Can a 727 be rebuilt by a rookie ???

[skip68]

  I don't have any experience in dealing with auto trannys but was wondering how hard it would be to try a rebuild kit myself ? ? ?   My mechanic skill level is a rookie but learning.

[A383Wing]

service manual & some special tools would be needed..such as snap ring pliers and possibly some other items...

I have been doing mechanics since early 70's....I have never done an auto trans...and I don't want to...

but that's just me

[flyinlow]

I have done a few 727 repairs years ago. Was not a Rookie overall at the time. Had a factory service manual and a buddy at a transmission shop. Got to do the first one twice to get everything right. I learned. The diagrams are intimidating, but the trans comes apart in sections. Now days with digital cameras and this forum it is probably possible. If you are doing it to learn and don't mind some down time and aggravation as you learn ,go for it. If you are just trying to save money ,I would consider saving money somewhere else and take it to a pro.  

[darkfiire5000]

The 727 was the first auto trans I worked on in college it was cake just take your time and be very organized and take pictures if that helps u put it back together right and make sure u adjust it right.

[Ghoste]

Follow the procedures in the service manual, obey the spec's faithfully, don't force anything and keep it all clean clean clean.  Surgical clean.

[skip68]

Thanks guys, I think I'll learn another time.   One thing I've is to go with your gut.  My guts been telling me don't even try it just to save a few bucks.  I'll wait.

[greasyspider]

I did it when I was seventeen on a tarp in my parents driveway.  Its not hard if you have the manual.  Just keep track of all the checkballs in the valve body.

[ITSA426]

My kid brother bought a video and did it in front of a TV set in his garage.  He put a shift kit into it and did some tweaking suggested in the video.  Hate to say it, but it ran great and he has no perceivable mechanical skills at all.  He had never even pulled one out of a car.  He borrowed an armload of tools from me and I didn't even ask why.

[mhinders]

Sure you can, just use common sense. I was 18 when I took a Ford auto apart, spread the parts out on old newspapers in my parent's house, didn't have a single piece of info about the automatic gearbox. No problems, go for it, it's interesting to open unknown stuff.
Good luck,
Martin

[kamkuda]

I believe there is a video available that is pretty comprehensive.  If you learn it well, you may be able to rebuild some in the future and recoup your tool costs.

[ACUDANUT]

Depends on how may Tries, Time and Patients you have.
Ask RD..He does this on the side.

[chargergirl]

I have done a few 727 repairs years ago. Was not a Rookie overall at the time. Had a factory service manual and a buddy at a transmission shop. Got to do the first one twice to get everything right. I learned. The diagrams are intimidating, but the trans comes apart in sections. Now days with digital cameras and this forum it is probably possible. If you are doing it to learn and don't mind some down time and aggravation as you learn ,go for it. If you are just trying to save money ,I would consider saving money somewhere else and take it to a pro.  

Was just thinking the same thing!

[c00nhunterjoe]

If you are good at jigsaw puzzles and can follow a service manual they you should be ok. A nice big clean work bench to keep track of your parts would be nice. Fr the most part you can get away with basic hand tools but have to be careful on a pair of seals when installing them without the protector. Use enough grease as lube and you should be fine. Be sure to air test it before you button it up and install it to find out you knicked a seal and have to pull it back out

[375instroke]

Did my first 727 at 18.  The FSM was very easy to follow.

[John_Kunkel]

Every "pro" started out as a rookie.