What to do to a used Transmission?

[happydog500]

I'm looking into putting in a used Transmission in my 97 LeSabre. On a used motor, I can check the compression, and things like that to see how good the motor is.

Also, on a used 3.8, it's a good idea to put on a UIM, LIM gasket, valve cover gaskets, etc.....

Any way to tell anything about a used transmission, both in a car and out of a car? (I have access to one that's out of a car) What should be done before putting it in the car (like UIM, gaskets on a motor)?

Thank you for reply's,

Chris.

[maxwedge]

See if the fluid is burnt, if so it's a no go, if ok replace the fluid and filter, drain the convertor best posible, look at the axle shaft seals, maybe replace the front seal on the pump.

[happydog500]

The Trans that came out of the car I got the motor from I know two things about.

1. It was running when it went over the cliff.
2. When I checked the fluid at the wrecking yard, it was black. Black.

Thanks for the reply,

Chris.

[spinne1]

I would not use that tranny unless you completely rebuild it, and that is a pain because of the cost of specialty tools. You can buy a used tranny with warranty (ebay, etc.) or go to a pick and pull and take your chances (you can buy a cheap warranty there too but the pain of installing, uninstalling, getting another one, installing, etc. is HUGE.) I got lucky at our pick and pull in that the 97 tranny I got works perfectly. It was about $70 with tax. If you live near a pullapart.com location, that is the cheapest way to go. (But it took me several hours to get the thing out with just hand tools.)

I am not aware of accurate tests to determine how a tranny will function when it is out of a car, but I am also not a mechanic.

[happydog500]

Originally Posted by spinne1

I would not use that tranny unless you completely rebuild it, and that is a pain because of the cost of specialty tools. You can buy a used tranny with warranty (ebay, etc.) or go to a pick and pull and take your chances (you can buy a cheap warranty there too but the pain of installing, uninstalling, getting another one, installing, etc. is HUGE.) I got lucky at our pick and pull in that the 97 tranny I got works perfectly. It was about $70 with tax. If you live near a pullapart.com location, that is the cheapest way to go. (But it took me several hours to get the thing out with just hand tools.)

I am not aware of accurate tests to determine how a tranny will function when it is out of a car, but I am also not a mechanic.

Did you have to take the whole front end off when you took it out?
I'm hoping there is a easier way.

How many miles on the one you got?

I found another one in a 98 (98 won't work) car with 79,000 miles on it. Everything looks brand new. I've been able to get a few nice parts. Interesting, the trans has a "Remanufactured By GM" Sticker on it.

Chris.

[spinne1]

Originally Posted by happydog500

Did you have to take the whole front end off when you took it out?
I'm hoping there is a easier way.

How many miles on the one you got?

I found another one in a 98 (98 won't work) car with 79,000 miles on it. Everything looks brand new. I've been able to get a few nice parts. Interesting, the trans has a "Remanufactured By GM" Sticker on it.

Chris.

I had to take half of the front frame out to get it out (the front part and the left part.) I did that very last. After that, the tranny was on the ground and I used a chain and two bolts to pull it out and got the workers to haul it to my trunk. It was a bit scary at the moment the front drops. Don't be under it. The remanufactured 98 sounds good, but I'm not sure if the 98 and 97 are direct swappable. You need to check.

How many miles? Honestly, I don't know. I looked but do not remember. It was over 100,000 and probably more like 130,000+. However, the engine compartment looked clean and well maintained so I took a chance. I hope it lasts for five years or so.

[Jrs3800]

Chris, if the Trans fluid in that trans is black you don't want to touch it with a 10 Ft Pole as that trans is fried....

If you plan to use the other motor, Lower intake gaskets and upper intake are a must...

[happydog500]

I posted a response in this thread. I went to my old thread but didn't go back far enough, so it was the wrong one. I thought I could delete it, but can't, so I edited it out here and posted it in the right thread. Sorry.
Chris.