Keep the ATF cool and clean, best bet
Other than that, the 3 speed is a TH180
it was also used in the Chevrolet Chevette (sp)
Shift and rebuild kits for those should work,
tho I have been told that there are 2 filter
styles, I don't know if this is a Parts house
problem, or if there were 2 different transmissions
in the TH180 line
Wild