC bolts

Support transmission. Disconnect all electrical connections on the transfer case. Remove all nuts holding the transfer case to the transmission. Slide to rear and store.

Remove all Transmission electrical connections. On the TVTA (little motor high on drivers side) use a 13mm socket to remove bolts. It will turn clockwise. Remove connector and turn back to position, secure with the bolts.

Using a pair of needle nose pop the selector cable off the ball. Remove the bracket and stow on frame rail. Remove the dipstick at this time.

Remove all mounting bolts and carefully slide to the rear.

 

Its one of those things... If you have to ask then you probably should leave it up to a pro. On the other hand purchase the ATSG manual and read through it. If you are not overwhelmed by the end, Give it a shot.

 

X 2. I have a manual and broused through it and for what it's worth, I can go through a motor no problems but there is ALOT to a tranny. Things that are over my head. If I had someone that knew how to do one, to look over my shoulder, I'd do it.

I need to buy billet shafts and when the time comes, I need to find someone to help me if possible.

 

I have to do it to learn it....soon I will have a work truck (new job) so I can drive it if I have mine torn apart a few weeks. I build drag race engines for VW bugs, nothing fits without work, ect. So I can pretty well think through anything. I'll check out a book and see if I think I can take care of the rebuild part. Worse case scenario I can take just the trans to the shop and save a few hundred that way!

BTW, whats the best place to start looking for parts at?

 

Any of the majority of the trans. you see in the sigs. can supply you with a hd rebuild kit, make sure you get the billet shafts for insur. of not breaking them if you should add more mods/power.

 

If you can pull one of these in a hour I want to hire you.

 

I can pull mine out in a hour! but i have a two post lift and trans jack! Makes it ALOT easier. Broke my output shaft (stock) a while back and went ahead and dropped whole trans to check all the clutches and everything. It took me right at a hour or a couple mins over. I have done my fair share of transmissions though.

 

We were taking our time, on a lift with a jack.....And I am not saying it cannot be done, but dang....you must not stop to breath or pass gas....

 

Nope no stopping! Just keep thinking about the cold beer(s) i can drink once finished.