700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 11:47 AM

I'm about out of hope for my truck. the 700r4 that I've spent $$1500 on over the past year just lost all gears with a big bang (literally). I've had it in the shop for numerous problems over the past year.

I got it built last March -- $1300, it survived the almost stock 350 just fine, it was supposed to be built to withstand 450hp

Less than a month after I put the new 383 in the front seal in the transmission went out. It didn't cost me anything except the labor to pull it out.

less than a month later the whole front pump went out, the transmission guy said I didn't put it in right, so I let him put it in -- $250, my truck was also vandalized because he left it outside his shop over the weekend.

I just had it in there a couple weeks ago for another front seal

now, today the thing blew up leaving me stranded in the middle of the road!!! I think the input drum went. (just a guess)

has anyone else had problems with 700r4's??????

I don't know what I'm gonna do, I don't have enough money for a new transmission and I don't want to see another 700r4!!!

**rob32472** · 11-18-2009, 11:54 AM

The problem is your builder not the transmission.

BAGNDRAGIT · 11-18-2009, 11:58 AM

chevy_mike · 11-18-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob32472

The problem is your builder not the transmission.

x4 Builder is the problem.

I had a unit from Bowtie Overdrives and never had a problem and my friend who bought the truck from me never had a problem. The guy who bought it from him never had a problem.

Critter · 11-18-2009, 12:03 PM

X3 on the builder issue. I think if/when I put a OD in one of these 2wd trucks I am going to look for a 200r4. Sounds like that's not an option for you right now due to the cost, but I hear far less complaints about the 200r4 as opposed to the 700r4. Just a thought.

BAGNDRAGIT · 11-18-2009, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Critter

X3 on the builder issue. I think if/when I put a OD in one of these 2wd trucks I am going to look for a 2004r. Sounds like that's not an option for you right now due to the cost, but I hear far less complaints about the 200r4 as opposed to the 700r4. Just a thought.

And i believe the 200R4 requires a little less modification, if my memory serves me.

mtdave2 · 11-18-2009, 12:28 PM

this is why i hate these tranys. i agree IF you have good builder, they CAN be good.

my point is, why even risk it with a trany that is that touchy?

**1971 GMC SHORTY** · 11-18-2009, 12:44 PM

It's the builder, a front pump would have went out on your 1st drive not a month later.... I had a 700r in my 63 sub with a 406ci I beat it up and the guy i sold it to is still running it.. And i got it from pick your parts... Trans guys ripping you off...

Rokcrln · 11-18-2009, 01:04 PM

I agree with the above builder comments. I had one built years ago from ATO in Rancho Cordova Ca. and it has held up great to my beating the snot out of it. I will even get scratch going into second pulling my loaded car trailer if I push the go pedal hard enough. That was after it sat on the shop floor for over 6 years before putting it into a truck!

I spent $2300 for mine but it was reworked to not need any electronics for the OD feature and that was for the core, 2400 rpm converter and build. Next he will be doing my 4L60 for my 72 Tahoe! But I do know the TV cable setting is very important as is the correct valve body (they are not all the same). See if you can find a cheap 350 to put in their for now but don't sell the truck just because you are ticked off.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

smoky02 · 11-18-2009, 01:09 PM

I have to agree. I bought a tranny from a guy on here that had heard it was built from the previous owner, it's been running strong for about a year and half now, behind a 400HP motor and I beat the crap out of it.

faribran · 11-18-2009, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoky02

I have to agree. I bought a tranny from a guy on here that had heard it was built from the previous owner, it's been running strong for about a year and half now, behind a 400HP motor and I beat the crap out of it.

i have to agree.... ( i am his dad)

Andy4639 · 11-18-2009, 03:15 PM

700-R4 is a great transmission as long as you have it built right. I had mine done in 1989 and it has well over 100,000 on it and has never let me down yet. I have a 305 with 4:10 rear.
It's not the transmissions fault.

Wrenchbender Ret · 11-18-2009, 04:51 PM

The failures seem to be in the same area. It could be an alignment problem. I have one in my 70 stepside. It works good but I still prefer a manual trans.

**breeh** · 11-18-2009, 01:51 PM

I've been running mine behind a big block for 7 years with absolutely no problems.

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 02:03 PM

Yeah, I've been thinking its my transmission rebuilder, but I got a good recommendation for him from several people. I need something done and I'm tired of taking the truck back to him. and unless he refunds my money I cannot afford a 700r4 or a 200r4 from anyone else.

so now, should I:

take the transmission back again

demand a refund

look at a th350 or th400

look at a manual tranny???? the NV4500???

I really cannot afford to spend any money right now, but I guess I'll probably have to

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 02:15 PM

I was mainly venting off steam about selling the truck, but this new development only makes some of those "I told you so" people have more things to say about my truck

LOW DOUGH · 11-18-2009, 01:57 PM

yeah.... see if you can find a TH350 for now.... don't sell it.

Jim_PA · 11-18-2009, 02:27 PM

Remain calm, have a nice chat with the builder, and ask him what he would do if he were in your situation with a trans that keeps breaking.

Either that, or I would get a good book, or DVD, and fix it myself.

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

Either that, or I would get a good book, or DVD, and fix it myself.

I'm definitely considering this!!!!

smbrouss70 · 11-18-2009, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

Either that, or I would get a good book, or DVD, and fix it myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by americanmusc1e

I'm definitely considering this!!!!

If you go that way, here is a good place to start.

http://atsg.com/cart/products/700_R4...1993-20-5.html

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 10:42 PM

OK, I WAS TOTALLY WRONG!!!

when all this happened this morning I was on my way to college and I was almost there, so I got help to push the truck off the road and walked the rest of the way.

before I left I checked it by putting the transmission in reverse and looking to see if the driveshaft was turning, it wasn't, so I figured it was in the transmission.

this evening when I got back to the truck, I put the transmission in reverse and revved on it, I heard a pop and then looked back under the truck and the driveshaft was turning, and the wheels were still not moving.

I guess I killed the spider gears in the differential, now its time for better gears and a LSD!!!!!

big_al_71 · 11-18-2009, 02:40 PM

I agree with everyone's comments about the builder. I have had nothing but horrible luck with 700r4's over the years in fact I sold a 1990 gmc1500 I had because of going thru so many tranny issues....I had a th350 fully built to hold 1000hp which I will never have but I know no matter what powerplant I use the tranny will outlast it. I would go back to the guy and ask him what is he willing to do if anything. If this was the case for me I would just buy a th350 and slap it in there I guarantee you that it will run just fine.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-18-2009, 02:37 PM

How was the transmission set up?

If not set up properly they're basically junk, no matter how good the builder was/wasn't.

I installed a bowtie overdrives TV made EZ TV cable kit and their torque converter lock up kit, the one that unlocks when you hit the brakes. Over 10,000 miles and over 3 years of use. I guess it's OK to reveal where I got it now

I got it as a reman for about $700 from Autozone or Advance, can't remember which one.

**americanmusc1e** · 11-18-2009, 02:41 PM

the TV cable was set up properly, I did it and the transmission rebuilder checked it. I got the TV cable brackets from Holley. (for my 4160)

whatever happened, the clutches did not burn up, something mechanical went out, as evidenced by the BIG BANG

Rokcrln · 11-18-2009, 02:53 PM

Take the truck back again and see what he will do before giving his name and this story out to everyone that will listen

Great builders get the occasional recommendation/referral. The bad ones get tons of free negative publicity!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

11-18-2009, 11:47 AM	#1
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I'm about out of hope for my truck. the 700r4 that I've spent $$1500 on over the past year just lost all gears with a big bang (literally). I've had it in the shop for numerous problems over the past year. I got it built last March -- $1300, it survived the almost stock 350 just fine, it was supposed to be built to withstand 450hp Less than a month after I put the new 383 in the front seal in the transmission went out. It didn't cost me anything except the labor to pull it out. less than a month later the whole front pump went out, the transmission guy said I didn't put it in right, so I let him put it in -- $250, my truck was also vandalized because he left it outside his shop over the weekend. I just had it in there a couple weeks ago for another front seal now, today the thing blew up leaving me stranded in the middle of the road!!! I think the input drum went. (just a guess) has anyone else had problems with 700r4's?????? I don't know what I'm gonna do, I don't have enough money for a new transmission and I don't want to see another 700r4!!! __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

11-18-2009, 11:54 AM	#2
rob32472 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: dallas ga Posts: 1,505	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! The problem is your builder not the transmission.

11-18-2009, 11:58 AM	#3
BAGNDRAGIT Just Not Low Enough! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 525	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! __________________ NEED ELECTRICAL HELP? ASK ME! 67-72 Full Wiring Diagrams Lots Of Info, TAKE A LOOK 1967 Chevy C-10 Shortbox Bagged 327 4spd Previous: 1971 Chevy C-10 Short Sep I6 Auto (Traded) 1973 Chevy C-20 THE REDNECK BATTLE TRUCK 2001 Chevy Silverado 2Dr 5.3L Shortbox. R.I.P. 1969 Volkswagen Bug This is my first meeting, I have a horsepower problem.

11-18-2009, 12:03 PM	#5
Critter Future TOTM Winner Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bulverde, TX Posts: 2,692	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! X3 on the builder issue. I think if/when I put a OD in one of these 2wd trucks I am going to look for a 200r4. Sounds like that's not an option for you right now due to the cost, but I hear far less complaints about the 200r4 as opposed to the 700r4. Just a thought. __________________ 72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com Last edited by Critter; 11-18-2009 at 02:34 PM.

11-18-2009, 12:28 PM	#7
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,508	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! this is why i hate these tranys. i agree IF you have good builder, they CAN be good. my point is, why even risk it with a trany that is that touchy? __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

11-18-2009, 12:44 PM	#8
1971 GMC SHORTY Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SAN FERNANDO VALLE SOL CAL Posts: 1,064	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! It's the builder, a front pump would have went out on your 1st drive not a month later.... I had a 700r in my 63 sub with a 406ci I beat it up and the guy i sold it to is still running it.. And i got it from pick your parts... Trans guys ripping you off...

11-18-2009, 01:04 PM	#9
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I agree with the above builder comments. I had one built years ago from ATO in Rancho Cordova Ca. and it has held up great to my beating the snot out of it. I will even get scratch going into second pulling my loaded car trailer if I push the go pedal hard enough. That was after it sat on the shop floor for over 6 years before putting it into a truck! I spent $2300 for mine but it was reworked to not need any electronics for the OD feature and that was for the core, 2400 rpm converter and build. Next he will be doing my 4L60 for my 72 Tahoe! But I do know the TV cable setting is very important as is the correct valve body (they are not all the same). See if you can find a cheap 350 to put in their for now but don't sell the truck just because you are ticked off. Kevin LFD Inc.

11-18-2009, 01:09 PM	#10
smoky02 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sunny, Florida, some might call it South Alabama Posts: 834	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I have to agree. I bought a tranny from a guy on here that had heard it was built from the previous owner, it's been running strong for about a year and half now, behind a 400HP motor and I beat the crap out of it. __________________ Just sold my C10...sad day... Looking for a 1972 Blazer to hopefully fill the hole in my heart.

11-18-2009, 03:15 PM	#12
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! 700-R4 is a great transmission as long as you have it built right. I had mine done in 1989 and it has well over 100,000 on it and has never let me down yet. I have a 305 with 4:10 rear. It's not the transmissions fault. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

11-18-2009, 04:51 PM	#13
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,207	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! The failures seem to be in the same area. It could be an alignment problem. I have one in my 70 stepside. It works good but I still prefer a manual trans.

11-18-2009, 01:51 PM	#14
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I've been running mine behind a big block for 7 years with absolutely no problems. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

11-18-2009, 02:03 PM	#15
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! Yeah, I've been thinking its my transmission rebuilder, but I got a good recommendation for him from several people. I need something done and I'm tired of taking the truck back to him. and unless he refunds my money I cannot afford a 700r4 or a 200r4 from anyone else. so now, should I: take the transmission back again demand a refund look at a th350 or th400 look at a manual tranny???? the NV4500??? I really cannot afford to spend any money right now, but I guess I'll probably have to __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

11-18-2009, 02:15 PM	#16
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I was mainly venting off steam about selling the truck, but this new development only makes some of those "I told you so" people have more things to say about my truck __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

11-18-2009, 01:57 PM	#17
LOW DOUGH I'M TRUCK CRAZY! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Sachse, TEXAS Posts: 1,737	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! yeah.... see if you can find a TH350 for now.... don't sell it.

11-18-2009, 02:27 PM	#18
Jim_PA Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA Posts: 2,696	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! Remain calm, have a nice chat with the builder, and ask him what he would do if he were in your situation with a trans that keeps breaking. Either that, or I would get a good book, or DVD, and fix it myself.



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

11-18-2009, 10:42 PM	#21
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! OK, I WAS TOTALLY WRONG!!! when all this happened this morning I was on my way to college and I was almost there, so I got help to push the truck off the road and walked the rest of the way. before I left I checked it by putting the transmission in reverse and looking to see if the driveshaft was turning, it wasn't, so I figured it was in the transmission. this evening when I got back to the truck, I put the transmission in reverse and revved on it, I heard a pop and then looked back under the truck and the driveshaft was turning, and the wheels were still not moving. I guess I killed the spider gears in the differential, now its time for better gears and a LSD!!!!! __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

11-18-2009, 02:40 PM	#22
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! I agree with everyone's comments about the builder. I have had nothing but horrible luck with 700r4's over the years in fact I sold a 1990 gmc1500 I had because of going thru so many tranny issues....I had a th350 fully built to hold 1000hp which I will never have but I know no matter what powerplant I use the tranny will outlast it. I would go back to the guy and ask him what is he willing to do if anything. If this was the case for me I would just buy a th350 and slap it in there I guarantee you that it will run just fine. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

11-18-2009, 02:37 PM	#23
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! How was the transmission set up? If not set up properly they're basically junk, no matter how good the builder was/wasn't. I installed a bowtie overdrives TV made EZ TV cable kit and their torque converter lock up kit, the one that unlocks when you hit the brakes. Over 10,000 miles and over 3 years of use. I guess it's OK to reveal where I got it now I got it as a reman for about $700 from Autozone or Advance, can't remember which one. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 11-18-2009 at 02:39 PM.

11-18-2009, 02:41 PM	#24
americanmusc1e Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,079	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! the TV cable was set up properly, I did it and the transmission rebuilder checked it. I got the TV cable brackets from Holley. (for my 4160) whatever happened, the clutches did not burn up, something mechanical went out, as evidenced by the BIG BANG __________________ -- Josh Instagram: @americanmusc1e OLD SKOOL-- 1970 C10. 454/Th400/3.07 posi Build Thread FARM TRUCK----1949 Chevrolet 3800 Power Wagon Hauler Build Thread 1999 4wd OBS Tahoe - daily. DM me if you can't see photos i posted

11-18-2009, 02:53 PM	#25
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: 700r4 is about to force me to sell the truck!!!!! Take the truck back again and see what he will do before giving his name and this story out to everyone that will listen Great builders get the occasional recommendation/referral. The bad ones get tons of free negative publicity! Kevin LFD Inc.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.