Tired turbo 400

[Mike1973]

1984 GMC 3/4 ton 2WD 454 c.i.

I think the TH400 in my truck is getting tired, after sitting on a cold start shifting into drive the truck won't move that is until the truck is warmed up then everything is normal.  I haven't done this more than a couple times but when I'm on a cold start and it won't move in drive if I rev it up some it will move and once it gets going shifting is fine.  Tired transmission?

Since I haven't bought a rebuilt transmission for years I was curious what a rebuilt one goes for so I called a local place that's been around for years.  They quoted me $670 to rebuild mine and that is without a new torque converter.  They also asked me if it was a 6 bolt dust cover and I told them I didn't know right off.  She also mentioned that I may or may not have a heavy duty case.  How do I tell if I do indeed have a HD case?  I'd actually like to rebuild it myself, I was just curious what a rebuilt one cost from the local shop.  Prices have gone up!  I've never rebuilt a transmission but I'd do it under the close observation of a friend.  So any insight on the HD case as well as if $670 without a torque converter seems fair?

[Captkaos]

A 6 bolt cover indicates a HD case.  The cost seems reasonable in my opinion unless they are just refreshing the inner workings. 

[Engineer]

Capt is right on the HD 6-bolt torque converter cover. I've never considered it necessary for HD use though.

And the TH-400 is without a doubt the simplest three speed tranny to overhaul. Read up on it and do it yourself. TH-400 rebuild manuals are easily available from your local Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or eBay.

The very first automatic transmission I ever rebuilt was a TH-400. It set in my shop for about 15 years never having been used. I finally sold it to a friend of my oldest son. He put it in a mud truck and ran it for a couple of years without the cooler being hooked up.    It is still alive as far as I know.

[bd]

...And the TH-400 is without a doubt the simplest three speed tranny to overhaul. Read up on it and do it yourself. TH-400 rebuild manuals are easily available from your local Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or eBay....

For some examples of references, see Rebuilding my TH400.

[DnStClr]

Some yrs ago (2005) I bought a Monster Transmissions remanufactured TH400 for a truck I sold without ever putting the transmission into it. Just the other day I took it to my buddy's junkyard and told him to sell it for me-$500. I had $1000 in it. Includes a 1800-2300 stall converter. Just sayin- they're out there if you look for them. And some of us will lose money to make room for other "stuff".