Ben,
The best reference source for rebuilding a Ford transmission is the Helm service manual for make and model year. Any upgrade kit you buy will have a set of instructions explaning the differences between OEM and the kit parts, or proceedures.
If you take it one step at a time, and label everthing, it is not that complicated. There are a lot of spacers that have to be measured by micrometer, and placed in the proper order as the trans is reassembled, but this is not bad if you follow the book.
There are a number of valves that are hydrolic, and the pistons are sealed in the bores with O rings. But if you do these one at a time the hardest part is getting the snap ring in place.
The two clutch packs should be labeled as they are removed, that is 2nd, 3rd, then 1st Rev. The same for the bands. Then you can remove and replace the clutch plates and friction disks in each pack as a unit. Keep the labels on them until they are ready to be reinstalled.
There is not much to do to the valve body other than clean it and check for broken springs. If you take it apart, you do not want to get any of the parts mixed up. Again, use labels.
There are some special tools required, but only a few, and they are not drastically expensive. (Spring compressors)
If you go into the differential and bearings you will need some additional "special tools". I would leave the differential alone the first time, unless you know you have some bad gears or bearings, etc.
If you think the torque converter needs service, take it a shop that specializes in servicing torque converters. Balancing a torque converter, and other services take a whole lot of special equipment, as well as special tools. This usually is not necessary.
The real trick to the trans is putting it back together in the reverse order it came apart, and putting all the "O" rings and seals in where they belong. There is also a little precision measuring involved, but no "rocket science".
A good rebuild kit is about $300, so this would not be a cheap experiment. But, putting an automatic trans back together and have it work is an exhilerating experience. Try it you'll like it! rangerj thumbs_u
PS I put my first one in three times before I got everything right. That means I pulled the sucker out four times. I finally found a piston cocked in its bore.
My nephew is driving the car and that trans has 165k on since the rebuild. The fluid and filter has been changed twice, and the bands have been adjusted with each fluid change. No other problems! Knock on alumunum!!!
