I'm wondering if anyone can help me out on this. My transmission has lost second gear completely. I have to get to a speed higher then 23 mph then let my foot off of the gas a little for it to shift into 3rd. It skips 2nd gear on the way up and down. I want to get an idea of what the problem could be so i can decided whether to fix it or get a new tranny this winter.

 

Sound like you need a rebuild plain and simple. You can replace it with an already rebuilt unit, pay about $2,000 with warranty for a shop to rebuild your old one, or rebuild it yourself with a master rebuild kit and save serious money and learn something in the process if you're brave enough and have the time/tools. It depends on what you want to do really.

A master rebuild kit will include all seals, rings, bushings, steel and frictions clutch plates, gaskets, etc.

For $30, you can buy this 700R4 rebuild DVD which shows you step by step in full detail the entire rebuild process fron start to finish, including air testing and parts inspection, far better than any book or manual could ever do. Should still have the shop manual for torque specs etc.



Video samples here. Scroll to the bottom.
http://video.boxwrench.net/engine-bu...uto-repair.htm

This is a very common and popular transmission. You can find master kits everywhere and they aren't that expensive. I've seen quality kits for around $200-$300 dollars. The heavier duty ones are more.

I recently finished rebuilding the trans on my other car with a master kit. Same car a shop rebuilt the trans on before for $1,500. I rebuilt it better than new with a quality master kit. After total costs which included a new torque converter, fluids, master kit, and even a B&M super cooler, I spent just over $300 total. It's not as hard as you might think, specially if you have a DVD showing you every detail step by step. It just depends on what you want to do, your budget, and if you have the time, space, and tools.

 

Thats secretly what i wanted to hear. I've wanted to learn how to do it but never had the down time on a car long enough, or a car good enough to deserve one. Does the DVD tell how to check the parts to see if the are faulty or still good? or will a book have that info? I plan on getting both. any suggestions on a good manual?

 

The (paul zank, IIRC) DVD is actually very good and will answer the majority of your questions. I would suggest obtaining it first so you will have an idea of what you are getting into, need to buy, etc. The GM shop manual is your bible for every part of the car, not just the transmission.

For now, take a look below...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...r-dial-up.html

 

Yes, it will show you how to inspect parts. Only thing it won't cover is removal from the car since that varies. But that's in the GM shop manual.

Here's is an excellent book on rebuilding the 700R4. All color photos.



When you rebuild your own trans at home, I think that pretty much solidifies you as a serious DIY'er.

 

If you lost 2nd only, you likely have a bad seal in the servo.
If you lost 2nd and 4th, the band and/or drum is hurt.
If you lost 2nd, 4th, and reverse, you broke the sunshell.

 

Thanks pete. I was thinking about the servo, because its only second gear. But i don't know alot about trannies, trying to start though. That finally gives me a place to start.

 

If you are going to take a stab at replacing it (and I think it is a worthwhile thing to try), I would suggest picking up a stock vette servo. It will run about $20, and include all the seals and o-rings, making it 1 stop shopping.