:screwy: I may be crazy, but I am going to do my own trans and engine rebuild over the next few months. Please don't discourage me!!

I have a 97 Grand 4.0, quadra trac, 42re trans, in mint condition interior and exterior, exept for the toll that 190,000 miles have taken on the eng/trans.

The transfer case was rebuilt at the dealership 2 yrs ago, then a few months ago and the trans started going. I have been told that the torque converter went bad and has filled the trans with debris. Engine was compression tested at the same time and found one very low cylinder.

I have my Chilton's for the engine rebuild and an ATSG manual for the trans. I figure I have all winter to do this project so I am not going to rush it.

The questions I have are for anyone who has done this type of work. I have read ALOT of stuff on the net about cleanliness, torque, special tools, etc. And I am not some dough-head either, I have been in the repair business for 15 years, just not this complex of machinary.

I will be taking both units apart before ordering the parts so I can get the correct 'version' for the trans kit and oversizing on the engine parts if necessary.

The part that I am not sure about is where to get quality parts like the master rebuild kit for the trans. Is NAPA good enough? The dealership doesn't sell a rebuilt kit, only individual parts. How about the engine overhaul kit? Again is NAPA good enough? I have seen price ranges from $400-1000 on the engine parts and $140-300 on the trans kit.

there are several sources of trans kits from co,s that specialize in trans
parts ect, ect on line ,,,all happy to take your money,,,with name brand
parts,,,,Alto,,,,Raybestoes,,,NSK frudenberg and so on !!!

Transmission - Here is where I went for my '93 Olds 4T60 rebuild.

http://www.autotransinc.com/index2.htm

As far as the engine - Here is what I did to give you ideas of your own.

Once I went to the junk yard and bought a 60,000 mile engine that lasted 100,000 MORE miles [160,000 total on that engine]. An the second time I bought a long block from Interstate - still running. They are local [to me] and are the engine source for the local Advanced and AutoZone stores. They delivered and picked up the core as a part of the cost.

http://www.interstatemotorsupply.com/

I got an engine at the junkyard with 27k on it (so they say) and rebuilt my own trans. Have it up and running now, but dont have 4th gear, no codes. Maybe I missed something in the overhaul, but it is fine for running around town. The trans really wasnt that bad to do. The book called for 20 or so 'special' tools and I only had to borrow 2. Local tranny shop was willing to loan out the homemade special tools for alignments.