[DillyDally]

Long time reader, first time poster!
I have a 1998 Honda Passport 3.2 automatic, that I have owned for roughly 7 years. I replaced the motor in it after a few years the the transmission started acting up and replaced fluid it help, drove a little while longer, and the Transmission basically went out, it’s slipping and slam shifts. I parked and it has set for the last 3 years. I pulled it out, got the motors running good, and now it’s time to address the age old issue the 4l30e…. So all that to ask…. Rebuild or junkyard? How much are you guys paying to have them rebuilt? I know there is a wonderful thread on a guy that did it himself and I just don’t think I’m that good! If I get one from junkyard I know all I am doing is pushing this issue out for a later date. Any suggestions? In east Tn, any rebuild shops close that’s have had success with ? Thank you in advance.

 

[Shawn Anthony]

Rebuilt 4L30 are less reliable than the already unreliable factory built transmissions. Most people get 3 days to 3 years of use out of a remanufactured 4L30 transmission. Some people do get lucky and experience many years of use from a rebuild transmissions. Personally I've never seen a remanufactured 4l30 reach 80,000 miles. .

I will admit I am biased. I truly believe that this is one of the worst transmissions ever made. So I will recommend installing a bullet proof manual transmission instead.

 

[DillyDally]

Rebuilt 4L30 are less reliable than the already unreliable factory built transmissions. Most people get 3 days to 3 years of use out of a remanufactured 4L30 transmission. Some people do get lucky and experience many years of use from a rebuild transmissions. Personally I've never seen a remanufactured 4l30 reach 80,000 miles. .

I will admit I am biased. I truly believe that this is one of the worst transmissions ever made. So I will recommend installing a bullet proof manual transmission instead.

From what I have read on this forum that sounds just slightly easier than rebuilding myself so I’m not sure that is a option either… I’ll do some more digging! Thanks for the advice!

 

[cswa]

I too would recommend going for a manual transmission, I knock on wood am just lucky my 4L30 hasn't died yet. Not looking forward to when that happens, but my '99 only has 135k miles on it so who knows.

 

[leetek123]

I rebuilt mine but I have mechanical experience and a lot of tools. It cost me about 1500.00 for everything.
4L30E Rebuild On/Off Lock Up - YouTube

 

[leetek123]

Im in South west Virginia just over the Tn. Line near Kingsport

 

[Bluetugtuna]

Long time reader, first time poster!
I have a 1998 Honda Passport 3.2 automatic, that I have owned for roughly 7 years. I replaced the motor in it after a few years the the transmission started acting up and replaced fluid it help, drove a little while longer, and the Transmission basically went out, it’s slipping and slam shifts. I parked and it has set for the last 3 years. I pulled it out, got the motors running good, and now it’s time to address the age old issue the 4l30e…. So all that to ask…. Rebuild or junkyard? How much are you guys paying to have them rebuilt? I know there is a wonderful thread on a guy that did it himself and I just don’t think I’m that good! If I get one from junkyard I know all I am doing is pushing this issue out for a later date. Any suggestions? In east Tn, any rebuild shops close that’s have had success with ? Thank you in advance.

I would be sure to add a trans fluid temp gage, and a trans cooler in the rebuild process. At least then you can watch temp and any symptoms that may come.
I am about to start a home rebuild on a 2000 4L30e out of one of my troopers. But its not my daily driver, and i have some time on my hands. I have had shops do several rebuilds on my past 6 troopers 4L30e and most don't do everything-they do minimum to get it out the door and get paid fast. Leetek123 and some others here has given me some good advice and parts list,

 

[Buster28]

Compared to a modern automatic transmission a 4L30e is about as complicated as a model T Ford. The rebuilds don't usually last as long as the original is because of poor quality parts and workmanship by the rebuilder, imho.

 

[DillyDally]

I rebuilt mine but I have mechanical experience and a lot of tools. It cost me about 1500.00 for everything.
4L30E Rebuild On/Off Lock Up - YouTube

I have watched this video about a thousand times to try to get the courage hahah it’s not my daily so time is not the issue, I have the space, but tools and knowledge is where I would be in a bind. This guy makes it look so easy! Thanks for the estimate on cost!

 

[DillyDally]

Im in South west Virginia just over the Tn. Line near Kingsport

Just went through that area to go to snow shoe to snowboard. Pretty area

 

[Bluetugtuna]

Compared to a modern automatic transmission a 4L30e is about as complicated as a model T Ford. The rebuilds don't usually last as long as the original is because of poor quality parts and workmanship by the rebuilder, imho.

Buster28 has given me great on spot info and direction, my first 2000 4L30e trans project is in an running great, thanks to Buster28. I am now collecting the parts for my 2nd 2001 4L30e trans project. " caution of other people wanting to sell you anything, tell you 4L30e are junk, or try to convince you your case is obviously distroyed without seeing it " imho

 

[turnerd]

If you have the guts to build it yourself, there is a guy on facebook that has kits with upgraded parts. He builds 4L30E's that last for as many or more miles than the factory trans.

 

[DillyDally]

If you have the guts to build it yourself, there is a guy on facebook that has kits with upgraded parts. He builds 4L30E's that last for as many or more miles than the factory trans.

I don’t have a transmission that works now so I guess I mine as well try it… worst thing that happens is I have broke 4l30e… lol Do you know what he name is?

 

[turnerd]

I don’t have a transmission that works now so I guess I mine as well try it… worst thing that happens is I have broke 4l30e… lol Do you know what he name is?

He will build the trans for you if you want-- there is just a few month wait as he is the only guy that can build one to last and Isuzu people know it... Garrett Adams is the dude

 

[leetek123]

On my 2001 trooper the bellhousing bolts are different lengths. Make note if where the bolt came from. Bad things can happen.

 

[Bluetugtuna]

Basic rule of thumb is, when all physical plate thicknesses of parts are tight, additional bolt thread engagement should be equal to one bolt diameter min + maybe 1/8" .. general rule of thumb any bolt connection on any mechanical bolt type connection.

 

[Buster28]

Put a long bell housing bolt in the wrong hole and it can penetrate the engine water jacket.

 

[Buster28]

This is the bolt and dowel arrangement for 98-02 3.2L/3.5L

 

[leetek123]

Heres another video where the guy made his tools
4l30e.pdf (scottj.info)

 

[Bluetugtuna]

Heres another video where the guy made his tools
4l30e.pdf (scottj.info)

This is very helpful , and another referance to download.. thank you for sharing