Reverse is finally out and considering the age of the truck and the miles I want to do a rebuild with a slightly limited budget. I want the transmission to last a long time and feel powerful. I use the truck as a daily driver and will pulling pretty light loads from time to time. I don't plan on racing either. I was hoping you guys could lead me in the right direction for accesories and parts to help make it last longer. I have looked at MonteC's thread but i was hoping for a little more guidance in the right direction. (Such as Sonnax Sure Cure vs Transgo shift kits, frictions, converters, coolers, weak points that should be addressed, trans temp gage and where to mount it,) I'd like to do most of the work myself, so any tips on removal and install of the trans is appreciated too.

I have been a member of this sight for a little while and i love it, all the cool ideas for modding and customization and diy's is great to look at and really helpful

 

Take out the crank position sensor before dropping the trans.

On page six of Monte's thread, there is a list of parts suggested for a 'bulletproof' build for a member that regularly towed a 7k pound trailer. Going off that list, would make sure you were just fine. However, that doesn't really fit in with "budget build"..... Problem is, rebuilding the trans just isn't cheap..... I think you can get all the parts to build the equivalent of a mega-viper (PATC's killer 46RE trans....) for around 900, not sure if that includes a torque converter though.

There are also some really good walkthru's for rebuilding your trans, and some threads here of folks that have done it. (gdstock springs immediately to mind, along with j415, and some others.....) j415 has a thread in the FAQ section with links to so really good resources. Check it out.

 

What i mean by my budget build is i have close to enough money for a shop to do it. (a cheap shop) but i want to squeeze every dime into improving the transmission not just paying someone to take it out and put it back in. Thanks for the speedy reply, i'll check out the resources for my list for the rebuild.

 

I'd bet they would just do a stock rebuild, unless you request otherwise, which still leaves "cheap" out of the equation.

 

Take MonteC's list and go to www.wittrans.com and shop the parts. Going for better frictions (red altos) only increases cost slightly, but pays off. Overhaul kit will run about $300. Get food TC, and make sure you get the BW solenoid.

I have a Sonax kit, but hear trans-go is good, but I have no personal experience with it. Follow kit directions exactly, whichever kit you get.

Get a can of trans gel for assembly, and cleanliness is your friend. A gallon of brake cleaner is helpful. You will need access to a press as the OD spring is about 800#.

Download service manual and study the trans section. I put those pages in plastic sheet protectors to keep in garage through rebuild.