Ok before I get the 'I would never try it' or 'It'* too complicated' just hear me out.
-My tranny is on it'* way out, as some of you may know from my posts.
-I don't want to get a typical rebuild for $1500-2000 since my engine will tear it up just like this one.
-I would like to get a BUILT tranny but I've already priced that out to be over 3k.
-I have no way to fund a built tranny, a rebuild, or a junk yard tranny till next summer when I start working full time agian.
So.. I got to thinking about trying to do a basic rebuild myself.
Trans rebuild kits are sub $150. and other misc. parts are not too expensive.
I would just do this to last me till next july and I would baby the crap out of it.
I have an exploded parts diagram of my entire transmission that I have been staring at for the past couple months, I would plan on buying this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rebui...QQcmdZViewItem
and I would take my sweet time.
I consider myself to be fairly mechanically inclined and I'm good with following directions.
I've told myself over and over that I should never even try but the more I think about it, the more it seems possible.
I do understand how meticulous the transmission is and how missing one check ball could mess everything up but I still want to give it a shot.
I'm about 90% sure I'm going to try it.
What do you guys think?
P.*. If your going to criticize please make it constructive.

Just putting an overhaul kit will solve the design problems that affect the 4T60E. You need to install the imporved stove pipe. Put the TransGo upgrade kit and also the additional upgrades from Sonnax. (I listed the Sonnax part numbers in a previous message.)

Also, if you want to do it right, there are many differences in the friction materals based on the year and application. Add to the cost a replacement torque converter. Some of the Sonnax kits require drilling and reaming in the valve body; precision work and the reamers alone cost over $180.00. It does not take into consideration other specialized tools required for doing the job.

So, think about it...I grew up working with cars, including professional racing and engine building, I am also a degreed mechanical engineer by trade...still...I leave the electronic controlled transmissions to the experts. Just my $0.02 on the subject...

I see what your saying.
But I'm installing new clutches and such as a band-aid fix for the transmission. My car has trouble shifting into 2nd at WOT that'* the only thing that is wrong with it currently. I have been told that this could either be a result of burnt/worn 2nd gear clutches or a 1-2 shift accumulator failing. Tc lock up is fine, shifting into 3rd at wot is fine, shifting into second at 3/4 throttle is fine for now. So I'm basically trying to 'refresh' the trans I suppose. I have no intention of bringing this trans back to 100% perfect or anything. I'm just looking to have this trans last another 7-8 months driving max 30 miles per week most of the time.
I'm aware of all the sonnax parts that correct common 4t60-e problems but I don't really intend on installing them since I don't plan on having this trans for very long.
And although I didn't grow up around cars per say, I am about 20 credits shy of a Mechanical Engineering degree.

95, I have that manual. And I just spent alot of time with my builder. On top of that, I consider myself a pretty mechancial guy. VERY much so.

I still wouldn't. But if you do, and you succeed, you're a notch up in my book. It'* black magic. I'll rebuild a manual tranny or install a shift kit in a RWD auto, but I won't touch a FWD auto.

You are going about it properly. Study, learn .. ask questions. While being mechanically pretty good....I've never considered a tranny rebuild. (I lack the patience)

Transmissions in the junkyard by me are only $70-90, while sometimes they can even be had for $50. I would try that route first. There were some 95 SE'* there. The yard is in binghamton, NY. 30 day warrenty on them too.

I have probably read some of the same stuff that you have that says "It should never even be attempted, even if you are very mechanically inclined." Even WillWren won't do it and he is like -- God. So that must mean something.

BUT...

I don't see why it COULDN'T be done. I am sure it could be...I don't see why not. I understand it is very complex (and I know i couldn't do it), but I don't see how it could be impossible.


Have you considered other alternatives? If you can get a new tranny next summer, why not leave your tranny alone. If the only problem is at WOT...then don't go there. I actually can't think of a time that I have actually taken my car to WOT. I know it is sad, but it isn't really necessary.

Also, WillWren might be able to point you in the right direction, but I am pretty sure there are some tranny additives that could possibly buy you some time while your current tranny is falling apart.

I'm thinking that maybe with some additives and self-control you could get by until next summer. My $0.02

my 80 Skylark once started slipping on hills. Took the side pan off and the valve body off and found one of the small pistons popped out due to a failed roll pin.
Pushed it back in and put a solid dowel pin in and its been working like a charm since. It had been loosing fluid pressure in the valve body.
Most shift problems are valve body related (dirt/sticking parts).
In my opinion I would start there first.
Mine had six ball bearings that I had to hold in place with vaseline while installing.
It wasn't that bad for a mechanically inclined person. I wouldn't attempt this if you havn't rebuilt anything before (carb, engine etc.)
Most tranny shops wanted $1000 for a tranny rebuild.

Transmissions are around $300 here with over 100k on them. The price is apealing but the risk of it actually working/lasting is about the same as rebuilding it myself. IMO.

I would like to leave my trans alone till next summer. I have every intention of minimizing my driving and babying the transmission. I'm not goging to go even close to WOT now.
If the trans gets worse I'll try some lucas or something else too.
I'm really just trying to plan for 'if' my trans really strats to let go. I like preparing for worst-case-scenario.

Yeah I do have much more research to do for possible causes of the slip. I'm glad to hear it wasn't 'that bad' to take the valve body out.

Thanks for the input so far. This is going much better than OSG'* post.