[Aldergrove]

I am looking at a 2002 Grand Caravan @ 3.3L ,200,000km + A604. Price is below $500.

The transmission grinds/clicks with no forward or reverse motion. A Rebuild is required. With so few good used A604's, I was wondering whether or not to take on this project and rebuild the unit. I have engine plus plenty of mechanical experience and I have the A604/670 rebuilding guide.

I have NO transmission rebuilding experience. However, plenty of carb rebuilding experience from the days gone by. Cleanliness is important.

Can I attempt to succeed with this project using conventional non specialized transmission rebuilding tools and the latest recommended material updates?

Your advice and thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Aldergrove BC Canada

 

[ImperialCrown]

Starting with a good service manual, it will show you what special tools are needed, what they look like, their tool #'s, procedures and torques. Sometimes you can improvise with what tools you have on hand and sometimes you just need that specific tool. You will want compressed air, air wrench, blow gun, slide hammer, press, puller, sturdy bench, assembly (not wheel bearing) grease and a vice. You may need a trans jack, jack stands, rags and solvent. If you need to service bearing cups and cones, you will need those specific pullers and installers.
It can get up to several hundred to thousands of dollars for something that is only going to be done once. A 41TE is much more complicated then a carburetor.
If the planetary gear sets have eaten themselves and sent metal particles throughout the transaxle and cooler, you just might be better off with a reman 41TE. That may be a more cost-effective solution here. Some most-needed special tools are:

http://www.etoolcart.com/overdrivereversereactionplatespringcompressorkit.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/2-4-piston-spring-compressor-5058A.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/inputclutchouterlipsealinstallerprotector.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/pressure-test-plate-6056.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/outputandtransfershaftgearholder.aspx

 

[Aldergrove]

Starting with a good service manual, it will show you what special tools are needed, what they look like, their tool #'s, procedures and torques. Sometimes you can improvise with what tools you have on hand and sometimes you just need that specific tool. You will want compressed air, air wrench, blow gun, slide hammer, press, puller, sturdy bench, assembly (not wheel bearing) grease and a vice. You may need a trans jack, jack stands, rags and solvent. If you need to service bearing cups and cones, you will need those specific pullers and installers.
It can get up to several hundred to thousands of dollars for something that is only going to be done once. A 41TE is much more complicated then a carburetor.
If the planetary gear sets have eaten themselves and sent metal particles throughout the transaxle and cooler, you just might be better off with a reman 41TE. That may be a more cost-effective solution here. Some most-needed special tools are:

http://www.etoolcart.com/overdrivereversereactionplatespringcompressorkit.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/2-4-piston-spring-compressor-5058A.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/inputclutchouterlipsealinstallerprotector.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/pressure-test-plate-6056.aspx
http://www.etoolcart.com/outputandtransfershaftgearholder.aspx

Although I have rebuilt engines, considering the complexity of this rebuild and the unlikeliness that I'd do this again, I'll search for a reasonably priced unit to re & re.

Thank you for your advice!!!!