Auto-Transmission Repair - pre-work

[Dangermouse]

Following on from my auto transmission diagnosis as phuqed, I am planning to take it off and inspect the internals in a couple of weeks. (I was inspired by the Wheeler Dealers dude who whips that box off in 5 minutes ;) )

Depending on what I find I will either

a) Purchase the necessary parts
b) Purchase a complete repair kit (only Hervey seem to sell these)
c) Purchase a rebuilt transmission

Never having broken down a transmission before I am looking for guidance on either special tools/equipment that I need as well as “while you are in there” stuff

I have a broad range of basic tools and nullset has kindly offered the use of a transmission jack – anything else?

I don’t have a set of picks, so I imagine I will need those.
Don’t have an air rachet (but have compressor) – is one needed?

As well as whatever I find internal, I need to change the driveshaft seals. Shaft boots are new, but need better clamps. Any special grease in the CV joints, as I need to re-clean a couple?

I’m assuming a new torque converter is a given – anything between the convertor and the engine that I should replace while it is open?

[Delorean Industries]

This is a really bad idea if you do not know what you are doing. If you end up needing internal parts the best thing you can do is purchase a used unit to pull the required parts from as purchasing components new is pricey.

[Dangermouse]

The intention is to work out what needs replaced and then look at options. I hadn't considered stripping down a second box for parts, but that is a possibility (my concern there would be that the second-hand box would be no better than the one I have). It may be one clutch plate, or it may be all of them. I don't know yet.

If I would be ill-advised to open the box without experienced help, then that is good to know.

Edit: perhaps I should have made it clearer that I was only planning to look at the clutch packs and not the final drive.

[dmc4087]

Definately a job for the pro's Dermot. Have a look at Conors auto gearbox rebuild over on the Irish forum. The autobox is witchcraft.

[propony]

How would I find a link to this forum? Could I ask Please? You never know how or when this may be handy!
Curt

[Dangermouse]

Www.Delorean.ie

[David T]

There is no way you can do a proper job without the special tool kit. Once apart all of the internal seals should be changed, all of the friction and steel plates, filter and torque converter. Then you have to set up the internal running clearances. This is not a job for a novice. Why do you think you need to do this? Is the pan full of friction materiel and the fluid is dark and smells burnt?
David Teitelbaum

[Dangermouse]

Reading between the lines, I am picking up that I shouldn't attempt this. Thanks. Better to know now rather than when I have 1000 pieces on my bench.

David, in this thread

http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?1765-Is-this-typical-AT-governor-failure-mode&highlight=Transmission

the consensus was that at least one of the clutch plates was toast (dark burn fluid being the telltale) I haven't dropped the pan yet until I get the car in position but I'm pretty sure what I'll find.

[David T]

Even with burnt fluid, drop the pan and see what and how much materiel is there. You may get by with just a power flush and filter cleaning. If it slips after that then you do have a blown clutch pack. Worth a try before going for the big expense of rebuilding or replacing the tranny. Also check the line pressure (after the power flush and filter cleaning).
David Teitelbaum

[Dangermouse]

Thanks David, that's certainly worth trying.