Is there a way around the specialty tools that are required for a 700 r4 rebuild? Such as clutch drum compreser tool,Automatic Transmission Clutch Spring Compressor,shift lever installer/remover, etc. As I'm sure this will be a one time build for me. And these tools will be useless too once the project is done. Its also alot of money to be spending on tools that will be once.

 

Man I'm just the opposite. I can show you two tool drawers full of "special tools" I've used once. My thinking is I might need them some day again! lol.

But the tools needed for a auto tranny rebuild I haven't sprung for. Mainly because not just the tools are lacking but the skills. If you haven't done a rebuild before, maybe get a blown junk 700R4 for a few bucks and dive into that to see what you're up against?

Another option is a local mechanic/racer/gearhead that could throw it together for $200 and a sixpack or something.

 

I have considered that.

 

My son & I built a 700R4 last year with all the goodies. My 1st & last. We were able to borrow all the special tools from the GM Training Center at our CC.

It's alot of work to do right but a great father/son project. Well worth paying the experts to do it. The cost of all those tools must be $$$$

 

To fully rebuild it you will need to either buy some of the tools or build them/something that will work.

If you skip the apply seals and shaft seals(as most local builders do) you could get it done with minimal "specialty" tools, but that's kind of like taking a 250k mile motor and only putting new gaskets in it. It still has worn-out parts and will still be sub-par.

 

The shaft seals were the worst part. It took us 2 trys to get them in right. Gotta watch most tranny shops.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I've called different shops and no one will loan or rent the tools needed. One shop did say they would do for 2-3 hundred. Which is what the tools would cost brand new. So I'm thinking of going that route.