Drivetrain Conundrum

[85MudMonster]

Okay, here is the deal. I have an '85 K10 that has a 450+ hp Big Block in it, and the original NP208 and TH350 behind it, and stock converter as well. It's not a race truck, but the trans seems to be struggling to cope with "all that power" running to it. And since she's been parked for the past month and a half the transfer case had decided to pee all over the driveway. The transfer case has been on it's last leg since I got the truck, and I therefore almost never used the 4x4 except like 3 times in 4 years I've had it. Also I think the trans needs a rebuild anyway, but my issue is this: do I buy a new rebuilt setup (especially since I've never rebuilt a trans or a transfer case) or undertake rebuilding them myself?? And if I buy a new trans and transfer case where is the best place to go, we have a local transmission place down here that sells them ready to go in, I also have a guy from my church who onws a transmission shop and said he could rebuild both of them for me for a good price...what should I do??

[zieg85]

I also have a guy from my church who owns a transmission shop and said he could rebuild both of them for me for a good price...what should I do??

I would go that route if it were me...

[bake74]

I also have a guy from my church who owns a transmission shop and said he could rebuild both of them for me for a good price...what should I do??

   

I would go that route if it were me...

      x2, and if you are anything like me, I always look to be taught something I don't know from someone who knows.  So if he is willing or able, maybe you can watch or help in the rebuild and then next time you might be able to do the rebuilds yourself.

[Engineer]

I also have a guy from my church who owns a transmission shop and said he could rebuild both of them for me for a good price...what should I do??

   

I would go that route if it were me...

      x2, and if you are anything like me, I always look to be taught something I don't know from someone who knows.  So if he is willing or able, maybe you can watch or help in the rebuild and then next time you might be able to do the rebuilds yourself.

+1

The turbo hydro 350 is a simple, and easy rebuild as far as automatic transmissions go, and you can probably pull it off yourself. However, they are complex enough that if you can get professional help you will potentially save yourself a ton of headaches.

[Lt.Del]

there are labor costs involved in removing then reinstalling the transmission and transfer case.  Get a quote with the parts still in the truck and get a quote if you were to remove them then install them.  You could save yourself a bit of money by doing at least that labor yourself.

[85MudMonster]

okay, I'll ask him what the cost difference will be, I want to get this done soon, so I can get the truck back on the road. Thanks for the inputs. Much appreciated.

[85MudMonster]

Okay, I know I posted this awhile ago, but now I'm working on getting this going again, had some Engine Issues to work out first.

I have a question though, I'm going to rebuild the Transfer case myself, it seems very straight forward, and if I can build an engine how hard could this be...But, is there somewhere I can get a manual to help guide me along the way?

[bake74]

     If you have any local 4wd shops, I would start there by asking them for a reference.  When I did that a few years ago for a jeep transfer case I rebuilt they actually copied off the part of the manual I needed for me.  At the least they could give you an idea of where to find a manual.