It seems from what I've read on here that the biggest problem with combining a 3.4 with a worn out 700r4 is that the tranny tends to die shortly thereafter. Mine is shifting fine as far as I can tell, but it does have 187K on it. That and a few times over the last couple years I've gone up reeaally steep hills, it smelled.

I'm not looking to constantly chirp the tires going into 2nd and 3rd, but I would like to be able to haul a light quad trailer (hopefully I'll be able to get a truck for that) but just in case.

What are some things I can get for a v8 tranny and put in mine to beef it up a little. I don't really 'get on it' much, so the way it shifts now is fine.

I'm kinda debating if I should rebuild it myself too. Everybody wants about $1300 to rebuild or overhaul it. Is there anything in these 700r4's that are beyond the realm of the average 'do it yourself' mechanic.

 

in a word, yes. Unless you're a pretty good mechanic and have all the right tools and the books, it's basically impossible. The apply pistons take special tools to take them apart, you have to be able to set the end-play of the input shaft, and many other important things. You also need to know the tolerances of every clutch pack, the planetaries, the bushings, and the pump. Plus the tools to properly size the new scarf seals.
- yes, if you change some things, you can use the V8 internals and beef up the trans.