I noticed my transmission case is leaking transmission fluid and the case itself looks to be in terrible condition.
The truck shifts normally for the most part.

I saw a new aftermarket transmission case selling online for $60. Do I need any gaskets to go with it?

Can I simply replace the transmission case itself, and not the entire transmission?

Is this a repair something a novice could do from a Haynes book (ordered one today) or is this something I really need a mechanic for?

 

Replacing the case will essentially have you doing a transmission rebuild, since you have to pull it and EVERYTHING out of it. So if you feel confident doing a transmission rebuild, go ahead. If not, I would suggest taking it to a mechanic. Check around, some do not work on a vehicle if you bring your own parts and demand they order (and upcharge) for them. Be prepared to pay for a rebuild, as they'll likely suggest (and if it's apart anyway) is a good idea.

 

i dont even know of an aftermarket 46RE case. Certainly not $60.

As mentioned, a rebuild would be suggestable at the same time unless the clutches and bands look new, which I doubt.

Figure $1500+

No it is not a shadetree job, requires several transmissions specific tools.

 

Thanks for the response you two.

Its completely not what I wanted to hear but its reality, so thank you for that.

 

I need to further ask, so its not recommended but it is possible to just replace the case and not do a transmission rebuild?

If so, what would a dollar figure approximation on the labor for just the case replacement and no rebuild be at a garage?

 

That I cannot say, it'd likely be close to a rebuild in price, as a rebuild is mostly labor cost. Actual parts are only a couple hundred dollars, if that. Swapping a case would require removal of the transmission, and a complete dismantle of the transmission to transfer everything, putting it back in, then refill. They might also not warranty the work, unless they do a rebuild. You'd have to ask a local place and explain your situation. I would suggest AGAINST big name chains such as AAMCO (I've heard so many horror stories...)

 

Agreed. The clutches and plates are around $400-550 depending on brand/source/dealer arrangement. Labor here in DFW Texas is around $95/hour on the low side (shop I used to be at was $110 per) and I believe the trans books around 7 hours to gut out and refill, with an hour in there for inspecting and pulling the burned parts and inserting the new ones, and washing out the case.

Again, i don't know of an aftermarket 46RE case. I have a feeling it is just a stock replacement casting by Trans Specialties or various other (typically Chinese) sand casting companies. You would not gain anything from it. If anything, could be weaker than a factory casting.

 

Is there a difference between a transmission case and a transmission pan?

If the pan is different than the case, can one simply replace the pan without requiring a transmission rebuild? How expensive would the repair run in a garage for the leaky thing?

 

Pan bolts to the bottom of the case. (with lotsa bolts.....) Dropping it, and changing the gasket is easy, just messy...... Filter/gasket kit is cheap. Last I checked, a 'trans service' (replace the filter, and changing some fluid) is still under 100 bucks.....