I've got an '84 Fbody, 2.8L V6 with the original 700R4. It has almost 200k mi. Fluid is drained about once every 2 years along w/ filter. Fluid always retains clean/red color and never smells burnt. It's predominantly hwy driven though not exclusively, no towing, etc.

Q: How much longer might I expect it to last? To 250k? More?

Q: What would be the eventual symptoms to keep an eye out for? Slippinig?

Q: Anything I should consider to help keep it healthy? (beyond adding a cooler)

Q: Which line out of the radiator is the RETURN line back to the trans?

thanks!

 

I know a guy who has 240,000 miles and his original 700R-4 is still going strong. He does the filter every 10K or every year, whichever comes first.

 

Mine has 239, 420 on it and never been cracked open. Except to change the fluid and filter.

 

iv blown mine to pieces after 2 years of driving lol. the cause?? slow tranny leak unoticed

 

Im on my 4th 700R4 ... they get hot they go boom. You run burnt fluid...they go boom lol. You have very little leeway on a tranny that old.

Keep your TV cable in line (should be good now unless you messed w/it) But in your application I would figure the phrase "buy cheap, change often" is your best friend. Maybe it will outlast your engine.

 

I was on my 2nd tranny for 700r4. it is still good btw well :P sold now. But flywheel junked. I just got away from it completely. Went to WC borg warner T5. Just because the rebuild kits for them are cheaper and easier to do. Than a million miles of pieces that are in the auto. Almost done with the conversion just waiting for light again and put the pilot bushing in the clutch kit, housing and boom i go again.

 

Exactly, im switching over to the 5 speed here shortly myself. Bye bye auto.