Best 700R4 transmission? Nevermind its fine!

[MTBLAZER89]

Well it looks like the 700 in my new 90 K5 is done. I knew it had limited life remaining as it acted a little funny in OD while cruising on the highway, but yesterday I went to move it and R didn't work. I am going to verify fluid level today after work, but OD/D seemed to work fine so it doesn't seem like a fluid thing.

I am going to call my local shop and see what they run for a rebuild, but looking for opinions on replacement units.

 

[Deuling]

Reverse always goes out first in my experience when fluid is low.

You might be ok.

 

[runamok151]

A good trans shop should be able to rebuild it cheaper then buying new unless something is broken in the housing.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Reverse always goes out first in my experience when fluid is low.

You might be ok.

We can hope! I knew it would need to be dealt with at some point with 195k on it, but its a stock rig.

When I first bought it and drove it on the freeway it had a slight RPM fluctuation in OD with the cruise set so that was the first sign of trouble, but otherwise pulled good 1-3 during normal driving.

I'll check fluid this afternoon and report back. Installing an IFS lift on a 97 4 runner this week is eating up my garage time LOL

 

[jeff in co]

If you do have to rebuild, be sure to do some research on the shops. I had one done basically 3 times before it was correct. The final shop called in some "old dude" familiar with the 700r4 and re-did it again. He still found parts that should have originally been replaced.

Just be aware, just because they are a tranny shop doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Just my 2 cents

 

[454Sub]

"rebuilding" is a very very overused word these days. Much like free, cheap, and no strings attached. I grew up in a tranny shop, my dad built them, my uncle R@Rd them. The 700 is very very simple, but rebuilding is a very lost art these days. And most tranny shops hardly employ talented older fellers capable of this type of work. I was taught how to rebuild trannys, rearends, engines and everything just by feel, not feeler gauges. Its practice. That being said, 700s have become reasonable to buy new, or remanufactured, with a decent warranty. Best route IMO.

 

[Greg Ducato]

The 700R4 has been around since 1982 and shares a great deal with the 4L60E in terms of internal construction. There are many products and methods available to bolster the weaknesses in these transmissions and any decent trans builder should have a good working knowledge of this trans, since it probably represents a good deal of his business. The 1990 trans is a great starting point and will be an excellent candidate for rebuild and upgrade. If you have an experienced local builder I would recommend that route.

 

[pomai]

Bowtieoverdrives.com
Had the works done to my trans, Very good job and very good customer service!!

give them a call:
760-947-5240

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Added 2.5 quarts of ATF and it seems fine. Shifts better than it ever has. I drove it almost 100 miles home when I bought it and it hasn't leaked a drop so I guess the next step is to determine if the transfer case is filled to the brim

 

[jeff in co]

More fluid is always a good, cheap fix! Glad it worked out for you.

 

[Blue85]

Reverse always goes out first in my experience when fluid is low.

You might be ok.

Adam has lots of experience being low on all kinds of fluids.


Glad you checked it before buying a new one! Similar story, I know a guy who had the transmission rebuilt twice in his Grand Am, both under GM warranty. After the 2nd rebuild didn't shift right, they finally figured out the cable was out of adjustment.

 

[Greg Ducato]

Congratulations on a successful , low cost repair

 

[Deuling]

Added 2.5 quarts of ATF and it seems fine. Shifts better than it ever has. I drove it almost 100 miles home when I bought it and it hasn't leaked a drop so I guess the next step is to determine if the transfer case is filled to the brim

Im guessing it will be full.. But you have a 241 and IIRC the plate that holds the input seal pops off with bolts. So much easier than the 208s.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Im guessing it will be full.. But you have a 241 and IIRC the plate that holds the input seal pops off with bolts. So much easier than the 208s.

Me too! Yeah its a 241. Ok cool. I've never done one on anything but a 208. It'll be easy on a stock height rig too

 

[swettysblazer]

We resealed mine at Deulings the first year of the dune party in about an hour.... that included pulling it out of the truck

 

[82355]

I bet if you would put some stock wheels on it, it would behave better.

Martin

 

[Deuling]

Me too! Yeah its a 241. Ok cool. I've never done one on anything but a 208. It'll be easy on a stock height rig too

Idk, its kinda nice being able to sit on your butt instead of your back when pulling them haha.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

I bet if you would put some stock wheels on it, it would behave better.

Martin

I agree with this completely! I roll my eyes at it every time I see the wheels lol

Idk, its kinda nice being able to sit on your butt instead of your back when pulling them haha.

My trail rig isn't tall enough to sit up so you're still on your back, but it's too tall to reach. I need to lift my creeper..

 

[campfire]

I agree with this completely! I roll my eyes at it every time I see the wheels lol



My trail rig isn't tall enough to sit up so you're still on your back, but it's too tall to reach. I need to lift my creeper..

If you do, be sure to share pictures of your lifted creeper. With knobby offroad tires, of course.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

These look about right! I might just start this project! I am thinking a removable cradle with the large knobby casters for the creeper to sit in. Maybe with adjustable heights like a lawn mower wheel