You will find it very similar to a C-4 with an extra band. I built mine with no "special tools," but you will find the seals on the forward and direct clutch pistons a bit tricky to install. Just be patient and keep working until you get the piston to slip into place.

The entire rotating assemly, including both drums, the center support and all (3) bands are simply pulled out of the case as one unit. All service work to this assembly is done on the bench, meaning you separate the drums and center support after you have it out.

There is a long plastic wedge that holds the (3) bands in place during assembly. Once the valve body and front pump have been removed, you simply grasp the input shaft and slide the entire unit out.

You will need a special "4-Prong" socket to remove the yoke on the output shaft.

Also, one of the servos (the smallest one) has an 11" long spring that is more than your thumbs can handle. Several tool companies offer a lever that hooks onto the case and can be used to compress the servo spring during disassembly. This is a very generic, universal tool and I highly recommend the tool and a helper. Both of you should be wearing full face shields when attempting disassembly of the servos.

Each servo has a small strut with a ball on each end. They look like little 'bones' and they are available in all different lengths. Make sure you keep them with their respective bands. They are critical to proper band operation.

The only thing in the extension housing (rear part of case) is the rear pump (allows for push starting) and the governor assembly. Since there are no rubber seals back there, I usually leave the rear housing in place and clean the case in the usual fashion, washing everything out with clean solvent followed by compressed air.

There is no way around it...bands for this transmission are outrageous. I paid around $160.00/each for the (3) bands and I could get them only from my local Mercedes-Benz dealer.

Another option is good used bands. I have found a bunch of these transmissions at self-service wrecking yards in Fresno. I always pull the bands when I can find a good set that show no wear.

I recently bought a complete 722 out of a 1979 300SD from Pik-N-Pull on Jensen Avenue in Fresno for $106.00. This one happened to be a genuine MBZ Remanufactured Transmission. These finds are still out there if you have a sharp eye.

I found a pretty good deal on the overhaul kit for this transmission too. I can get a gasket/seal kit including all the steel rings, valve body gaskets, lip seals, 'O' rings, external seals and (8) friction plates (bearing the MBZ Star) for around $175.00. The kit is all german-made by 'Lemfoder.'

Steel plates are a dealer-only item and they are available in selective thicknesses.

Contact Transmission Parts Incorporated in Fresno, CA. for the ATSG Overhaul Manual.

Best of luck...Bert