i just picked up a used 700r4 tranny, and i want to know how i can find out what year it is. i have no clue what it came out of. also it has a short tailshaft is this going to work with the factory drive shaft and cross member. i'm changing out the t-5 for this tranny. also is there any way of telling if a tranny is anygood out of the car, if i put it in gear and spin the converter i can feel the tailshaft spining and the fliud is nice and pink so i'm guessing its ok. thanks for any help

 

The only way to know if it is good is to try it in the car, or open it up (not just drop the pan, I mean pull the pump and guts). If you open it up you might as well rebuild it

 

I found this link to a website that will show you how to ID your tranny year. Hope it helps you out.
http://www.technicalvideos.com/what_year_700R4.phtml
The ID can be done without taking it apart. You can even find out the year while it is in the car (with a dental mirrior and a light).

 

thanks killer that helped out alot