I'm about to drop a 350 into my 86 TA, but first I have to sort out a transmission problem. It's been sitting for a a few years, and as I remember it, right before I took everything apart, the 700R4 was making a buzzing noise and really wouldn't move when it was put in drive (can't remember about reverse), felt like it was slipping real bad. Although the buzzing noise wasn't there all the time.

I'm looking into rebuilding the 700R4 myself since I have a lot of time on my hands and I am wondering if it's possible.

I used Mitchell OnDemand and found an article about "loss of drive" in the 86 700r4 saying that slipping or loss of drive may be caused due to "latching of the forward clutch sprag assembly which can result in belling or flaring of the reverse input housing and reaction sun shell"

Has amyone had experience with this problem and fixing it themselves though overhaul? Is there a specific overhaul kit that you used?

One more thing, this 700r4 always kicked pretty hard when it was shifted into drive, not as much when into reverse.

I know the 86 & under 700r4's are rumored to be garbage, but I am willing to take a crack at an overhaul due to a lack of funds and an overabundance of time.

 

Buzzing noise = sucking air

Your filter fell off

 

That's what I thought in the beginning. I went to replace the filter and found a second o-ring stuck in where you plug the filter in, so in essence each filter that was being replaced was about 1/4" lower because of the stupid o-ring.

Whatever, got that out and installed the new filter. Can't remember if it buzzed after that but it definitely still slipped in drive and reverse.

 

I know the banging into gear is almost normal, the 700r4 in my 86 lacked the secondary valve body,they didn't get it till 87 or 88. Either that or the idle speed is too high.