Hi all. Before Spook reads this post (he isn't a big fan of rebuilding AW's), I would like your tips on rebuilding my AW71 AT. First, some background:
1. Car: 1993 944 Turbo
2. Car's radiator cracked 4yrs ago, overheating the ATF, which came out as really black sludge on first flush.
3. AT ran great for 1+ yr. Then it would stick on 1st gear in the mornings. After being warmed-up, the tranny would work great.
4. After a second flush, it began working great for about 6 months, now you can't use it for engine-braking. If you manually select 2 or 1, it engages that shift, but feels as if you where depressing the clutch pedal on a manual car, as soon as you let go of the accelerator pedal. On some occasions, under heavy load, the transmission will disengage from gear when a kick-down is performed. You have to shift to N and back to D for it to re-engage. Recently, in the mornings it will take a noticeable amount of time to engage reverse when moving out of park, and you can feel it engaging hard; the car jerks as if you where engaging at higher RPMS.

Soo, I took the car to a transmission shop (Volvo dealer recommended), and just by driving the car they said that I need a transmission overhaul, and that my torque converter is probably OK. They say the AT will be "like new" after this. They want approx USD $1,400 for this job (incl parts and labor). He says he changes all "soft" parts from the transmission, using national and american parts. I am right now looking at my VADIS, and there is a Transmission Overhaul Kit (pn: 270150) which Tasca sells for $638.61 (it doesn't state if they have it in stock). So, my questions:

1. Will the tranny actually be returned to an "as new" state given its history?
2. Does this kit include all necessary parts for the overhaul, including the "soft parts"? I prefer importing this kit and have them install it, rather than using non-Volvo parts.
3. How can I know my Torque converter is fine? Are these "rebuildable"?
4. Any other advise? I plan to have them replace the rear crankshaft gasket to fix a major oil leak (is this the same as the real seal?)

As usual, your help is highly appreciated!

Regards;
JGCBAIZ