Rebuilding transmission

[nativetexan]

Okay, need some input. I'm new here and am sooooo thankful that this website is out there. I just got my grandads 87 Silverado. I have lots of plans for this truck and hopefuly he will still be alive to see it finished. My first step is to rebuild the transmission and engine. So, my question is what's a good price for a total tranny rebuild. I will be taking it out and puting it in so we are talking about just the benchwork on it. Any advice ideas price ranges? Any advice is good.

[Captkaos]

What kind of transmission?  TH400, TH350 or 700R4? 
We can only give ballpark figures, but around here it breaks down like this:
TH400 = $350
TH350 = $250
700R4 = $650

[nativetexan]

I was under the truck trying to guess by lookin at the pan shape, I think it is the TH400. My truck is an AT so, could it be the 400? Anyway, is there anything I should request or pay close attenetion to. The guy that's doin it is my boss's close friend so I aint worried about getting screwed but, I wanted to know if there were any upgrades I should think about while the tranny's on the bench.

[nativetexan]

Also, I forgot, My boss said he had his done on his 92 for 750, is that a little too high. does it have anything to do with location. Im in TX. Is that typical.

[Captkaos]

$750 for a 700R4 is ok, but, in my opinion, not for a TH400.
Check the attached pic for trans identification

[nativetexan]

Okay, I think it might be the 350. I remember it being pretty much squared except for the little slant on the corner where the drain bolt is. So, maybe he will go down once he knows it is a th350.

[VileZambonie]

Why do you want to rebuild it anyway? Is there a problem with it?

[nativetexan]

Yeah, the truck is coming up to 300,000 miles so I figured it was time, but also there are some noticeable problems. It wont shift gears all the time and when it does it jerks real bad.

Also, i got a update another friend of mine says his dad has a 400 at the shop from an 85 that they swapped with a new one for time reasons. He rebuilt it and now it is on the bench just sittin there. Is the 400 better than the 350? Would this be a step up from what i have now. and what would be a good price on that? If I let him have mine it should be fairly cheaper right?? 

[Captkaos]

The TH400 is stronger than the TH350, but it is overkill for a daily driver.  If you plan to tow A LOT, it would be ok. 
I don't think it would be warranted since it takes more power using a TH400.  If you are going to upgrade a driver, I would go with a 700R4 or a 200R4 personally.

[nativetexan]

Sooo, maybe I will just aim for mine to get rebuilt. Any other suggestions.

Oh yeah another friend said he would rebuild it for $300 on the bench and $650 for removal and install added.

Is that an okay deal??

[VileZambonie]

You're at $950 there and do you trust this friend? Did you actually determine what trans you have?

[nativetexan]

Woops, I meant $300 if I brought it to him . Or, $650 if he removed it and installed it. And yeah he's trust worthy.

[87GMC1500]

I wish prices were that low in CA. I priced around at some shops that do performance trannys and my number was WAY higher. I did get mine built completly though. The only thing i'm pissed about is after paying out the a$# you would thing the rear main would be new. but mine just started leaking. time 4 a trip back to the shop

[77c15]

You are basically paying for labor on all of those prices. You can get a th400 or th350 complete overhaul kit for 50 bucks, and for 50 more you can get a shift kit. I'd ask around. I shopped around for awhile and found the "back door deal" at the local Cottman Trans. Center where the guy did it in his spare time, complete rebuild with shift kit, for $350. He also deleted the downshift cable. My dad is now happily tearing up the asphalt with that tranny. It pulls hard. I can honestly say you'd be happier with the acceleration and mileage from a TH350 becuase of the gear ratios.

[Blazin]

What ever you do replace the torque converter. A buddy of mine does transmissions and he won't warranty one unless it has a new converter.