I would like some advice, I am attempting to rebuild my 700r4 and from what I have been reading and researching. It isn't a bad idea to replace the pistons with the steel ones from a 4l60e.
I eyeballed this on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/700R4-BONDE...334?nav=SEARCH

My question is, as I was reading through the ATSG manual for the 5th time now I noticed that it states that a lot of the pistons are matched to other parts in the trans. I am going to keep reading and trying to comprehend what the manual is saying.

But I would really appreciate any advice if I am about to mess up and cause more problems by changing parts that may not work with others.

Thanks
Richard

 

That kit will work fine thats what I use cuz the older aluminum Pistons crack

 

Here's my build sheet. Maybe it will help you decide.
Also, check out this book. It'll tell you what works with what.

 

I use the aluminum pistons in all my 700R4 builds for well over 30+ years, and never had one break. I prefer the aluminum pistons in 700R4's. In 4L60E's, there can be computer pressure spiking problems, especially in the early years. That is why they went to the steel molded rubber pistons, because of the spiking problem causing high pressure to crack the forward occasionally. When we use the stand alone computer, we use the aluminum pistons. I use the Sonnax forward aluminum piston in the 4L60E"s when installing the steel re-enforcement sleeve, without incident. Save your money here.

 

I finally got your build sheet to open. Give me a call and I will save you some money here and what is needed and not needed to make this work the way you want. 909 795-1876
Dana

 

Thanks for that Dana but this transmission has been together for nearly a year now. For what it's worth, it's the best functioning 700R I've ever owned.
As for saving money on parts, it wasn't as expensive as I thought it might be.
I didn't purchase the parts outright (with the exception of the 13 vane pump) so I can't comment on what cost what but for what's installed, I'd do it again.
From what I can tell, this falls somewhere between the Gearstar Level III & IV and I'm less than 1/2 the cost.
That said, if you care to discuss what you'd leave off of build sheet or what you might add, I'd be very interested to hear. So might others who follow along.

 

Thank you for sharing, This will be my first build and I didn't want to break the bank doing it. It seems like I was working towards a similar BUT "budget" build

I went with
transstar rebuild kit
BW HE frictions and Steels (green 3-4 pack)(I think stock 4l60e frictions & steels)
stamped pistons
Torington bearing kit
bushing kit
thrust washer end play shim kit
heavy duty sun shell (mine was broken)
BW 29 element forward sprag and used element(mine was failing)
new low roller sprag
Transgo 700 3-4 kit (high rev springs)
.500 boost valve
corvette servo
2400 FTI Stall

I have about 5 to $600 in it right now.
But if I manage to get it done and it lasts any reasonable amount of time there are upgrades that you have in this list that I would not hesitate to spend the money on the next time I build one.

 

Thank you sir

 

Ooops, Should have checked thread before I bought my pistons.
I will keep this in mind for the next one I build.
Thanks for the advice

 

I was amazed at how durable my old 700 was with a minimum of upgrades. No pistons or sprags or any of that. Just a TransGo shift kit, .500"/.300" boost valves and a "Vette" servo. It outlasted the TCI torque converter and probably saw 70000 miles and hundreds, if not thousands of WOT shifts.
This latest transmission I wanted as bullet proof as reasonably possible. About the only things lacking are input and output shaft replacements.