General 2004r questions

[derekf]

Didn't get too much response when I stuck this at the bottom of someone else's post, figured I'd try it standalone:

It may be time to replace the TH350 in my Elky with a 2004r.

Being cheap (since I am cheap) and broke (since the wife is not cheap) the 4-figure prices I'm seeing for rebuilt trannies are probably more than I need to be looking to spend... so it looks like junkyard tranny is the way to go for me.



Given that I've never rebuilt a transmission, is this something that I can/should be trying to rebuild on my own or is it a task that really needs to be farmed out?

If it is indeed something I should be able to do, is there a recommended guide/manual for it, and what parts should be upgraded while I'm there? (and if I'm replacing all those parts, is the donor car that important any more? It's a safe bet that my 396 won't ever put out much over 400hp.)

What should I expect to pay for a complete pull out 2004r? (obviously, prices will vary by region.. but I'd hate to get ripped off)