To me there are three kinds of transmission work for these cars, what I can do myself, replacement from a yard (provided I can examine the car it came from), and replacement with a factory remanufactured transmission. In the case of an 87-89, the remaned trans is brought up to the latest specs for the 4T60 (and there were a *lot* of slipstreamed improvements - just read the TSBs).

AT work is a specialty unto itself and requires special tools to go deep inside. While I have rebuilt a blown manual trans on the back of a trailer, automatics are a different breed and given the difficulty of R&R, would prefer to know it is right before it goes in.

BTW I see several more 4T60 ratios, in all : 2.73(FP3), 2.84 (F17), 2.93 (GW9), 2.97(F79), 3.06 (FW2), 3.33(GX3).

BTW2 if you want a 3.33, just look for a Grand Prix or 6000 or equivalent Chevvy, etc. with 2.8l engine and o/d trans..

I agree completely. I've rebuilt manual transmissions, as well as RWD automatics. The front drive transaxle (auto) is black magic. I wouldn't even think of attempting it myself. Change a diff or a TC? Maybe. But not a full rebuild.

What I would really like is to take a blown one, and disassemble it without worries of putting it back together successfully. But just taking it apart, and seeing if I can put it back together. Possibly throwing it in my car and see if it would work [If I had the extra cash, I would try to rebuild it].

IMO, the cost spent on rebuilding your tranny, which the likelihood of it working properly afterwards are slim, you could buy a used one with low miles. Or for a little more, like padget said, buy a new one from GM.


-justin

Yes rebuilding one of these tranny'* is very time consuming. I did mine on my first try, with the help of my boss, and even he got stuck in places. He can do TH-350 rear drives in his sleep but these are a bear. Mine came out pretty good i think but the best route is to look around and find a used one that'* in good shape or get a GM rebuilt unit that has all the available updates.