Ok I Got my Old Camaro back and the Tranny is shot. I was wondering if Anyone has rebuilt a 700-R4 and how difficult it is, Or if i should replace it with another tranny. Ex. Th-350, T56 and whatever else fits. Im on a tight budget being in High School still.
Thanks

 

Not that hard.... other than basic hand tools you need a set of snapring pliers.... I'd recomend getting a trans rebuild book. It is very important to be organized and clean when assembling. I have rebuilt a few 700r4.

 

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 specifically for auto transmissions. 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 other than installing a shift kit around 14 years ago.

My dad was an Allison Auto Transmission Mechanic 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 helped out. 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, (stator support, input shaft and drum, and the beasr reaction shell), I replaced mine with Art Carr shtuff because I have a stout 355 and don't want the tranny to puke.

I would also upgrade to a 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.