I used this video when disassembled my 45rfe. No prior knowledge of automatic transmissions and I was able to fully disassemble and reassemble it in about 3 hours (not counting removal) if you go full trans rebuild, get the HD2 shift kit from TransGo as well. It helps with some short comings in the valve body design and pump. As always, I’m usually available if you need help
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I’d suggest starting with changing the fluid and filter/or filters (if the filter is replaceable) and go from there. This is certainly the least expensive / least invasive route.
Judging the rest of the vehicle and the possibility this transmission is over 300k miles I’m thinking a rebuild just for my sanity.
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Generally speaking - if the vehicle is old enough to have a dipstick, then please do check the fluid level according the to the owner’s or service manual.
Many vehicles in the last 10 or more years do not have auto trans dipsticks at all - or worse yes, they use the drain plug as the fill port - making things more “fun”
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The owner’s manual for this particular vehicle does not specify a recommended procedure. I will post the exact text later.
Edit: a procedure is given to check the transmission fluid for models with the 6 cyl engine. For the 4.7 V8:
“Checking the automatic transmission fluid on vehicles with 4.7L engines requires a special service procedure. Refer to the Service Manual for the proper procedure or see your authorized dealer.”
This could be a racket to boost the profit of the service department or to sell service manuals. However, I have heard of some vehicles with different transmissions in which case step 0 is to ID the particular transmission variety.
Too many “owner’s manuals” of today suggest the vehicle owner not do anything but put fuel in and if a problem or issue arises they should head straight to an authorised dealer for repairs.
The factory service manuals are the only way to go - but can be pricey …
the pair of 3 ring binders for a Unimog 1300L are from $250 to $400 just for the mechanical volumes (body not included)
“most” common factory manuals are available - often near for around $100 +/- .
Keyword there is “common”
Half Price books is a good local place for factory manuals
Ebay is another source and local(ish) automotive swap meets/car shows.
@LukeStrickland I have an illbegotten digital copy of the Chrysler Factory Service Manual for 99-04 WJs if you need a quality manual.
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Let me know if/when you try to rebuild the motor or trans, is love to see yours to compare the shape mine was in.
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Definitely I’ll let you know, it won’t be until later this summer most likely. Electronic service manual would be helpful, can you PM it?
Behind the scenes - I am trying to get one of the oldest and most experienced automatic transmission rebuilders to come to the Space and give a lecture / discussion.
that among other manufacture/vendors as well.
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Please try to shout this out with plenty of lead time. I really want to try to attend.
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Will do - I’m trying for an early evening time, most likely on a weeknight.
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ROFL
What the heck happened to this plastic?
Giant hole where plastic should be, right in front/behind? the blend door. It blows very cold A/C though 
Do I add a pipe to it for an extra air vent or just plastic weld the heck out of it lol
There’s definately damage to the heater core, I can tell from this.
Edit: The end goal is when I replace the heater core just buy a whole new-used dash to fix the real issue
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Anyone have tips on rethreading rusted bolt holes? It’s in a pretty inaccessible place. Should I pre-soak?
specifically trying to fix a m12x1.75 thread
It’s a nut welded onto the vehicle. I could easily up the size
Very inaccessible, maybe a 2x3 inch gap or less to get to it, and it’s 4in inside the vehicle
When my bumper falls off I’m coming for you to weld me a new one lol
But yeah I got #2 mostly threaded in so I’ll just snug it up with an impact and call it done
Unless you are going to put alot of tongue weight on it, I wouldn’t worry too much.