new member former auto trans builder
 

Hello all,

I was doing a little "beverage induced" web searching and found this site, glad i did. Previously, i used to rebuild automatic transmissions but just the "big 3" no rice fueled units..lol for the past 12 years i've been in the lawnmower field, playing mechanic and learning..anybody ever think there would be the day, where a lawnmower isn't running correctly and to diagnose the problem, you get out your laptop computer to find the trouble codes/problems? well those days are here.

anyway, currently have a 2002 3.0L 4x2 XLT motor has been changed but the trans and all else has 230k miles. so the trans had the right to go all stupid last weekend. it's sitting on the bench right now, with a grand total of $850 new parts. all 3 NEW planetary assemblies, 6 NEW solenoids, t-conv, and of course all friction/steel's and the 3 bands. plus the TransGo@ shift correction kit. I have a very good friend by the name of Stevie Lavallee, who was the brains/leader of T.E.S.T research. Transmission Engineering Service Technology. I should add that the planetaries have been upgraded to the 6 pinion 4.0L set up.

Ok, caffeine time...any idea's or thoughts/general chat is welcomed, thanks for having this site.

Reads like some good info coming our way :biggrin:

And hello

new info 5R55E general rambling...
 

RonD..thank you..

in regards to the A4LD or later yrs called 5R55E...do yourself a favor if transmission is tore down...install the 4.0 L, 6 pinion planetary assemblies. also install the AA/AB servos for both 2nd and 4th. there are multiple "fixes" for the various issues with these transmissions...HOWEVER, having used TransGo@ / Gil Younger shift correction[not "shift kits"] with GREAT success in yrs past..go with what is proven to work..and don't mix n match various brands of kits. and ALWAYS replace the OD spraque assembly no matter what. the 6 solenoids, if trans has LESS than 50k miles, test and re-use is ok, if 55k miles, don't test and guess, REPLACE. one MAJOR key factor on these units[even the 1989 A4LD] you have an aluminum valve body assembly with aluminum valves..that does NOT like torque on the hold down bolts. Torque rating is in inch lbs...basically, HAND tighten with a nut driver then divide by 3 the final torque specs, and tighten in stages of 3. this is one unit where if you want durability, don't use aftermarket solenoids or servos..go with the good stuff.

i'll follow up with more...