I have re-built several engines, never an auto tranny. I have always wanted to dig into an automatic. I have a 97 Cavalier and have the engine out and re-done. The car came from my brother w/ 105k on it. Soon after pulling the car into my garage the tranny leaked all over the floor. Not a good idea to just stick that engine back in. I'd like to rebuild the 3t40. Can someone please recommend a book and maybe a specific rebuild kit?
try sending madjack a message or pm as he is a little more familiar with that trans than most.
Thank you madjack for your reply. I assume none of the kits stands out above the others since you mention 3+ kits. I'm not going for performance, just like to get some good, minimal trouble miles off the car hopefully for a few years. It's getting to be winter and I have to put my bike away, so I'll be trying to get the car up and running soon. Any special tools I need for this job? I think I read an earlier post of yours where you said pep boys for the book I'll try there today. Again, thank you for your reply.
I haven't personally rebuilt a 3T40, but probably will be doing one soon for a '97 Sunfire that was given to me at our shop. The customer did not want to repair the engine and just left the car and title there for me
. When I fix the engine I am going to rebuild the trans as well while it's out. I have done many RWD transmissions and have found the best books to be the ones put out by the ATSG. Northern Auto Parts has the book
here. They also have the stock kit which uses Raybestos clutches and also includes new steels and the case bushings
here. Like MadJack said, there are many others that have the books and kits as well, and since I'm new here, I'm just trying to make my humble presence known and share any knowledge if I have anything relevant.
Thanks Chris. I have already ordered the Haynes book that Madjack recommended. I've seen the ATSG books as well. I have no problem dropping an extra $45 into a couple ATSG books if I can't comprehend the Haynes. After doing some online research I think I have a decent understanding of the automatic transmission now ... where once there was only mystery to me inside that big aluminum casting. Specialty tools are my big question now. The Haynes book should be here in a day or so and I can't wait to crack it open.
Most transmissions can be done without the special tools, but they do make the job easier. When I started doing the TH400 and 4L60 rebuilds, I didn't have any of the special tools, but over time I have made some of the ones I needed and bought some of the others from dealer liquidations. If you are only going to rebuild one trans, then don't waste your time and money on the tools.
Some tips for a successful rebuild:
1. Cleanliness is crucial, especially in the valve body. One piece of anything stuck in a valve bore can ruin an otherwise perfect rebuild.
2. It is ok to use a pressure or steam cleaner to clean the case, but make sure all the water is out of the passages etc. before assembly.
3. Brake cleaner works great for cleaning parts, but don't get it or any other solvent on your new clutches. It dissolves the bonding agent.
4. Take pictures as you go with your digital camera or cellphone, especially for check ball locations and things like that.
5. The best way to rebuild is in sub-assemblies. Do a clutch, bag it and set it aside, then valve body, etc. Don't tear the whole thing apart and then start rebuilding it. Many of the parts are very similar and can easily get mixed up. Especially springs, snap rings and check balls.
6. Make sure you soak all friction plates and bands in clean trans fluid for at least 20 minutes before you install them. Do not install them dry.
7.Take extra care installing the piston seals. these can be a bitch sometimes and can tear or nick easily. A .010 feeler gage or a tool similar to
this helps a lot. The tool can be made with some 3/16" brake tubing and piano wire.
8.You can use a small amount of Vaseline or better yet, a product called Trans-Jel to help hold check balls, etc. in place during your rebuild.
9. Make sure you flush out the trans cooler, lines and converter. They can hold a lot of crud. Not a bad idea to pick up a rebuilt converter if you plan on keeping the car for a while.
10. Make sure the converter engages the pump drive when you install it. the rebuild manual usually has a dimension to meaure from the front of the converter to the transmission mounting flange. Also, put a small amount of trans fluid on the front seal before you install the converter.
Just take your time with everything and you shouldn't have any problems. I still remember my first trans rebuild, which was the 4L60 in my 355 S10 truck. I took the whole thing apart at one time and had a mess of parts. I never thought I would get it all back together right, but had I done it properly and disassembled one thing at a time, it would have been much easier. That trans is still going 8 years later, but that wasn't a good trans to do as a first build. There are so many updates and mods that need to be done to make those things work properly and last.
Good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll help if I can.
Thanks again Chris. Looks like all top shelf advice. I will follow to a tee. Wow, a 355 ... in an S10 no less. That gotta move.
Jim McCarthy wrote:Thanks again Chris. Looks like all top shelf advice. I will follow to a tee. Wow, a 355 ... in an S10 no less. That gotta move.
They are a blast to drive if you can get traction with them, and providing the swap is done right. It's actually an easy swap, but there are a lot of hack jobs done to those trucks. Here is a
pic if you're interested. /end thread hijack
