Trash it, rebuild it or get another?

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...ml#post4955557

 

I would probably find another transmission. Did you ever figure out where the other cooler line went to? If it only had one line, that transmission would have gotten really really hot.

That spring looks like the one for the 2-4 servo, but I could be wrong. It's hard to gauge the size from the picture. I really don't know how it could have made it into the bottom of the pan.

 

The 2-4 servo spring could have made it to the pan if the servo piston grenaded or the 2-4 band came apart. You will most likely need to find a rebuildable core. That unit may not even be rebuildable.

 

I would take it appart, check if it can be rebuilt.

There are many good used 700r4 parts around for little $

 

Sorry guys but I left out the part about taking the valve body off. Both springs were broke.

 

I guess when they found out the radiator was bad they cut the lines and used a rubber hose to to by pass the radiator. Trans fluid was pink and foamy on the dip stick.

 

Okay then, Lol. That's not the 2-4 band servo spring but rather the 2nd gear accumulator spring. Actually, to find that spring broken isn't that unusual. I'm not a big transmission guy but I should have caught that. The metal in the fluid may well be from the torque converter. It's generally the first part to grenade. Since the fluid was foam, it could also be the front pump, either way it's a replacable part. A good transmission shop, one that knows how to build a 700R4 will turn that transmission into a hard shifting beast for about $1,200-1,400 if you do the R&R yourself. I recommend you have them use a V8 valvebody incase you ever decide to build a motor for the car.

 

The spring above the trans plate..(the plate with the ball bearings on it) was also broke. This was suppose to be a little money here a little money there project...Looking more like a lot here and there now project.

 

Find a f-body 700r4 on craigslist. Should be around 200 bucks. It's not the best, but it'll get your car moving.

 

Yeah exactly, that and get a new radiator, or make sure you get a good cooler.

 

A transmission isn't really something you can nickle and dime together. You can install another used one but you get what you get. Having one built by a knowledgable and reputable builder will cost you more now but you'll have a transmission that will work well for the life of the car. My 700R4 has been in the car for 11 years and still works very well. That's with over 450 flywheel horsepower and 6,900rpm upshifts.

 

doc, you and I say the same thing about that but some of these kids are looking for a cheap solution and move ahead with hopes vs caution and open eyes.

Heck, I did it when I was young and had to do many do-overs with respect to repairs. As you get older, you just want to fix it right and be done with it.

 

Buying a used one worries me cause you dont know what its been thru or how long it will last. Thinking about rebuilding this one myself but I get pissed too easy if **** dont go right.

 

I learned the hard way that a stock 700R4 with a TransGo shift kit is not capable of standing up to 420HP. The trans lasted about 6 months before the fluid looked just like the OP's picture. That's when I decided to get real and have the trans built. Then came the cam upgrade and a bunch more power. The built trans still lives.

 

Everyone is so right, I have put many used transmissions across the dyno just find out that 3rd was gone or the band or even planetarys chewed up. I have bought cores off of craigs list, the guy swore that it was a running transmission I just smile and say ok as I'm going to build it no matter what they say. Tear into it and find broken pump, burnt clutches, ect. It comes down to how many times do you want to pull the trans and find another used one. It's so much better to just get it built and be done with it. A top quality build will cost a few bucks depending on kind of horse power it needs to hold. But once it is done it is done.
Rob

 

I have a friend that works on and restores old vettes and camaros. He's going build it for me. Had shoulder surgery 4 months ago and my shoulder won't let me do much, so I'm waiting the new radiator to get here then having it towed to his shop.

Thanks guy's...stay cool,its hot here in Ga.