Okay so just to update the forum members. . .
I acquired a 2002 L100 from the in-laws with a bad transmission. Long story short they didn't want to spend the money to have the transmission rebuilt after just rebuilding the one in their Honda Mini-van, So they offered the car to us. We could either pay for the transmission to be fixed, or deal with it ourselves.

Well me, being the one to not justify spending over two grand for a transmission rebuild, especially at the not so trustworthy local transmission shop, I had it towed to the house and started working on it. At first I thought I might just be a solenoid issue, but alas it was a valve body issue. So after some much needed troubleshooting, while it would run, I began the long process of pulling the drive train to R&R some much needed parts.

What did I have to do?
I'm glad you asked. Not only did the transmission need work but the timing chain was a clack-a-lack'n. It also had a broken exhaust stud, a bent rear lower control arm (in-law inflicted part), and a bad driver side lower ball joint. Well fast forward a couple of months and she's all back together an purring like a kitten.

If money was no object it would have been completed back in October. However life happens and money dictates a lot of things in life, so here it is Mid January 2016, and she's all pieced back together.

Here's a break down on the R&R.
Engine:
Replaced timing chain kit
Replaced balance shaft chain kit
Replaced water pump
Replaced oil pan seal
Replaced Valve cover gasket
Replaced exhaust manifold gasket
Replaced exhaust studs that came out with the nut attached
Fixed broken exhaust stud (EZ-Outs are BS and sadly I fell for the gimmick again, but hey I got a nice set of diamond carbide cutting bits out of the process)
Replaced Exhaust pipe flange gasket
Replaced oil filter and cap
Replaced engine oil


Transmission:
Replaced transmission with a used 59,000 mile transmission from junk yard. (this process was a great learning experience and a plethora of knowledge was gained). Needless to say not all MN4 transmissions are the same internally when it comes to the valve body. There are 4 iterations of valve body designs for the 4T40e (MN4) transmission. 2002 is a weird year for valve body changes. Luckily the hydraulics and drive gears are the same throughout the years (1997-2008).
Replaced transmission pan with one that has a drain bolt
Replaced transmission valve body with re-manufactured unit
Replaced transmission filter and seat
Replaced various transmission gaskets and seals
Replaced Transmission fluid

Driver side rear lower control arm, and front lower ball joint. After the in-laws tried to jack up the rear of the car on this lovely part it became bent. They said a mechanic told them it would be fine and never replaced it. Needless to say both rear tires, after a couple of rotations are both cupped on the inner tread and will need to be replaced. I have replaced the lower control arm with a new part, replace the front lower ball joint (thank goodness I had to buy those diamond carbide cutting bits), and had a wheel alignment performed.

Things that still need to be done:
New struts on all four corners.
New power steering pump hoses (they got damaged during drive train installation).
New tires all around. (can't wait for tax returns).

It was a fun process but took longer than I planned, thanks to this ride called life. The wife is happy again so all is clear is sector 7.

If anyone has questions about transmission differences I think I could provide a little insight now.

 

OK, we now have a self proclaimed L series expert on the site! Cool.

Goalie and I expect you to learn the nuances of the rest of the car in the coming week so that you are fully informed on all things L.

Thanks for volunteering!!!!




(By the way, congrats and nice write up)