and after several iterations, it came out quite well. I initially only went "in" as far as needed to address the specific flaw (leaking seal) but with each foray grew bolder. The third time came about 9 mos. later when the torque converter lunched necessitating complete teardown for the sake of cleaning. I had a complete overhaul kit that eventually all got installed along with clutch friction discs, springs etc. Some things were upgraded in the kit but there are many version changes to the hardware so-to-speak that I addressed on a case-by-case basis. I had several others for parts. As a novice, you really need a cooperative expert on the unit you are doing to guide you as to the relative merits of the upgrades and to provide general tips. I found one in Nat Wentworth who owns Eriksson Industries in Saybrook, CT. They have a superb reputation in the Saab community and I believe they rebuild MB trannies as well. Nat never hesitates to spend time on the phone with me, always has the parts at excellent discounts, has a lot of used parts and can offer services for those things that can make one weak in the knees (exchange valve bodies!). He also told me to never reuse a torque converter from a trans that failed as they are relatively inexpensive and impossible to clean internally.

Good luck!