Who's got transmission R&R experience?

[Need4Speed]

Give me the scoop....

How long to drop and replace?

Any special tools or tips?

Any other info that would be helpful...

Thanks,-Andy

[Q45tech]

We charge $500 or 7 book hours @$70, with all the correct tools it can be done with a helper [ to lift on/off jack, to help with exhaust and driveshaft removal] and transmission jack and a lift in 4.5-5 REAL hours.

Study your FSM closely. Need 3 foot extension for top bolts.

[Need4Speed]

Thanks for the reply Dennis,

My mini FSM is falling apart because I have been using it so much lately...

No problem on the extensions......

The lift will be a problem though.....unless I can make "good" friends with a shop owner I kinda know.....

-Andy

[HeavyDuty]

Exhaust should only be removed on the drivers side, the other side is a slip fit, built in leak.

Aside from the 3' extension for the top bellhousing bolts, be careful of the carrier nuts on the center driveshaft bearing retainer. One of mine broke (probably from the vibration of the old driveshaft) and was a PITA to replace. (Stud)

[boomstriker]

I've rebuilt lots of Q and J trannies.The Q uses very big bolts in the bell-housing and they are extremely tight from the factory. Because of a rib in the way, the one on the top left is very difficult to get with a staight shot. I've found two swivels to work well- one at the socket and another 6" back, then the long extension. It also helps to drop the cross member and back of trans to get more room to reach them.Remember to mark the driveshaft so it can be indexed back to where it was balanced from the factory, otherwise is will vibrate.

Are you rebuilding yours or slapping in an overpriced dealer build?A rebuild kit is surprisingly cheap for these.Kirk

[Need4Speed]

Kirk,

How hard is the Q's transmission to rebuild? I have rebuilt a TH400 and an AMC/Chryco 727. I assume it's a little more delicate than those.

[boomstriker]

I think they're easy, like the rest of JATCO's. You will appreciate the design once your in it.Lorys in Florida or Cal trans on the west coast have everything you need- including friction, metal and all the seals, gaskets and O-rings in a kit. They also have all the common hard parts -planetary sets, bushings and shafts in case you have one that's toast. The dealer can get anything else you may need.Read through the service manual - it gives the entire procedure and all the specs.Kirk

Oh yeah-- for you guys that want the lower gears, you can swap the front planetarys while your at it. Caltrans may even trade you-- they're really great guys.

[Need4Speed]

Kirk,

Thanks for the info. I'll check them out.

Yes the FSM is certainly detailed.....over the last week or so my manual has started to fall apart from overuse.

I'm sure I have some fricton plate wear as that's what I found in the pan.....not much though, as I caught it real quick.

I really think I've got a bad "B" solenoid as it's not shifting past 2nd.

My plan is to pick-up a reliable, low mileage unit to drop in so I can drive it again and then build my current transmission up with the modified valve body that AZ94Q has found.

-Andy