Examining a dismounted torqueflite before purchase.

[Duodec]

I've been looking for a used 2WD 42RH or 46RH (former for the 318, latter will do the 318 and also the future beefy small block) for quite a while in good used  condition, or for a better price a rebuildable core.  Presuming said transmission has been removed from the vehicle, and possibly cleaned up, what should I look for or check to make sure the unit is at least reasonably rebuildable and suitable for use?  Discounting obvious things like a crack in the housing, broken off bolt position, stripped threads on external bolt holes, etc?

I'm not going to have a running vehicle to test in for a while, so assurances on a good used trans and a 30 day bring-back guarantee would be pointless.  But I want good odds that it will be usable or readily rebuilt.

So far I have only found 42RE/46RE and some 2WD 727s that the local yards want $400 for (with torque convertor) which seems excessive but then everything in illannoy costs more than it should.

[Mr Cuda]

Transmissions are a blind item. But the basics  are:
Fluid color
Condition of torque converter neck
Pull pan, look for objects and clutch material coating inside of pan.

Further checking involves pulling valve body  and air checking clutch ports for operation.
Caution air pressure should be lowered to 20 psi  or you can blow good seals.
Having gone through many transmissions,  I can say that ones that I've driven,  have had problems,  on the verge of failure,  but were working when  pulled.
Inspection  teardown time.