Automatic Transmission Rebuilders
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
Automatic Transmission Rebuilders
Never built one myself, so I'm just wondering if this is something I can do in a weekend or if there will be machine work involved?
I'm considering getting a kit from pro-built automatics and either the dvd or rebuild manual. I've built several engines and following directions does not intimidate me.
I'm considering getting a kit from pro-built automatics and either the dvd or rebuild manual. I've built several engines and following directions does not intimidate me.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ocean Pines MD
It's not that hard of a job. You will need some special tools. A clutch tool to release the pressure plate in the drums and a bushing driver kit. Just make sure you lay it out as you take it apart and the cleaner the better. Watch cutting the lip seals in the drums. Always air check.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 9
From: Troy Ohio
Never built one myself, so I'm just wondering if this is something I can do in a weekend or if there will be machine work involved?
I'm considering getting a kit from pro-built automatics and either the dvd or rebuild manual. I've built several engines and following directions does not intimidate me.
I'm considering getting a kit from pro-built automatics and either the dvd or rebuild manual. I've built several engines and following directions does not intimidate me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 2
From: California City Ca
I just ordered a Monster Mega Kit It was on sale for $499.00 Free shipping no tax.
This will be my first Trans rebuild aslo Take a look at U Tube Videos there free and give you a idea what we got our selfs in to.
The Trans kit I Ordered less the Heavy Duty 5 planatory gear set I wanted them but thats anouther $300.00 I not pushing that much popwer I had to have them.
I let you Know after I get back In the car if I did good or screwed it up. LOL.
This will be my first Trans rebuild aslo Take a look at U Tube Videos there free and give you a idea what we got our selfs in to.
The Trans kit I Ordered less the Heavy Duty 5 planatory gear set I wanted them but thats anouther $300.00 I not pushing that much popwer I had to have them.
I let you Know after I get back In the car if I did good or screwed it up. LOL.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,183
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
You can do it.
A pair of snap ring pliers will be necessary for the front planet snap ring.
You can easily make the other essential tools so you don't have to spend big bucks on special tools.
You will need to grind a small notch into a long flat blade screwdriver.
This helps you with the center support snap ring.
You can easily make a spring compressor for the lo piston at the very bottom of the case.
Lip seals in the input drum pistons will be a challenge. However, you can also easily make a helper aid to slide them in without rolling them(bad!). -you will need an empty 3 liter plastic soda bottle-
With the same aid you use for those lip seals, you can use to size the input drum's shaft 3 oil seals.
Some trans-jel would be nice, but the tubs are really too big for one rebuild. You can use vaseline or other petroleum jelly just the same however.
A pair of snap ring pliers will be necessary for the front planet snap ring.
You can easily make the other essential tools so you don't have to spend big bucks on special tools.
You will need to grind a small notch into a long flat blade screwdriver.
This helps you with the center support snap ring.
You can easily make a spring compressor for the lo piston at the very bottom of the case.
Lip seals in the input drum pistons will be a challenge. However, you can also easily make a helper aid to slide them in without rolling them(bad!). -you will need an empty 3 liter plastic soda bottle-
With the same aid you use for those lip seals, you can use to size the input drum's shaft 3 oil seals.
Some trans-jel would be nice, but the tubs are really too big for one rebuild. You can use vaseline or other petroleum jelly just the same however.
Last edited by pablocruise; Jul 11, 2010 at 04:43 AM. Reason: added info
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,588
Likes: 10
From: North New Jersey
I always wanted to learn how to rebuild a tranny! They always look so difficult with all the pressure plates, little metal ***** (look like bearings) and other stuff that seems difficult. I think it is more of knowing where each piece goes and you will be ok... Pete K is a pro, maybe he will add to the discussion 
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
Any explanation on how the 700r 4l60 works and what common failure modes to expect?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
2) Yes.
3) Depends on the kit. A "kit is a bunch of parts tossed in a box, and there are different levels of kits. I have never once had a kit be all inclusive, and provide all parts needed for an overhaul, as every one wears differently. Rebuild Deluxe kits normally contain the typical wear parts only.
4) Too numerous to mention. Cause and effect. When 1 problem occurs, it usually wipes out everything. 3-4 clutch is the number 1 soft part failure in an old 700r4/4l60/4l60e. Number 1 hard part I normally see dogged out is a tie between the reaction shaft and the rear planet.
There is no short answer to your question about how a transmission works. They are very complicated. I know guys that have been rebuilding them for 20 years, that have no clue how they work, just what breaks, and how to fix it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
Wikipedia gives a bit of an idea how it works and what it entails:
The 700r automatic gearbox consists of a torque convertor mated to a gear train. The engine connects to the torque convertor and the gear train connects to the drive shaft. The inherant stall speed is a function of the torque convertor.
The torque convertor consists of 3 elements: pump (connected to engine), stator and turbine (connected to gear train). The lockup clutch ties the pump and turbine together via the stator and hence eliminates slip once slip is less than 30%.
The gear train consists of a number of planetary gears with clutches. Gear changes are hydraulically operated via valves opened and closed by pressure switches.
The 700r automatic gearbox consists of a torque convertor mated to a gear train. The engine connects to the torque convertor and the gear train connects to the drive shaft. The inherant stall speed is a function of the torque convertor.
The torque convertor consists of 3 elements: pump (connected to engine), stator and turbine (connected to gear train). The lockup clutch ties the pump and turbine together via the stator and hence eliminates slip once slip is less than 30%.
The gear train consists of a number of planetary gears with clutches. Gear changes are hydraulically operated via valves opened and closed by pressure switches.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Timisoara, Romania
I bought this book http://www.amazon.com/General-Motors...9270506&sr=8-5, gone through it a few times, got myself another used 700r4, made some practice on it, but I'm still not ready to rebuild mine 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I bought this book http://www.amazon.com/General-Motors...9270506&sr=8-5, gone through it a few times, got myself another used 700r4, made some practice on it, but I'm still not ready to rebuild mine
Last edited by Lemme; Jul 16, 2010 at 05:43 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
My tranny is now fixed and back in the car. This is the worksheet from the mechanic:
Work Performed
Remove /Replace Turbo 700
Flush trans lines & cooler
Straighten X frame (speed bump damage caused by lowering)
Parts
T700 Rebuild 4 speed Auto Trans - Extra components
Z pack clutchs, Brute sun gear shell, Heavy duty boost valve
Heavy duty servo, Drilled steel pistons, Stage 2 separator plate
Stage 2 shift kit , 2500 stall convertor ,12 Lts Dextron 3
Work Performed
Remove /Replace Turbo 700
Flush trans lines & cooler
Straighten X frame (speed bump damage caused by lowering)
Parts
T700 Rebuild 4 speed Auto Trans - Extra components
Z pack clutchs, Brute sun gear shell, Heavy duty boost valve
Heavy duty servo, Drilled steel pistons, Stage 2 separator plate
Stage 2 shift kit , 2500 stall convertor ,12 Lts Dextron 3
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I thought the car was great after the intake / heads and exhaust work. Now with the hi stall and stage 2 shift kit things are starting to get racey.
The old slushomatic has got a new life. Now for the next mod ...
The old slushomatic has got a new life. Now for the next mod ...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10