Originally Posted by Domino1968

First time doing a 6hp26. I have done a couple GM 4l60e's back in the day. Actually, the 6hp26 is pretty straightforward and not too difficult if you take your time. Having a service manual with all your specs is a must!! Most of my time was actually spent cleaning up and inspecting/replacing everything I had access to after I had the tranny out. Stuff like motor mounts, rear main seal, hoses, etc. I am not in a hurry other than my wife nagging me to finish so she can park her car in the garage. It would have made a HUGE difference if I had access to a lift! (my back and knees would have appreciated it).

You actually found one cheaper than I did! I have not totaled up the cost, but I got the tranny from my local pull-a-part for like $110 ($25 core that I can get back). I put all new ZF parts inside and mostly everything was less that $600 which is still cheaper wayyy cheaper than any of the tranny shops here locally wanted to touch it. I bought from different online places like FCP Euro, Ebay and even Walmart, who by the way had the best price on the ZF Overhaul kit. Some items I already had from when i did the valve body job a year ago so I am not including them. All parts btw are ZF. Only special tools I bought were a transmission spring compressor which I had to modify to make it work for me.

The main problem I think with these tranny's are the E clutch failure due to worn bushings. It was the culprit on my tranny and even on the junkyard tranny I picked up, the bushing was worn.