Originally Posted by Level 10 Website

While it is impossible to build an indestructible transmission, you CAN build a transmission that will give you a long, trouble-free service life, even in heavy-duty applications such as Recreational Vehicles, Sport Utility Vehicles, vehicles that carry heavy loads or which pull trailers, high-performance vehicles, street rods, and race cars.

First of all, contact Level 10 Products to discuss your application and to order the Technical Manual for your transmission. While you can attempt to purchase all the bits and pieces and upgrade kits from various suppliers yourself, the simplest and best thing to do is to order a Level 10 Performance Transmission System, a Level 10 Hydrosystem Valve Body Recalibration Kit, a Level 10 Super Pump, and a Level 10 High Performance Torque Converter from Level 10 Products. While discussing your application, our technicians may also recommend upgrade kits that address specific problem-areas of your application. Also obtain thread-locking compounds, transmission assembly-lube, and a supply of high-quality ATF. For the utmost in protection and performance, use Level 10 High Performance ATF.

Raise the vehicle safely - use a lift or jack-stands! Using a spray-on degreaser, clean of as much of the "crud" as possible from the exterior of the transmission. Drain the transmission fluid (allow the transmission to cool-off first) and remove the transmission. Be sure to mark all of the cables and linkages so that you can reattach them properly. Segregate the hardware so that you know which bolt goes where.

Remove the torque converter - careful, it is HEAVY! Place the torque converter "upside down" on top of a bucket, so that the old ATF can drain out. Disassemble the transmission (remember to segregate the hardware so that you will know exactly where it goes during reassembly - installing a bolt in the wrong place can destroy your transmission!), remove all the old gaskets and seals, and clean all of the parts completely. Also, set-aside a clean area to reassemble the transmission. We cannot overstate the need for cleanliness! An automatic transmission is a precision instrument - one small piece of foreign matter can destroy your investment and all of your hard work. Check all of the internal parts CAREFULLY and replace any that are damaged or worn. It is false economy to reuse a worn $10.00 part whose failure may jeopardize your new transmission.

Replace all of the bushings in the transmission - you may need special tools to accomplish this. The bushings are quite soft and the bearing surfaces on these bushings are precision surfaces - be careful not to damage them!

Reassemble the transmission. Use assembly lube to lubricate all the new seals and to "stick" some of the parts in-place, as necessary. All "friction materials", such as bands and clutch disks, should be liberally coated with new, clean ATF prior to assembly. If necessary, use assembly lube or ATF to lubricate the parts to make assembly easier. Everything you need is contained in the Level 10 Performance Transmission System. Be sure to install any of the upgrades that you may have purchased. Be sure that the right bolt goes in every location! Use a torque wrench and tighten all hardware to the manufacturers specifications!

Recalibrate the valve body for the type of application you need by following the simple instructions provided in the Hydrosystem Valve Body Recalibration Kit. Install the modified valve body to the transmission.

Fill the torque converter with ATF and place it on the transmission's input shaft. There are several sets of splines that must engage - rotating the converter while installing it may help.

Flush-out the transmission oil-cooler lines. If your vehicle does not have an external transmission oil-cooler, now would be an excellent time to install one! Remember, excess heat causes 9 out of 10 transmission failures!

Install the transmission, add the correct amount of ATF, and start the engine - check for leaks and check the fluid level. Take the vehicle for a test-drive. Once the transmission has warmed-up, check for leaks and check the fluid level again.