Tranny Rebuild - DIY job?

[hobieboy]

Sorry about the long post...

I'm preparing for my transmission rebuild/re-gear but am having cold feet about doing it myself.

I've no problem with rebuilding the engine (done that last winter ) but after reading all the manuals I can find, it seems that I'll need lots of special tools (mandrels, pressure pad, special sleeve/spacers, etc.), an oven for parts plus lots of pounding to get this done.

So, is this really true that I'll need all those expensive tools?
It seems that I'll need to remove the ring-&-pinion to change gears/replace dog teeth, so need to re-adjust them?

Is it time to send it out given the difficulty?

thanks...

[Jim Richards]

check out marcesq's 915 DiY rebuild webpage

http://www.pelicanparts.com/MotorCity/marcesq3/TrannyRebuild.htm

[djmcmath]

You might also try Randy's thread on the topic.

The summary: if you're savvy enough to rebuild an engine, the tranny should be simple. There may be some parts you have to send out -- those dogteeth really go on easier with a good press, for example. For the most part, though, if you have the time, you can do the thing. Good luck,

Dan

[john walker's workshop]

the factory manual makes it look like a big deal, but it's not. the condensed version is pretty straight forward. we'll work you thru it.

[BGCarrera32]

What I did was pull it out of the car myself, drain the oil, pull the case apart, remove the main gear stacks and related hardware. Then I took the stacks in to an experienced mechanic to look over (like a John Walker), had them press off the bearings, synchros, etc. replace those parts and look it all over...then I reassembled it myself. Yes, they aren't overly difficult but I don't rebuild a hundred of them a year so I'd rather have someone with the experience give it the once over. It all depends on your technical skill. Some of the write-ups on the BBS are more confusing than anything and make them out to be nuclear reactors...some of them are pretty good. But I'd rather drive so hence I believe it a wise idea to pay a J.W. or someone for a couple hrs time and parts to have some insurance that it gets done right.

-BG

[hobieboy]

Wow - thanks for the refefrence "articles" and everyone's encouragement. Sure gives me the confidence to at least get it started (and knowing that folks like John Walker et al will help ).

This week is pretty insane for me but look out for my questions in the coming weeks!

Thanks again guys.

[rcecale]

Hobieboy,

From your signature, you're looking at rebuilding the tranny in your 87 930. This is a different tranny than the 915 that is discussed in the threads above.

I'm not sure what the differences are, but you should be aware that they exist.

John Walker is definitely the one to help you here, no matter what tranny you have. He certainly made MY rebuild happen.

Randy

[project935]

There's a lot of us patiently waiting for someone to tackle and document a 930 4-spd rebuild ... like me

Care to be the first to do it and post? I would, but I'm not there yet.

I believe your '87 930 is still a 4-spd right? I think the G-50 5-spd Turbo came later yet ...

[hobieboy]

Randy, thanks for the reminder - yes, I do know that 930 is different than the 915 and it only has 4 speeds. From my understanding, its a "beef-ed up" version of the 915.

I'll definitely post my progress though it will be a long project - between 2 young children & work trallveing. But, I do have all winter up here in the North

[rcecale]

Picutres!!! Post a ton of pictures!

Wayne is in the process of writing his Trannsmission Rebuild Book so you may be "published"!

Oh, and they make a great reference tool when it comes time to put it all back together, too. It's a lot easier to scroll through a thread than to keep track of individual pics. Ask me how I know!

Randy

[hobieboy]

I hear ya... learnt that from my top end rebuild last winter Now - I wonder when is Wayne's book coming out? I couldn't have done the engine rebuild without his book.

[djmcmath]

Good catch, Randy; I didn't even check what kind of tranny he had. Good thing Hobie's smarter than the rest of us, eh? I'm trying not to let my pride as a Squid get hurt because I've just been corrected by an ex-Jarhead -- ouch!

Either way, BG's advice is excellent, and should be just as applicable for the 930 transmission as it is for a 915. Are you within driving distance (or shipping, if it's just the two shafts, perhaps?) of Seattle? I'd absolutely recommend John Walker's Workshop -- his quality of work is above reproach, and his prices will make you feel guilty, like you've stolen something from him.

Dan

[hobieboy]

Dan, I'm indeed thinking of going BG's suggested route, though I'm in the opposite coast than John Walker so it may get expensive (shipping + we get ding for duties for no known good reason when the parts re-enters the country).

Having said that, John just helped one of my buddies 930 cylinder head recently & he only had good things to say. So, maybe I'll end up doing that too.

[hobieboy]

oops - meant to say "John ported one of my buddies 930 cylinder head" (he's going EFI with his car).