NOTE: this is from my own experience with my 91 700r4 305


alright guys im basically writing this because of my own mistakes and i want to prevent any of my fellow 3rd gen owners from making the same ones.

basics.

if and when you need to pull your automatic 700r4 here's tips tricks and just plain experience to help you guys out...

i'll start by saying it is not as scary as it sounds. i've done mine so many times now that i can walk you through it to the bolt size.

-Tools-
transmission jack, or an extra floor jack.
5/8's socket
7/16's socket
13/16 or 21mm (wrench and socket)
9/16 socket
13mm wrench
1/2" socket
15mm wrench
about 2 feet of extensions with a swivel

step one

use your 15mm wrench to unbolt the flexplate from the torque converter there are 3 bolts and you will need someone with a 5/8's deep socket on your underdrive pulley at the front of the motor to turn it over when you get a bolt out and to hold the motor still while removing the bolts.

use the 5/8's socket to unbolt the crossmember with the transmission jack in place just barely pushing against the trans pan. first take off the center nut holding the trans mount then remove the 4 bolts on your body.
(helps to throw all of these in a container)


Now pull the cross member off and toss it aside, now move to the back of your drive train to the drive shaft and torque arm.
using a floor jack lift the rear diff until both tires are just floating off the ground this will line up your torque arm with the tail shaft allowing much simpler removal and installation, (THIS IS IMPORTANT DO THIS) otherwise you'll fight for a half hour lining the bolts back up and pulling the from of you differential back down level.

use the 7/16 ratchet to remove u joint bolts once out its helpful to use a wrench or large screw driver to pry the drive shaft out of the differential knuckle.

NOTE: (if you're not pulling the trans out from under the car leave the diff end and let it rest on jack stand so you do not loose fluid)

after that use your 21mm or 13/16 wrench and socket combination to remove the two large bolts that hold your torque arm to your rear diff.

pull the torque arm out of its bracket from the tail shaft, be careful while doing so the inside skeleton of the torque arm is sharp.. i have scars..


NOW Then you are ready to begin the decent of the transmission.. have a second set of eye watching up top at your distributor cap to be sure it does not hit you fire wall and break (depending on your motor size, i have a 305 and have no issues)

use the 9/16 socket to pull the bolts out of the trans, this can be tricky easiest way is to go from by the tailshaft and guide the socket up to the bolt with the train of extensions. once those are out bring down slightly more until you can get to your tranny lines use the 13mm wrench unscrew the line nut you may have to hold the larger brass adapter that they feed into forgive me i dont know that size.

now the lines are off you trans is mostly free use a
1/2 socket or wrench depending on the placement of your transmission jack and remove the 2 bolts holding you shifter cable on to you transmission pan.
be sure to hand thread these back in so you dont misplace. then unbolt the shifter knuckle from the side of the transmission body. also unplug your lock up cable (square four plug design) and your spedo plug that goes to the tailshaft.

go up top now and take off your air breather and use a pair of pliers to compress the plastic lock on you TV or KickDown Cable that runs from the trans to the throttle body.


also don't forget to pull the dipstick tube up through the top of the engine bay.


NOW for the installation when you put a new Torque converter in be sure to first fill it with transmission fluid.. 700r4 takes dextron 6 (VI) should take a couple quarts and it will take a while to seep down. (not 100% on the amount)

when you slide the TC on the input shaft be sure it goes ALL THE WAY ON the two notches on your TC slide onto pump teeth you will BREAK the pump teeth if you dont line this up correctly and then attempt installation.
push the TC on and turn it until you feel it seat.

now reverse all of these steps for installation, now i do know a completely dry 700r4 takes 11 quarts.


also when putting the trans dipsitck tube back it goes behind the passenger valve cover not next to it, it will only go one way,... this will save some aggravation as well.


some big things to remember when you bolt the trans back to the motor you will be able to turn the TC if it is smashed against the flex plate then it is not on the pump teeth correctly and you just ran the risk of breaking the teeth or the gears. so when you push the trans againt the motor see if you can spin it freely you should also have about a 1/4 of travel between Torque converter and flex plate. also when you run the TV/ kick down cable be sure to press the D button on the end of the cable bracket in and open your throttle to WOT with the cable attached this sets your cable and your shifts. after that all the important factors are done now just bolt it all back up and

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

thanks this helped allot.!!

 

I have an ES torque arm bushing. All I have to do is loosen the top 10mm bolt that holds the mount together. Remove the outer part of the mount, then let the torque arm go up against the floor pan. Much easier then removing the torque arm.

Also, if your luck sucks like mine does, a compression fitting on the cooler lines near the starter will make disconnecting/reconnecting the lines much easier.

A large screwdriver has always worked great for me to rotate the engine. Really nice when you dont have someone helping you.

 

nice write up

 

appreciate it, figured ive done it enough and have made my own mistakes it was the least i could do lol

3rdgen where'd you get that mount i need a new torque arm bushing.

 

Also, when you put the rear of the car on jackstands, place them at the axle/ rear end and you will not have to fight it. take the bolts loose for the torque arm mount as 3rdgenmaro said and even with a factory one it is a piece of cake.

 

Bought mine from summit. Just make sure which one you need. There are 2 different styles. Depends on which way the lips face on your torque arm.

 

good thing to know, whatever makes the job easier thanks for the add on guys!

 

It's a major *PITA* to get the tranny dipstick tube back in if you pull it out of the engine bay.

And that's exactly what I did first time.