I'm not a fan of the brand of clutches in that kit(a local builder got a bad batch of bands from them and the clutch material fell off when out into use. might have been an isolated incident but I didn't want to chance it and it has been yrs ago, I'm sure it is good stuff). I am trying out some exedy brand clutches in this current build but have had success with raybestos and Borg Warner. I would buy name brand stuff even though it costs more. You will probably want some different thickness steels to adjust the clearance on the direct clutch set. I'm guessing you have hand tools and some mechanical knowledge. You need an area that is clean and has a big enough space to lay out the pieces. I like to use the torque converter to stack the pieces on as they are removed from the case so I don't get mixed up. Then it can be worked on(new seals, bushings and such) as it is stacked back into the case. I try to inspect the pieces as I remove them so I know what I need to get/order if it is bad. And even if the bushings look good, I think on a high mileage unit it is a good idea to replace them. I have used a few different ways to hold the case.
Thanks for the pics! Well I may have to buy one of those presses! We have princess auto up here which is the same as your guys harbor freight.
So my GM TH400 high performance rebuild kit arrived today and I can't wait until spring to drop the trans and rebuild that sucker!! The kit is from Transparts WareHouse Inc. (T.P.W. on Amazon) All the parts are made in the USA from what I can tell and look to be good quality. Alto red eagle friction clutches, high performance red eagle front band and Kolene steels.
With taxes, shipping and duty fees since I live in Canada it cost me $382.05 CAD which would be $285.61 USD. You would probably get it cheaper since you don't have to pay duty fees and probably not as much if any taxes. All the seals, O rings, bushings and gaskets are from Transtec made in USA.
Bit of a flashback.... Wow, back when I turned a wrench (early 90s) the old transmission guy had a GM part number that got you a kit for an Allison TH400 rebuild kit for a school bus application. Seems like the kit was about $150.00 and included red (Kevlar?) frictions, new steels, various bearings/bushings seals, a 32 element Sprague and some other stuff. At the time Hughes and ATI sold a heavy duty kit through Summit Racing and Jegs for about double whatever our price was over the parts counter. He claimed the big name kits were similar but still did not have some of the extra bits his kit came with.
I wish it was only $150 still!! The kit I bought is pretty complete. The only things I need to get besides fluid is a new 34 element sprag and a transgo 1-2 kit to replace the stock 16 element sprag and b&m shift kit. If my b&m holeshot 2400 converter is still good I'll reuse it.
Here's a link to some of their TH400 kits: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...d-keywords=TH400+high+performance+rebuild+kit
UPDATE: Today I bit the bullet and ordered a custom built 9.5" torque converter from Jim Weise at TSP. So a transgo 1-2 kit and a new flex plate from TA is all the is left to get for my TH400 rebuild. I did end up buying a borgs&warner 34 element sprag a little while ago too.
And it has arrived!! JW "the wheel" flex plate and Transgo 1-2 kit is enroute and they should be here soon
It sure is expensive but like others say "buy once cry once" I've been buying parts here and there over the off season so it wasnt a big hit all at once.
My only concern with that flexplate is starter pinion to flexplate teeth clearance. It looks like the one my engine was built with, and I had problems in that area. I destroyed two mini starters before I figured it out. That is why I ended up with the Robb Mc starter, you can adjust that clearance. I ended up swapping my flexplate to the one below when I swapped converters.