I have muddled my way through a few automatic transmissions over the years,
and generally been successful.
I have a very clean stainless steel workbench to work on, with excellent
lighting, a low dust environment (when the wind ain't blowin'), and
reasonably good set of bushing drivers and the like. There are some special
tools called for in the manual, but I've always found a way to make what I
need. The critical factors are: a correct rebuild kit (available from
NAPA for around $140), copious quantities of clean solvent (I use water
clear kerosene, then rinse with naphtha and air dry), good mechanic's tool
chest with torque wrenches from 3 ft lb. to 200 ft lb., a set of inside and
outside micrometers up to 4 inches, and a healthy dose of common sense. The
information in your FSM is essential, and the kit also comes with some
instructions. The most important lesson I learned is: Never get a rag
anywhere near an automatic transmission. Use flowing solvent to clean, and
air to dry.
Most shops will do a "Bench job" for you if you R&R it yourself - you'll
have to ask the cost, but usually around $500 will do it.
Dick Benjamin
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Norris" <dnorris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2002 11:29 AM
Subject: IML: torqefilte and other
I missed any responses to kevin's transmission question on dec 17. my 71
trans is headed down hill faster than the car can go. (metaphorically
speaking). I seems everytime an autotrans is worked on it is $1000 or more.
I feel like it is a rule that all trans repairs have this minimum fee. I
understand the work and time just to remove and install is unescapable. my
personal experience is from 3 other chryslers but the gold brick (71 4dr
gold color) is probably next. I will admit i am afraid to venture in where
little elves quietly shift the gears and make the machine move. I am almost
set with all the tools to start doing this myself but does anyone out there
have personal experience with this stuff? can i get a good rebuild book and
learn how to do this mystical repair myself? I have had good and bad repair
shop experience in the past that is why i learned to work on my cars in the
first place. In my opinion, the shop did something wrong on Kevin's trans
since it broke 2 months after the warranty expired instead of the next day.
(joke, you have all been there).
Imperially yours, David Norris, 71 4dr "the gold brick" eastland texas
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