Turbo 400= Blowed Up - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hilandr452 · 07-27-2009, 06:48 PM

Hey guys,

Lost my tranny (no not that kind of Tranny

) this weekend pulling the boat to the lake and need to know if any locals here in Colorado Springs know a RELIABLE transmission guy who won't gouge me for a rebuild. May consider the 700R4 switch depending on price. Any Ideas?

Thanks!

stllookn · 07-27-2009, 07:00 PM

Just curious but did you have a tranny cooler (other than the radiator unit) and a temperature gauge?

hilandr452 · 07-27-2009, 10:07 PM

Nope, truck is original stock. No outside cooler and no temp gauge, just the one in the radiator.

Dan

71402BB · 07-27-2009, 10:15 PM

TTT.... That really stinks! hope you find I good tranny shop! Have you thought about checking with the BBB (better bussiness burrea) I bet they could point you towards a good shop....

hilandr452 · 07-27-2009, 10:51 PM

I've decided to try to rebuild it myself. I've always been afraid of automatic transmissions, but my brother (Hilandr451) in California has one that works he'll give me for shipping if I screw this one up. Wish me luck!

Dan

kevmic28 · 07-28-2009, 12:26 PM

I rebuilt mine in a 2000 Dodge Stratus. It wasnt too hard, get a good manual. I got most of my parts off ebay and the manual. Just make sure you align the clutch plates with the imput shaft right or you will be buying new plates like I did.

69GMCLonghorn · 07-28-2009, 02:37 PM

Go for the 700R4 !!

Two things I've learned: There's no replacement for DISplacement, and no replacement for A DANG OVERDRIVE!!

mclairmo · 07-28-2009, 02:44 PM

I once had a video from Darrel Young Transmissions on rebuilding the TH400. Not too hard, just lots of detail and lots of parts. Maybe obtain a video to help you through it. Also, be sure to add a large external cooler in addition to the one in the radiator and install a temp gauge so you can monitor the fluid temp. Also, replace the torque convertor as the old one is likely filled with metal and other bad particles that will contaminate your newly rebuilt tranny.

stllookn · 07-28-2009, 04:51 PM

You might also go onto craigslist in your area and find some guy with 20 yrs experience moonlighting for extra cash. He would probably have the tools and you could help him and do the grunt work. Learn something and get it done cheap and fast. Just a thought.

hilandr452 · 07-28-2009, 07:54 PM

Sounds complicated. I'm going to do a lot of research before I start this one. Thanks for the tips guys.

Dan

Jayss109 · 07-28-2009, 11:24 PM

you'll need this

http://forums.minnesotamud.com/showthread.php?t=4210

468BIGBLOCK · 07-29-2009, 09:27 AM

if you are considering a 700 junk4 I have to say RUN FOREST RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

69GMCLonghorn · 07-29-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 468BIGBLOCK

if you are considering a 700 junk4 I have to say RUN FOREST RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So is there a better O/D that you would recommend?

mrein3 · 07-29-2009, 12:41 PM

From where you are (no tranny) I would go with a 700r4. DO NOT tow in overdrive. If you select drive in a 700r4 instead of overdrive you'll get the same 1:1 through the tranny as you get now - well used to get - with your th400. In fact you'll see a bit better mileage because the 700r4 has a lock-up converter where your th400 slips at all speeds.

468BIGBLOCK · 07-29-2009, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69GMCLonghorn

So is there a better O/D that you would recommend?

in my opinion the 700 JUNK4 was the worst chevy tranmission EVER produced. i would run a 4l80e o.d. or a nv4500 5 speed stick, i would never put a 700 junk4 in anything heavier than a go cart. good luck this this.

hilandr452 · 07-29-2009, 06:46 PM

OK, I'm open to suggestions. Don't you need some sort of computer control for a 480le?

Thanks,

Dan

hilandr452 · 07-29-2009, 06:59 PM

OK, now I'm hearing about a 200r4? There's a rebuilt one here on craigs list for $350. Is that tranny any good?

Dan

100%Chevy · 07-29-2009, 09:54 PM

Around here,you can get it rebuilt for $300.00.
A 4L80-E is the electronic version of the turbo-400.I have several 400's and prefer them to the rest.
200r4 and 700r4 are not real strong in stock form.Need up-grades to last.
If you're not looking for gas mileage,I'd stick with the 400.
I have one behind a 454,4x4,in a 82 truck and I do smoke the 12.5x 33's.It's held up for years.Hard to say that about the o.d. trans unless you spend a lot of money on them.
And,I have an extra cooler mounted under the front of the radiator support.It's about 8"x 16"(old a/c coil).Maybe that's why mine has lasted so long!
Mike.

hilandr452 · 07-30-2009, 09:16 PM

When they do a rebuild, does that include the pump?

Beefcake · 07-30-2009, 11:11 PM

whats nice about sticking with the 400 is everything is already there. The 700r4 will require some other modifications to get it running.

Im going to be going from a 350 to 400 trans shortly. If i really do that much driving with my truck and need overdrive, Id consider a jackson overdrive unit. It would have to take a lot of driving last time i checked they're going for around 2 grand.

07-27-2009, 06:48 PM	#1
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Turbo 400= Blowed Up Hey guys, Lost my tranny (no not that kind of Tranny ) this weekend pulling the boat to the lake and need to know if any locals here in Colorado Springs know a RELIABLE transmission guy who won't gouge me for a rebuild. May consider the 700R4 switch depending on price. Any Ideas? Thanks! __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-27-2009, 07:00 PM	#2
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up Just curious but did you have a tranny cooler (other than the radiator unit) and a temperature gauge? __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary) Last edited by stllookn; 07-27-2009 at 07:01 PM.

07-27-2009, 10:07 PM	#3
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up Nope, truck is original stock. No outside cooler and no temp gauge, just the one in the radiator. Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-27-2009, 10:15 PM	#4
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up TTT.... That really stinks! hope you find I good tranny shop! Have you thought about checking with the BBB (better bussiness burrea) I bet they could point you towards a good shop.... __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

07-27-2009, 10:51 PM	#5
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up I've decided to try to rebuild it myself. I've always been afraid of automatic transmissions, but my brother (Hilandr451) in California has one that works he'll give me for shipping if I screw this one up. Wish me luck! Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-28-2009, 12:26 PM	#6
kevmic28 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Arlington Texas Posts: 602	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up I rebuilt mine in a 2000 Dodge Stratus. It wasnt too hard, get a good manual. I got most of my parts off ebay and the manual. Just make sure you align the clutch plates with the imput shaft right or you will be buying new plates like I did. Last edited by kevmic28; 07-28-2009 at 12:27 PM.

07-28-2009, 02:37 PM	#7
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up Go for the 700R4 !! Two things I've learned: There's no replacement for DISplacement, and no replacement for A DANG OVERDRIVE!!

07-28-2009, 02:44 PM	#8
mclairmo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Take Off Posts: 1,908	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up I once had a video from Darrel Young Transmissions on rebuilding the TH400. Not too hard, just lots of detail and lots of parts. Maybe obtain a video to help you through it. Also, be sure to add a large external cooler in addition to the one in the radiator and install a temp gauge so you can monitor the fluid temp. Also, replace the torque convertor as the old one is likely filled with metal and other bad particles that will contaminate your newly rebuilt tranny.

07-28-2009, 04:51 PM	#9
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up You might also go onto craigslist in your area and find some guy with 20 yrs experience moonlighting for extra cash. He would probably have the tools and you could help him and do the grunt work. Learn something and get it done cheap and fast. Just a thought. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

07-28-2009, 07:54 PM	#10
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up Sounds complicated. I'm going to do a lot of research before I start this one. Thanks for the tips guys. Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-28-2009, 11:24 PM	#11
Jayss109 Active Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 235	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up you'll need this http://forums.minnesotamud.com/showthread.php?t=4210 __________________ Cadillac Powered

07-29-2009, 09:27 AM	#12
468BIGBLOCK MEMBER OF THE JUNK MAN CLUB Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: paragould arkansas 72450 Posts: 425	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up if you are considering a 700 junk4 I have to say RUN FOREST RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ I LIKE 67-72 CHEVYS, I HAVE OWNED OVER 150 OF THEM IN THE LAST 25 YEARS..

07-29-2009, 12:41 PM	#14
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,253	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up From where you are (no tranny) I would go with a 700r4. DO NOT tow in overdrive. If you select drive in a 700r4 instead of overdrive you'll get the same 1:1 through the tranny as you get now - well used to get - with your th400. In fact you'll see a bit better mileage because the 700r4 has a lock-up converter where your th400 slips at all speeds. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

07-29-2009, 06:46 PM	#16
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up OK, I'm open to suggestions. Don't you need some sort of computer control for a 480le? Thanks, Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-29-2009, 06:59 PM	#17
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up OK, now I'm hearing about a 200r4? There's a rebuilt one here on craigs list for $350. Is that tranny any good? Dan __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442



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07-29-2009, 09:54 PM	#18
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up Around here,you can get it rebuilt for $300.00. A 4L80-E is the electronic version of the turbo-400.I have several 400's and prefer them to the rest. 200r4 and 700r4 are not real strong in stock form.Need up-grades to last. If you're not looking for gas mileage,I'd stick with the 400. I have one behind a 454,4x4,in a 82 truck and I do smoke the 12.5x 33's.It's held up for years.Hard to say that about the o.d. trans unless you spend a lot of money on them. And,I have an extra cooler mounted under the front of the radiator support.It's about 8"x 16"(old a/c coil).Maybe that's why mine has lasted so long! Mike.

07-30-2009, 09:16 PM	#19
hilandr452 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 357	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up When they do a rebuild, does that include the pump? __________________ Dan Smith Colorado Springs, CO 71 GMC Custom Camper "Longhorn" 454, TH400 73 Chevy Camper Special (Yes, it's badged a camper special) Flat Bed Motorhome conversion 454, standard tranny *"DON'T TREAD ON ME !!!"* My Project: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/20829244 , http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/24654442

07-30-2009, 11:11 PM	#20
Beefcake Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Motor City Posts: 540	Re: Turbo 400= Blowed Up whats nice about sticking with the 400 is everything is already there. The 700r4 will require some other modifications to get it running. Im going to be going from a 350 to 400 trans shortly. If i really do that much driving with my truck and need overdrive, Id consider a jackson overdrive unit. It would have to take a lot of driving last time i checked they're going for around 2 grand. __________________ 72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works.

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