Completed the teardown (save the valve body) of the 4R70W yesterday.
The guy I bought it from told me that "it's a builder as there's something wrong with it...and it doesn't shift right." Since I've never cracked open a tranny before, that scared me...as I had no idea what I'd be looking for. Well, talk about gratification...after a few hours of disassembly, I finally got to the innards, as I pulled out the front pump, I saw a metal shard fall out with it. Once I got the entire forward hub and clutch packs out, I found more damage....the shard had cracked off the clutch outer race and intermediate clutch hub and I think the reverse clutch drum assy is also damaged.
This was actually great news as I now know what needs to be replaced:) After a little research...it's apparent this is the part that the mechanical diode upgrade replaces. Looks like I'll be buying most of the parts Baumann offers... http://www.becontrols.com/products/aodecat.htm
I'm still under $450 for the entire thing with all the upgrades I plan along with the overhaul kit:) That doesn't include the controller of course, which will come later.
I found a place in Castle Rock that will hot-tank the case for me for free. I'll slip him a $20. Then it's cast-iron paint time.
JP