and if you don't have the cage and alignment tool (special tools) don't even attempt a teardown. These are the only two special tools required, and they allow disassembly of the direct drum. this drum needs to be taken apart to change out the output. You will be sorry if you attempt it without them, and you definitely won't get it back together. The direct apply spring is loaded and if you remove the snap ring holding the drum together without the press tool (cage), you'll have 800 pounds of spring throwing frictions and steels your way. An alignment tool can however be made out of an intermediate shaft, and the cage is easy enough to reproduce by looking at a picture of it and sizing it to the drum.

I don't want to scare you, as it is an EXTREMELY easy swap. The trans doesn't even need to come out, just unbolt and remove the OD unit. You just need the right tools to start with, and a small press available to you. Took me less than an hour to change mine out not including the OD R&R.

Be sure and inspect the thrust washers on the planetary pinions. Usually they shear their tabs from the sudden backlash when breaking an output under boost. They are not replaceable, the entire planetary is an assembly. I took the opportunity to upgrade mine to the 6 pinion design....about $125.

Good luck and keep us posted

Wow, just noticed you're in Chandler?? Was just in PHX last week, and will be down there again next friday for a few days before we head up to SEMA. Let me know if you're still broke and I'll bring down the 2 special tools and give you a hand R&Ring that shaft!!

Later,
Chris