Stick around, I'm sure someone will beat that.

Update: An 05 GP GXP transmission was picked up for most of it'* beefed up parts etc. I tore that down onto the table and pulled one of the spare cases off the shelf. The GXP with the 5.3L engine has a different starter mounting location and therefore the casing needed to be swapped over, plus it has tap shift which results in the valve body being changed as well.
New case

First piece is in the case. If you look very close at 3 o'clock, you can see the "V8" markings on it.

Few more parts into the build including the diff

The leg of the trans is nearly complete

Gear and chain time. This chain has two colored links at the master, vs the previous chain that had one.

Channel plate looks to be more stout on the V8

Valve body and pump

And the side cover

Accumulator and the manual 1-2 servo, need to pick up the new filter.

Forward band and reverse servo'*, external PNP, input shaft o-ring, dipstick tube seal.

Pissed at myself for not picking up the filter before the parts store closed. Cleaned up for the night and hit the shower.

I did learn a lot of the differences between the newer and older transmissions though.

Great work Bill. No extra parts right? Like a thrust washer or two.

That'* OK. When in doubt....throw it out!

So that means I can finally clean out my center console of the little odds and ends I have left over? Sweet! lol

Sure, but don't blame me if you finally figure out where those pieces go after they are gone!!!

You should see my console, it looks like a parts store.

Huge thanks go out to Steve for the many assists while I did what no trans guy would/should ever do.

Mixed and matched parts that is. The final tally:
1. Pulled original trans and swapped with his "built" one
2. Pulled "broken built" one a week later and diagnosed the broken chain etc.
3. Pulled the guts from an 05 GXP trans and built this transmission
4. Dropped the cradle and pulled the side pan to swap the A soleniod (1-2)
5. Dropped the cradle to swap the 05 channel plate with a 98 plate
6. Dropped the cradle to swap the manual valve
7. Full success on all fronts.

In #1 the trans had an acceleration wobble based on rpm and acceleration, not speed. Probably the chain beating it'* way around the gears.

#4 was done because there was no 1st or 4th gears. This usually would point us to the 1-2 shift soleniod that is commonly known as soleniod A. Didn't fix the issue.

#5 The VB to channel plate spacer was reviewed from the 05 and 98 years. Obvious differences sent the channel plate into the mix as it was probably different. Some differences were noted when it was pulled. Very minor though.

#6 Now we have 1st and 4th, but the shifter is one position off. When selecting N you get reverse and when selecting 3 you get drive.

I made a few tools along the way as well. One set of tools was two long bolts w/o the heads. These were used to hold the channel plate gaskets in place better than trans goo would. They also helped line up the pieces on the first try. Another tool is a little plastic box with a couple switches and some wiring. This plugs into the transmission and allows you to isolate the soleniods from the computer control and car'* wiring. Which told me that the soleniod was doing it'* job and the issue was likely the channel plate differences.

Thanks so much Steve, I'm not sure I could have made the journey w/o your help.

Earned your money this time didn't you.

I guess it could be viewed that way. My preference is to take a step back and review what I learned. Learned knowledge is typically more valuable to me (and forum when shared) than the labor charge.

Plus..like you...I'm not charging enough. Why do ya think we are always super busy.

True. But now you can review the job and buy any tools that will make it easier.