700r4 question from a noob

[Arky]

Hi, I have a 85 LWB silverado 2WD with transmission issues. So I am thinking of rebuilding the 700r4 myself with the aid of a few friends. Thinking also of getting a 700r4 from a 4x4 setup, removing the transfer case, rebuilding and upgrading. Would that work ? Is it that simple ?
Yes I know it sounds very green for a person attempting a rebuild but you gotta start somewhere right ? The reason for the 4x4 700r4 is that its from an 89 truck and I can't seem to find a 2wd 700r4.
Thanks

[texasfunk]

if i am correct, you'd be better off just using your original 700r4, and i have never rebuilt one, and i wouldnt try,

[Arky]

Hi Texasfunk,

If I don't find a 2wd 700r4 I will have to rebuild original 700r4.

Problem is that this might turn out to be summer project and I do not want to be without the truck that long.

Would anyone know if the gearing would be any different in a 4X4 setup ?

Would I have to change and compensate for speedo ?

Any related links that I should look at to read about this type of swap ?

Thanks in advance,

[SanitysBane]

The output shaft on the 4X4 trans is longer than the 2wd model.

If you are going to rebuild the trans get a real shop manual ( http://www.helminc.com (its the factory one)) and a torque wrench. Take your time with it and you shouldn't have too much trouble. One word of advise, soak the new clutches and band overnight in transmission fluid. Also after you rebuild it you are going to get air in the lines, happens no matter who rebuilds it, this will cause all sorts of strange shifts, don't worry about it. I've rebuilt more 700R4's than I dare to count, the year that you want to look for it one built after 1987, they did a lot of improvements in that year and those are the ones you want to look for.

As far as the speedometer, just reuse your current gears (pull off the tail housing, pull the gear off the output shaft and unbolt the carrier that the cable goes into).

[Arky]

Both my replies so far are from Lubbock. So go Red Raiders.

Hi David, thanks for the reply. Got a manual coming and a DVD. Been reading up as much as time allows for it.

So the length of the output shaft does not matter ? And I am looking at a 91 700r4, well at the moment that is what the posting is.

Thoughts on upgrading the parts on the 700r4? e.g.Corvette servo. Aluminum accumulators? Would the later 700r4s need the transgo kit. Is the the stronger sun shell a good idea? The 5 planetary gears vs the 4 ? What would you say ?

I really just want to build a stronger trans than stock. Truck not making any higher hp than stock.(for now at least).

Thanks again.

[gchemist]

Use the 5 roller planetary gears. In addition: 13 vane pump, boost valve, shift correction kit, Vette servo and external oil cooler. Now if want to something to hold down power add: super servo kit, extra strong clutches, heat treat out put/input shafts and torque drive kit. The torque drive kit includes a sun shell to take massive torque output.
For parts checkout: www.bulkpart.com and http://www.transmissioncenter.net/700MegaRaptor.htm

I have all the upgraded parts listed in my 700R4. Shifts like crazy. If you want smooth shifts, you better have your foot all way into the throttle!! I'm not kidding!!

[Arky]

gchemist, thanks, I think that for what I want to do now I will go with the 5 roller planetary gears from GM,13 vane pump, boost valve, shift correction kit, Vette servo, Aluminum accumulator and maybe external oil cooler. The correction kit, which one did you go with ? Still waiting on my manuals to arrive. I think that my biggest problem will be the seals on the input/output shaft. The tools itself costs about the core of a 700r4. Any ideas ?

[Arky]

Still on a noob type question, will a 700r4(91) behind a 350 bolt up to a 305(85) ? Thanks in advance.

[kelsfine69]

What do you need for special tools. I thought just a torque wrench, feeler blade type tool or wire ended tool and a tub of vaseline?

[Arky]

Hi kelsfine69, its the transmission turbine shaft Teflon® sealing ring installer, resizing tool. It runs about $140-$150. You could use the "scarf" cut sealing rings to avoid this but I rather not. Might end up paying a trans shop to install these sealing ring for me. Apparently its very hard without the tool.

[SanitysBane]

All V8 Chevrolet motors use the same bellhousing bolt pattern, and some of the V6s.

[motornut]

chev v6 229=chev v8-2cyclinders