This is my first time changing the auto tranny filter on a 700r4 third gen camaro (85). Is there a trick to installing it or is there a certain way to do it?

 

no trick,just make sure the old o-ring comes off with the old filter and the new o-ring goes on.sometimes the old one will hang up and stay in the groove.

 

Are there any different tranny filters to use, kinda like you can use long oil filters and such? Are any filters better than others as far as trannys go?

 

I am sure there are some performance filters out there, but I just used the Auto Zone special. Its part number TF300 and comes with a cork pan gasket.
Like said above, the old seal can be a PITA to get out, and you may have to give the new filter a good push to get it in properly, otherwise the pan will never fit back on.

--Dave

 

Since you've already done the most difficult part, this would be a really good time to install a transmission oil drain plug:

 

yove got the early model 700 I assume since itsan 85,make sure the parts peoples give you the early model not the late 700 cause there is a differance in the way the filter sits under the valve body

 

Yeah that O-ring... most people tell you to retrieve it with your finger. I've changed the filter in two 700r4's and I'm telling you that won't work. At least it didn't for me. Mine was lodged in there pretty good. I took a flathead screwdriver and carefully pried it out. It's not tough once you figure out where the ring actually is. Make sure you've got light.

 

For methalic oil seal I deformed the small side of the old seal with a screwdriver + hammer (care with aluminum parts). Then I pulled off with a snap plier.

For rubber seal use some ATF for install.

Regards,

Denis V.

 

actually I got the old seal out by placing the new one in and pulling it out again to check it to make see it was going in right, lol. Thanks for all the info. It was a pain and those cheap gaskets that you get with the autozone special just fell apart and even the last one they had at the store broke when the guy took it out of the box and they don't sell the gasket by itself so I have to order it... I had to use high temp RTV sealent for now and it's leaking.

BTW, anyone know why my tranny would take 7 quarts? I thiought they were supposed to be 5. And that's just below the full line. tranny seems to shift the same whether it has 5 quarts or 7...

 

mabey an external cooler or larger pan

 

pan seems to be the same size. wouldn't fit unless the filter was ALL the way up so I know it was tight on space. That is what you are talking about right?

 

yes....dont have an external cooler do ya?????torque converter would account for the extra 2 quarts, but you didnt pull it so I dont know.....

 

no idea