How hard is it to actually rebuild a trans?

[lemming303]

This is actually on my F150, but I really, really don't want to take it to a shop. I know there is quite a bit of work involved, but the kit is less than 500 and if I take to the shop, well, you know how that goes. So, I'm thinking about doing it myself. I will have a week when I go home at the beginning of April. Or, I might do it here at our shop. But I need to know if this is a stupid idea. I'm going to ask our mechanic tomorrow what he thinks, but he is really a diesel mechanic. He knows alot about cars, but I still want yalls opinions. I've come to trust yall's advice over the past year or so I've been on here. Thanks for the help yall.

[ChallengerHK]

I've never actually done one, but a few folks on here have, and they all seem more than willing to share advice and help.

What I would say is this: since it's your fist trans, I wouldn't do this with a deadline (like I need it finished in x days to go back to y). A least for me, and with something I'm not completely familiar with, that's always a recipe for disaster.

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Agreed, everytime I can take the time, the project goes much better.

[CudaNut]

What year F150? The later models usually have the 4R70W (same basic trans as the C/vics). There are several updates for these and we build dozens every year at work. They can be an expensive trans to build depending on whats the problem...No matter the trans get an ATSG book before starting...Some are scanned on the net if you look...
http://www.atsgmiami.com/

[lemming303]

Its an 04. The newer one, not the heritage. From what I have found on the internet the trans is a 4R75E. Not sure how much difference from the 4R70W. The problem is it is slipping in OD sometimes in 3rd and 4th gear. This happens usually at lower RPMs, under 1900. I think it is just the converter, but a lot of people are saying it needs rebuilt. The reason I think it's the converter is that when it is shuddering the Engine RPM and Turbine Shaft RPM get up to a 40 RPM difference. It only does it when in OD, at least as far as I have found. It usually does it when under a load, such as at the base of a hill. It also does it some when the converter locks after accelerating. I tried to put some Trans X in it and that didn't help.

So, I am not making any decisions yet. I'm still going to have my mech at work look at it. But, if it needs rebuilt, I think I'm gonna try it myself.

[tactransman]

Make sure it is not an engine miss,misses are very common on the Fords.

[lemming303]

Terry, it's not throwing up any codes, so I don't think it's a miss. I can run the plugs though, just to make sure. That's gonna have to wait though til I get some time.

I'm at a loss on this thing. I hate that it's gonna cost so much to fix it.

[tactransman]

I have had many Fords with cylinder misses and NO codes.

[lemming303]

OK. I'll run the plugs. I've got fairly new MSD blaster coils on it, hopefully one of those ain't bad.