700r4 - lost 3/4th gear.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
700r4 - lost 3/4th gear.
I have lost 3/4th gear in the 700R4 in my '82, and am wondering what it will take to rebuild it myself. I have no budget at the present time to pay the $2,000 (+/-) to have it done. I have been reading some of the other posts on the 2004R vs the 700R4 but I currently have no alternatives. Any help would be much appreciated.
This tranny resides behind a 355ci tuned port engine that I built and installed a few years ago which I am sure is producing more hp than the original CrossFire did.
This tranny resides behind a 355ci tuned port engine that I built and installed a few years ago which I am sure is producing more hp than the original CrossFire did.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
The same couple hundred will do you fine to rebuild it yourself.
This guy is who I got most of my 2004R parts from, was ok to deal with.
http://stores.ebay.com/Oregon-Perfor...dZ2QQpZ2QQtZkm
he had a master kit for $250. 3/4 kit for $30. For the trouble, I would do a complete kit and a shift kit
Do a search, some other guys sell How-To videos on the rebuild, I got one for my buiold and it was priceless
This guy is who I got most of my 2004R parts from, was ok to deal with.
http://stores.ebay.com/Oregon-Perfor...dZ2QQpZ2QQtZkm
he had a master kit for $250. 3/4 kit for $30. For the trouble, I would do a complete kit and a shift kit
Do a search, some other guys sell How-To videos on the rebuild, I got one for my buiold and it was priceless
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
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From: Orange Park Florida
Pay attention to 6' he knows, he and I have talked over this 200 option for sharks for long time now....it's cool...mine is fine, and I did it myself....gotta READ the manual first....or view the video..
and use a TRANS GO shift kit....
and use a TRANS GO shift kit....
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
That's if there are no "hard parts" that have to be replaced. Do you hear any unusual noises from the tranny when running? when shifting? If not, drop the oil pan and see if there is any metallic debris in the oil/pan. If there is any significant amount, you'd be better off to exchange it. If no metal in pan....rebuild it. A complete cleaning with new seals and gaskets will do wonders [if there is no damage within].
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
No unusual noises, it makes the 1st to 2nd shift fine, but the 2nd to third shift seems like it goes into neutral.
If I were to consider a 2004R replacement, is there a particular model or part number to look for? Or what vehicle whould be the most likely donor candidate?
My local transmission shop suggested a '90-'91 core for a 700R4 since it would probably have all of the latest upgrades.
If I were to consider a 2004R replacement, is there a particular model or part number to look for? Or what vehicle whould be the most likely donor candidate?
My local transmission shop suggested a '90-'91 core for a 700R4 since it would probably have all of the latest upgrades.
Last edited by GL82TPI; Sep 5, 2007 at 07:43 AM. Reason: adding additional text
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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If you are on a tight budget, rip the trans out, air check the 3-4 pack and replace the 3-4 clutches. Not the "right" way to fix a problem, but it will buy you time till funds come available. It will also give you time to weigh your opions.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
I picked up a Haynes Techbook for General motors automatic transmissions and 
egads there are a lot of parts in there!
If I were to air test the 3/4 clutches, how is that done and what am I looking for? What and where is the best re-build kit to buy that would include all of the parts necessary to make the tranny live a happy and long life?
egads there are a lot of parts in there!If I were to air test the 3/4 clutches, how is that done and what am I looking for? What and where is the best re-build kit to buy that would include all of the parts necessary to make the tranny live a happy and long life?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
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From: Chattanooga TN
If you do build one yourself, I would recommend taking their advice and getting a later core to build. They have all the upgrades. You can use your original 82 tailhousing and it will bolt right in. I have seen C4 cores for less than $100.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
Contacted local salvage yards for 90-91 700R4, none available locally, but one yard located 3 for $550 - 800 all with milage = or > the mileage on my '82.
Any ideas where one might be locate for around the $100 figure?
Any ideas where one might be locate for around the $100 figure?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
If you can get a later core cheap and its a working tranny thats a good way to go since it might have all the upgrades. Either way, get the video, It REALLY helped me. The option of just changing the 3/4 pack is a good plan if funds are tight, get the video, they show you exactly how to do that as well as all the little tricks to getting the thing apart and back together.
The number of parts was the most daunting part of the project for me, I could not believe how much stuff was in there, looked like a Clown Car.
I had a 4'x4' tabletop completely covered in parts. But, they all went back in.
You won't know about hard parts until you get it apart, but if its not grinding you are probably ok there. You might find that the bushings on the planetary gears are out of spec, but about all that will do is give you some gear hum.
Go ahead, take it apart, it will be an experience
The number of parts was the most daunting part of the project for me, I could not believe how much stuff was in there, looked like a Clown Car.
I had a 4'x4' tabletop completely covered in parts. But, they all went back in.
You won't know about hard parts until you get it apart, but if its not grinding you are probably ok there. You might find that the bushings on the planetary gears are out of spec, but about all that will do is give you some gear hum.
Go ahead, take it apart, it will be an experience
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,518
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I picked up a Haynes Techbook for General motors automatic transmissions and egads there are a lot of parts in there!
If I were to air test the 3/4 clutches, how is that done and what am I looking for? What and where is the best re-build kit to buy that would include all of the parts necessary to make the tranny live a happy and long life?
egads there are a lot of parts in there!If I were to air test the 3/4 clutches, how is that done and what am I looking for? What and where is the best re-build kit to buy that would include all of the parts necessary to make the tranny live a happy and long life?
Regarding a kit, it is opinional. Kits are not complete, and the deluxe kits only cover the basic parts needed. You always need more than the best kits provide to do it right.
If you are going to have a pro do the complete rebuild, trust his judgement, as he has his own opinions as to what is best...
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
While intimidating, I am a little stoked about giving it a try. What is the name of the video that you purchased and where might I get one? Are specialty tools, like spring pack compressors and pullers, available to be loaned by parts stores or rented?
What parts are a must to be upgraded and how will I know since I am not sure of any past maintenance on the original tranny?
Thanks all for the feedback and advice, I hate the idea of just covering the car up until a later date to have it rapaired, it could take a long while before I could have it professionally done.
What parts are a must to be upgraded and how will I know since I am not sure of any past maintenance on the original tranny?
Thanks all for the feedback and advice, I hate the idea of just covering the car up until a later date to have it rapaired, it could take a long while before I could have it professionally done.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Here is a rebuild kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/7004R...spagenameZWDVW
Book
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...2148QQtcZphoto
Video
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...0052QQtcZphoto
I used a bent coat hanger for a puller and used a couple C clamps for the clutch pack spring compressor, didn't buy any special tools
shift kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...7201QQtcZphoto
that rebuild kit has the Red Alto clutches, supposed to be about the best
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/7004R...spagenameZWDVW
Book
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...2148QQtcZphoto
Video
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...0052QQtcZphoto
I used a bent coat hanger for a puller and used a couple C clamps for the clutch pack spring compressor, didn't buy any special tools
shift kit
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700R4...7201QQtcZphoto
that rebuild kit has the Red Alto clutches, supposed to be about the best
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You can successfully rebuild your tranny if you have a good sized area to work in and it is fairly clean. If you have a table that can support significant weight, get some sheets of posterboard/pasteboard [not corrugated cardboard] to cover the table for setting your parts on AFTER you disassemble them and clean them. A little cleaning tank with some mineral spirits in it to wash/clean removed parts is important. If you take apart a "busy" sub-assembly, and the video/manual doesn't show the way it goes together very well, take digital photos to remind yourself of part orientation and assembly sequence. The valve body is the most difficult item to disassemble, clean and reassemble. Some folks "assume" that it is still working OK and don't mess with it...they just wash it off and reassemble it. That's your choice, but it could be a risky gamble if the tranny doesn't shift correctly now. A range shift valve, stuck in its bore, could give you the same symptoms.
And, finally, just remember....everyday people, who are given the right tools and training, build these things in factories and repair shops and are successful. You can do it, too!
And, finally, just remember....everyday people, who are given the right tools and training, build these things in factories and repair shops and are successful. You can do it, too!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 69
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From: Terre Haute Indiana
Well, I have ordered the book, video, rebuild kit and shift kit. I am now in the process of cleaning and rearanging my garage so that I can build a work table and get the tranny out of the car.
Thanks for all of the encouragment and tips. I plan to take a lot of digital photos for reference. If I get lost in the process I will give a shout for help.
Thanks again all and wish me luck.
Greg
Thanks for all of the encouragment and tips. I plan to take a lot of digital photos for reference. If I get lost in the process I will give a shout for help.
Thanks again all and wish me luck.
Greg
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
By the way, I would not be scared of a 91-up 100k mile or less unit that had been maintained. My 95 Suburban has over 210k on the original 4L60E towing and all. A quick check of Car-part shows you can get less than 100k mile units for $300-400 in Indiana. One in South Bend with 64k miles for $300.
Last edited by markdtn; Sep 5, 2007 at 01:02 PM.
