the symptoms you describe sound like low fluid level.
79 Vette transmission
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79 Vette transmission
I have a TH 350 transmission and I am assuming I need to replace it. Here is the situation I have had the car for 5 years and drive it very little. The last time I pulled it out of the garage I noticed a puddle of fluid and assumed it was from the power steering pump I just replaced and thought I over filled it, this was about a month ago all was fine with trans. Yesterday, I put the car in reverse nothing - Drive nothing. Pushed car out of garage, not as big but fluid seems to be transmission. When I pushed car back in the trans grabbed a little very little. I am no expert, but I am thinking the trans needs some help. My question is how can I make sure? I have an opportunity to buy a rebuilt 350 trans with less than 2k for $300 just needs tork converter and I was planning to use the one currently in place unless that could be the problem. I am OK with taking out and putting trans in but could use some help in the diagnosis to make sure I am not just getting a new trans and still have a problem. any help greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,417
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From: Texas
during the summer, i had a similar situation with our 79, th350, front seal was leaking, and got so low that the trans, would sllip then grab and go when in drive. we ended up pulling the trans, replacing front seal, and found the filter was dirty also. replaced filter, fluid and its been doing fine. check the fluid level, and u might change the filter also.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
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From: Irving Texas
Yes, the easiest thing to do is drop the pan and change the filter.
I had a trans that wouldnt shift and when it did, it would shift hard.
I dropped the pan, the filter was super dirty. New filter from Autozone, $10 and she was running just fine afterwards. Also check the fluid level with the engine in Park at idle.
Lastly, never ever ever ever buy a used tranny. I just bought a new one from Summit racing for $700. Considering the amount of time in replacing it- pop for a new one!
I had a trans that wouldnt shift and when it did, it would shift hard.
I dropped the pan, the filter was super dirty. New filter from Autozone, $10 and she was running just fine afterwards. Also check the fluid level with the engine in Park at idle.
Lastly, never ever ever ever buy a used tranny. I just bought a new one from Summit racing for $700. Considering the amount of time in replacing it- pop for a new one!
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I will check fluid and add to see if car will move. Good point on the used trans, any recommendation on where to look to get current tran rebuilt, no need to buy a used tran to have rebuilt when I can pull mine and have it rebuilt. I am thinking AAMCO does not usually have you carry in your trans?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 596
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From: Irving Texas
When I did my research, I checked with Eagle Transmissions which is just like AAMCO.
They quoted me $3000 for them installing or $1500 for me bringing it in. This includes the new torque converter.
Summit and Jegs both offer 350 transmissions for $800 and a torque convertor for $200. It is still the cheaper way to go. If you need a badass transmission, try Monster Transmissions but the cost is easily double.
They quoted me $3000 for them installing or $1500 for me bringing it in. This includes the new torque converter.
Summit and Jegs both offer 350 transmissions for $800 and a torque convertor for $200. It is still the cheaper way to go. If you need a badass transmission, try Monster Transmissions but the cost is easily double.
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First, Thank you all your great advice! If I understand correctly if the trans was working fine and just lost fluid more fluid should bring it back and if it continues to leak then if I replace the front and rear main seals it should take care of the leak, yes?
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From: Southbound
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Front seal probably needs to be replaced. With average mechanical skills, you could probably rebuild the TH350 yourself. Do the Google thing and get a line on the How To Rebuild Your TH350 books.
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Given that car is moving on its own power, what type of rebuild kit would be best to get? I see listings for refresh kits, total rebuilds, etc...? Any recommendations for a good rebuild book or DVD and rebuild kit?
