[lt1silverhawk]

Hi All,

I am considering rebuilding a 4L60e transmission. I am trying to assemble a list of all necessary tools and guide books needed for a proper rebuild.

For the rebuild guide books, I have been directed to ATSG's two books.

For tools, I have been looking at Pro-Built Automatics' listing.

Are all of the tools listed necessary? Or are there any that I can do without?

If it matters, I am focusing on Pro-Built's site because I am considering buying one of their kits since they have a solid reputation with the F-body and B-body folks. So it would be nice to get everything from one place if possible. But I am open to better suggestions as well.

If all goes well, I would like to do other transmissions in the future, so any recommendations on tools that would work on other GM transmissions as well as the 4L60e would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,

[lt1silverhawk]

Bump. Any transmission builders here that can provide some guidance? Thanks!

[Crosley]

please keep in mind these are tools at my home shop:


trans spring compressors, one for drums, one for rear of case springs t-350 , t-700 series.

T-400 drum is held by ring gear from t-400, it will work for 30 spline t-700 drum too





You need something to hold the trans case as you build... basic, but works



Notice snap ring pliers, sockets (metric) on t-700 series trans (4l60, 4l60e) stuff, ATSG books = good for DYI folks



Arbor press, bushing driver set, end wrenches (metric)..



wider view... vice, metal work bench 1/4 inch thick plate



Not seen= air tools, air compressor or use ratchet, speed handle. Inch pound torque wrench is good too. Micrometer, depth mic is good for setup of the pump clearance

That will get you started. Remember mistakes can be expensive and the valve bodies need attention in various areas a DYI may not know about , understand or get it done

[lt1silverhawk]

Hey Crosley,

Thank you so much for the detailed pictures of your shop set up and the tools you use. This very very helpful.

Originally Posted by Crosley

Remember mistakes can be expensive and the valve bodies need attention in various areas a DYI may not know about , understand or get it done

Yes, that is the one thing that makes me nervous. So I have been reading up on various rebuild threads on many forum over the past year and a half (that's how the long ago the transmission went out). I do personally feel I can do the job if I take my time and check everything several times over at every step. I've gotten pretty good at documenting stuff as I work on something, using pictures and posting about it here, so that should help.

On the subject of mistakes, one thing I've read over and over and over is that the work area must be cleaner than clean because dust will damage the parts. I have to admit that in my neighborhood, there is a bit of a dust problem. I can always work with the garage coor lowered or closed or use a shop facing outward or something. Should I still be concerned?




I also emailed and got a response from Dana Wilkes, owner of Pro-Built, regarding the tools needed for the rebuild:

Hi, I am considering rebuilding my own transmission using one of your kits. I see you also carry the tools. I wanted to know which tools are absolutely essential and which ones I can build without. I am working an transmission for a 1995 Impala SS and am trying to keep the costs down, but not skimp out on quality and tools Thanks!




You will need the low/reverse piston removal tool. The spring compressor to disassemble the two drums. The bushing driver kit. And the lip seal installer tool. I do not carry the bushing driver kit, but everything else I have or can get in a day or two. Dana

The bushing driver kit was the one thing I was not aware of until you and Dana mentioned it so I'll ask him about getting it. Definitely open to any recommendations you may have as well.




Thanks again!

[lt1silverhawk]

Originally Posted by lt1silverhawk

On the subject of mistakes, one thing I've read over and over and over is that the work area must be cleaner than clean because dust will damage the parts. I have to admit that in my neighborhood, there is a bit of a dust problem. I can always work with the garage coor lowered or closed or use a shop facing outward or something. Should I still be concerned?

Originally Posted by lt1silverhawk

The bushing driver kit was the one thing I was not aware of until you (Crosley) and Dana mentioned it so I'll ask him about getting it. Definitely open to any recommendations you may have as well.

Bump. Any info on risks of dust and bushing driver kit recommendations? Thanks.

[SSedan64]

A Universal Cam Bushing/Bearing tool can be used for most of the Bushings except the very small ones. Trans Bushing tool sets can get very pricey.
I use this one>> http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-ATD-8.../dp/B000OUXAI0

Cleanliness is very important.

[lt1silverhawk]

Hey SSedan64,

Thanks for the recommendation. The one I originally found, a bushing driver kit, was about $500. Didn't know that cam bushing drivers would work as well.

I understand that cleanliness is very important, but am I being over-paranoid about working with the garage door open and the dust coming in under normal conditions?

Thanks for the help!

[SSedan64]

The Dust shouldn't cause a problem, just make sure everything's "clean" when you are assembling, no grit that you can see or feel. You can use plastic, garbage bags etc.. to cover/rap parts. No Rags tho' the Lint from them can/will cause big problems. Blow everything off with compressed air before assembly.

May catch a Deal on Evilbay etc.. on a Uni Cam Bushing remover/installer tool. That's what I did, got one like above new for $70 shipped.

[lt1silverhawk]

Originally Posted by SSedan64

The Dust shouldn't cause a problem, just make sure everything's "clean" when you are assembling, no grit that you can see or feel. You can use plastic, garbage bags etc.. to cover/rap parts. No Rags tho' the Lint from them can/will cause big problems. Blow everything off with compressed air before assembly.

Got it. Not so worried now.

Originally Posted by SSedan64

May catch a Deal on Evilbay etc.. on a Uni Cam Bushing remover/installer tool. That's what I did, got one like above new for $70 shipped.

I found two on the local Craigslist:
snap-on bushing driver set (new) - $70 (oc).

Snap on bushing Driver set - $95 (costa mesa).

Any opinions?