I'm new to the transmission game (heck, I'm just learning a lot about cars now), but I was wondering... how hard is it to rebuild a Turbo 350? I think I can find a core that's in pretty good shape, but honestly... with a decent workbench and space, how hard is it on a scale of 1 to 10 for a new guy (like myself) to do? My dad says automatics are complicated, which is why he never messes with them, but I was looking at the rebuild kits, and it doesn't seem like there's a whole lot to them. Anyone have any opinions on this? Also, if it's not too hard to do, does anyone know a good step-by-step instruction website (or even a DVD) explaining how to do this? Remember, I'm semi-new, so it would have to be something that explains it to a new guy. I just really want to learn how to do this. Thanks for any help guys!
The book pictured is excellent. I used it to guide me through my first rebuild and it worked great.
It a lot easier to assemble if you can stand the trans on end, tailshaft end down. Make an adapter for an engine stand or do like I did and cut a hole in a bench or table big enough for the output shaft to fit through. I then drilled a 3/8 hole spaced from the larger hole so that I could bolt the trans case to the bench on the tailshaft mounting surface, standing on end.
A couple pairs of snap ring pliers and some good c-clamps to compress the clutch packs will get the job done.
If you are confident enough to rebuild an engine, you should have no problem with a trans.
A lot of it is inspection to see what is worn out and the book will help with that. Also careful and clean assembly to make sure seals are installed correctly and undamaged.
Get the core and tear it apart and you should know right away if you think you can handle it.
Hope this helps.
Automatics are far from complicated and once you do one, you'll realize how simple they are!.. My first one was a TH400 and I used a B&M Transkit, it comes with a step by step manual with a ton of pictures covering dissassembly to full assembly, and it is written for the complete novice, it covers a stock rebuild along with performance modifications to suit your application!.. Basic tools are all that's necessary, there are a couple of specialty tools but they can be made with scrap laying around!. I highly suggest you look into this if you really want to learn how to do automatics!...
I rebuilt my first transmission in high school with my teacher's help. I probably would have got it done much faster if I would have used a manual. I bought a Haynes Manual from @uto Zone a few years back, and it covers pretty much all of GM's auto transmissions. Be clean, be organized and you will do just fine.
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