Front Pump Seal...Ugh.

[Custom Coffin Works]

Ok, so I no know why I got these calenders going...to help pay for the tranny to be rebuilt. While on my way to work, I pull up to a light and suddenly am engulfed in a cloud of fog. Pretty cool effect, only it was tranny fluid dropping from the inspection pan directly on my crossover pipe. Now I need to pull the damn tranny to change out a $15.oo part. Anyone do this on a 69-72 caddy yet? Will I need to take the drive shaft completely off or can I get away with just dropping it from the diff and sliding the front shaft out? I would think that the 40 year old carrier bearing will crumble if I fuck with it. I just want to change out the seal. But getting to it is gonna suck!

[Morella]

Ok, so I no know why I got these calenders going...to help pay for the tranny to be rebuilt. While on my way to work, I pull up to a light and suddenly am engulfed in a cloud of fog. Pretty cool effect, only it was tranny fluid dropping from the inspection pan directly on my crossover pipe. Now I need to pull the damn tranny to change out a $15.oo part. Anyone do this on a 69-72 caddy yet? Will I need to take the drive shaft completely off or can I get away with just dropping it from the diff and sliding the front shaft out? I would think that the 40 year old carrier bearing will crumble if I fuck with it. I just want to change out the seal. But getting to it is gonna suck!

I haven't done this particular model, but you should just be able to remove the rear shaft, then unbolt the carrier bearing from the frame and pull the front shaft and bearing out in one piece. There is no reason to remove the bearing from the shaft.

[Custom Coffin Works]

Ok...tranny is out. I unbolted the flange from the axle(note, make sure you have blocked the rear tires. I mean REALLY blocked the rear tires) . I had my life flash before me as the last bolt was removed and the hearse rolled onto the blocks...Thought I had a Darwin award coming for a second. Then two bolts holding the carrier bearing to the cross member.Once those were out, the entire unit was slid back until the front yoke gentle slipped out. That really was the easy part. Separating the tranny from the engine proved to be a pain. The bolts have been in place for 40 years. But, all in all I would give this a 6 in difficulty. Now the big question is do I get it rebuilt or just pop a new seal in the front and rear? Monday I will check prices on rebuilding it. Need to get it back together before the 7th for a rental.

[pyro]

I think you will shit your self when quoted prices. If its not giving you problems (tranny), put new seals in only.

[Custom Coffin Works]

I think you will shit your self when quoted prices. If its not giving you problems (tranny), put new seals in only.

Really? I would think this is a straight forward job. The rebuild kit is only $100 bucks. Why would it be so much?

[northgahearse]

Really? I would think this is a straight forward job. The rebuild kit is only $100 bucks. Why would it be so much?

i get them done for about 400.00 find a old skool guy that works in the backyard
stay away from aamco type shops they want about 1100.00

[Beladona_13]

This is why you don't want to go there unless you have to... and yes, I've had to.
TH400_Exploded_View.jpg
Besides that, the TH400 is virtually bullet proof. Slap a new seal in there and be done with it for another 100K.

[tonytheskin]

We have a guy that does them for $400 plus parts as well. Just had an AOD done for a Ford van, he picked up Wed and dropped off Fri. I'd check around and talk to friends of friends. I rebuild motors but just never tried trans, guess the amount of parts is what sways my decision. Good luck to you.

[Hoodlum Rocky]

I would just go with the seal if it shifted well. If its not broken dont fix it. And if you have to later it will be easyer you have all the bolts already out and you know what to do.