Today I finally got to doing the shift kit from Dana at Probuilt Automatics in my 700r4 and I dropped the small snap ring down the side of the transmission into the clutch packs when it slipped off my snap ring pliers. Pictures of the ring and the side I dropped it down are attached. Does anyone know how I can get it out without disassembling the entire transmission and all the clutch packs? If I can't do it without takign everything apart, I'll just have someone build the transmission (or do it myself, though I've never done it and don't want to screw anything up).

Fell down around this shift plate into the case of the transmission

The replacement snap ring

 

Can you still see it? Have you tried the magnet on a bendy stick and flexy pushy grabber claw guys?

 

I cannot still see it, and I already tried flipping it to make it fall out and that didn't work either unfortunately...

 

It is not worth messing around with.
You tried, and essentially succeeded!

I congratulate you, and all others who try to take this on!


ATF covered hands (or Gloves) tend to allow small Parts to go to unwanted places.
After 30-Years, I am very accustomed to it.

Quit messing with it,
Performabuilt would most likely have the Transmission apart and back together in 1 Hour...
With the Snap-Ring installed of course!

Drive about 1-House North until you hit I80.
Take I80 East about 20 Min...
Performabuilt is in Bloomsburg, PA.

 

I actually managed to get it out by flipping the transmission and shaking it until the ring fell out. Continuing the install in the morning! Hopefully I don't lose any more parts in it. If something won't come out I'll just have it built because it'll end up behind a 380-ish hp small block 350 and it might live through it but I'm not sure. I didn't see any metal shavings or clutch material last service so I'm hoping the stock clutches are all in good shape.

 

Awesome!