Thanks guys. Concerning the tranny, you have confirmed our suspicions - it is a heavy buger and don't be under it when you finally get it unboldted. It sounds like the cheap tranny jack is viable though, so I'm going to try and talk my friend into helping me. Also, thanks for the advice about putting a couple of 2 bys under the ramps to get a little extra height. Wouldn't that be the pits to get the tranny unbolted and then not be able to get it out from under the car? Talk about something that would ruin your day.

The air pump sounds like a simple fix since mine makes the "bad bearing noise" all the time. I'll follow up with the fellow that sells the bearings. I'm assuming the bearing can just be punched out and doesn't require any special tools to get it off of a shaft.

I've downloaded all the rebuild documentation on the tranny and I think I've talked myself (and my friend) into rebuilding this thing ourselves. I've noticed a company (adsit) sells a rebuilt tranny for 1400 exchange, but I've always wanted to open up one of these things and see what's inside - call me a little crazy. Our only reservation at this point concerns any "have to have" special tools. Any insight from you guys on special tools or "gotchas" to look out for?

thanks

__________________
92 300E - 116K miles - Sold
77 Euro 350SL - 67k miles
94 Explorer 147k miles
2009 Hyundai Genesis - 65k miles