I have a A-999 transmission I pulled out of a 1983 Dodge van about four years ago. At the time it worked fine but leaked from the front pump seal. I replaced the seal but the transmission has sat ever since. It still has fluid in it but it has just been sitting in my garage.

I woudl liek to drop it into my new project car with the minimum amount of rebuilding possible. What should I do to make sure that I won't be wasting my by installing it? Should I just go ahead and rebuild it or can I just drop it in and go?

Thanks!

As long as no dirt or dust got into it it should be fine. Heck, the 904 I run now had water mixed in the fluid when I got it and it shifts fine. I would at least change the fluid and maybe change the front seal just to be safe. Put a little grease around the inside of the seal before you reinstall the torque converter.

Cool. Thanks Eric! Now if I can just get a hold of a tranny cross member...

As long as no water sat inside the tranny, it should be fine.

FYI, many front pump leaks are caused by a worn-out front pump bushing more then from a worn seal.

There is a direct pathway from the front pump impeller area to the seal, the bushing blocks the way. If the bushing gets worn, more high pressure oil passes thru and overcomes the ability of the seal to maintain a seal. (there is a small oil drain back hole that can't handle much volume)
One sure sign of a worn bushing is scoring on the torque converter "neck" and a seal that looks like its in good condition but leaks.
My approch has been to replace the front pump bushing and seal as a set but that does require front pump removal.
DD

Also, check the neck of the converter at the base of the pump drive ears. This area is prone to crack and makes for an unstoppable "front seal leak".
Check the band adjustment before you put it in, new fluid and filter (look for bad news in the pan while it's off), good time for a shift kit (B&M has a nice kit), and you should be fine.

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Hmmmm. Okay, I think I will just go ahead and do a rebuild and posisbly install a shift kit. I have a nagging worry about seals drying out and cracking.

Thanks for the replies!