Can I use a 2003 or 2000 SSEI trans in2001 SSEI

[MKMike]

Looking to use a 2003 or 2000 transmission in my 2001 SSEI, whose forward band broke.

What would need to be done to be able to use a 2003 SSEI transmission in the 2001 SSEI?
Just a computer swap?

Same Q for 2000 trans to the 2001:
Can I use the transmission from my 2000 SSEI if I swap the computer or is there more to it?



Thanks, in advance.

[harofreak00]

Any 2000-2002 SSEi is a direct replacement for a 2001 SSEi. To use the 2003 trans you would need to swap the computer and complete engine wiring harness.

[MKMike]

That's great news! Thanks!
I had thought that the 2000 trans would require the computer to be changed.

I'm debating replacing the 4th gear clutch shaft, since it's easier with the trans out.
Is the GM hardened steel replacement the only worthwhile one to use?

Thanks again.

[harofreak00]

Any aftermarket hardened 4th clutch hub is fine. It would be VERY wise to do while its out of the car.

[dougtoth]

That would be a smart move.
That's the part that went out on my 2000SLE with 124K on it.
Thanks GM for the screw up which they fixed later.
The 4th shaft (overdrive) was completely smooth.
All the splines were gone.
Great car except the early transmission problems.

[MKMike]

Thank you very much.

OD had gone out on the 2001 at 114K.
I'm hoping to luck out on the 2000 trans, that the forward band lasts. I understand that there was a defective batch of forward bands

I don't have a lift, have only swapped a non-Bonneville trans and wonder what will be easier to do;
On the 2001, which needs the trans, is it easier to pull the engine and trans together from the top or is it simpler to drop the subframe and remove the trans alone?

Also, are there transmission jacks for home mechanics?
Any reliable brands or popular brands that might be better avoided?
Is there a better way to maneuver the trans than a trans jack?

Feel free to PM me.

[peter]

get the car jacked up high and remove the trans + subframe as an assembly out the bottom. That would be the approach whether on a lift or in the driveway.

You'll need to support the engine. I used two wooden blocks on each side with a thick steel fence post across. drilled a hole thru and used some threaded rod so I had a bit of adjustability (Threaded rod attached to some chain). Support aspect was easy.

The part that battled me the most doing this in the driveway was getting the rear-most trans bolt. Ended up using a number of extensions that stretched the width of the car out the passenger side.

Would also suggest replacing the front trans mount when reinstalling the trans.

[MKMike]

Thank you.
Any advice on brands of trans jacks to avoid or to buy?

I can't see my regular jack working to hoist the trans into place.

[peter]

Thank you.
Any advice on brands of trans jacks to avoid or to buy?

I can't see my regular jack working to hoist the trans into place.

I had the trans supported to the subframe both when dropping it out and reinstalling. I used 2 regular floor jacks myself and with it being mounted to the subframe this made it possible. A little slower but it's do-able.