Matt.. check your pm'*. I tossed a few ideas in there for you.

Hi All,

Just wanted to update everyone on my transmission situation. I talked to the used car dealer that I bought the car from and we are going to split the cost of a transmission rebuild (approx. $1400). That was the best that I could negotiate since the car is out of warranty (bought the car 7 months ago). Does anyone have any suggestions of what I should request for the rebuild? The rebuild will be done by AAMCO and will come with a 12 month/ 12,000 mile warranty. I borrowed some money from my parents to cover the cost of the rebuild and would like to do it right the first time. Thanks to all that have provided me with help. I really appreciate that you guys have provided me with the benefits of your vast knowledge and experience.

Matt
01Bonny

A stock transmission is plenty strong for most applications. Did they say what was going to be replaced?

You want to ensure all the Sonnax updates/upgrades are done to the valve body, new EPC soleniod and a hardened 4th gear clutch hub is replaced at a minimum in addition to the fixes required to correct the original issue.

If you'd like to get more information and be better prepared, take a look around and read the common issues for our transmissions at Tripleedgeperformance.com

Bill is right, the EPC needs to be changed. It'* a $60 part and is the weakest point in the transmission. hardened 4th as well, about $60. I would say new 4th clutches as well, about $30 for those parts and they are easy to change out, takes less then a minute to do those. Test the shift solenoids, replace if needed. As well as check the TCC/PWM solenoid. All this should be done if the shop knows what they are doing. I would insist on getting the old parts back.

The dealer said that the $1400 would cover the cost for a complete rebuild.

Matt

A hardened 4th gear clutch hub my not be included in a rebuild. I would ask about that. The stock hub wears out and the splines strip out. Can you tell which is which.

Matt...ask about the "complete" rebuild. Normally rebuild prices vary depending on any hard parts that need to be replaced plus any additional things that are done. $1400 sounds like the removal, reline clutches, replace seals and reinstall price.

The 4th clutch hub might be an automatic if the builder knows 4T65'*, and frequently solenoids are only tested and not replaced unless they come up bad.

EPC replacement is one, that I can not stress enough to you....especially being a 2000+ model year.

The Sonnax upgrades/updates to the valve body will ensure fluid is not leaking past valves etc. Many low cost rebuilds (like the price you were given) does not include these. Doing these will firm and reduce shift times, and route the fluid properly w/o bleed off....which keeps the trans from feeling sloppy over time.

The one on the left is the new one. Correct? I will contact AAMCO and request that the EPC and 4th gear clutch hub be replaced even if it costs extra.

PS - I will also request the valve body updates be done as well.

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to update everyone on my tranny rebuild status. The transmission rebuild is finished and I just got my car back. The used car dealer delivered the car to my work so I didn't even need to pick it up. The total cost was $1400 ($700 my share, $700 cost to dealer). The reason that it was so cheap, the dealer was given a wholesale cost! If I took the car in myself, the cost would have been $2400 - $2500 for the work performed. The parts replaced are as follows:

2 new bands
1 new assembly set
1 new filter
8 hrs removal and reinstall
10.5 hrs rebuild time
1 rebuilt torque converter
1 wholesale rebuild
1 new channel plate sleeve
1 new 1/2 accumulator
1 new 2/3 accumulator
1 new updated (hardened) 4th clutch hub
1 good used reaction carrier
1 good used reaction carrier sun gear
1 new EPC solenoid
1 new boost valve
1 new transmission mount
1 transmission cooler flush
shop supplies

The best part is that I received a 3 yr./ 36,000 mile warranty on the tranny and torque converter. Right now I am happy as can be. I am not sure about the used reaction carrier and sun gear. Is that a potential problem? I cannot thank all of you enough for the help that I received. The transmission rebuilder stated that it was obvious that I did my homework on the potential problems of this transmission. Special thanks to Danthurs and Billboost! Take care!

Matt
01Bonny