i think i have an 84 model 700r4 (can get the numbers from the tranny if needed/wanted) and am wanting to tackle the rebuild myself. i would like to know what i can and can't interchange with the newer 700s/4l60s. i have heard that the atsg service manuals for auto trannies is pretty good to have for the rebuild. any other books and any other advice help i could get from you guys would be greatly appreciated. thanks

 

I just rebuilt mine in the early part of Dec. It was not that bad, though you will need a special set of snap-ring pliers. You should be able to get them from Crapsman. I also had to make a press (like a giant C-clamp) to open up the servo cover on the side of the tranny, and this part came in handy for compressing the springs on some of the clutches to remove their c-clips. You will also want to get a small bearing cup that will screw onto the end of a slide hammer so that you can remove the pump.

I have worked on and around cars since I was around 13 years old but I had never been inside an auto trans. My dad was an Allison Auto guy back in the 70's and 80's so it was good that he was there to supervise. I would do it again on my own in a heartbeat, but I sure am glad that Dad was there the first time! If you can get someone who has worked on auto trannys before to help you, you would be much better off.

As for the hard parts in the tranny, I replaced mine with Art Carr shtuff because I have a really stout 355 and don't want the tranny to puke. If yours is the older 27 spline unit try to find a newer trans, but if you wanted to, and you have the money, (around $400.00 to $500.00 just for the hard parts) you can buy a new input shaft and drum, with a new stator suport, 10 or 13 vane front pump and a Torque Converter for a 30 spline tranny. I asked the guys at Art Carr if the parts from the newer 30 spline units would work in a 27 spline tranny and they said yes. I had my left over parts that were still good and was going to sell them to a friend for his v-6 tranny but he backed out.

I would also upgrade to a heavy duty reaction shell, 5 gear rear planet, and a performance rebuild kit with extra 4th gear clutches. Stay away from the B&M shift kits buy the Transgo kit.

All the changes in my tranny caused me to have to buy new "selective" parts such as washers and clutch backing plates, no big deal the GM dealer had them for me in a couple of days and they were cheap. The ASTG manual has all the info you will need to completely rebuild your tranny, it is a good book.

Good luck with your endeavor.