Was working on installing a shift kit and suddenly realized it doesn’t have any check balls in it. I know I didn’t lose them because I’ve been watching for them. Been driving it around like this for 2 years now. Guess I can keep doing it? Can I even buy those?
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Th350 - missing check balls in valvebody
- Thread starter centexk5
- Start date
It should have at least the one by the modulator. What year?
1984. And there is zip.
Lockup or no?
No.
I found this on the net. That should help explain.
The shift kit should point out where they need check balls as well, but I have only used Trans-go kits. So maybe they all don't.
And I thought that you posted a picture of your transmission and it showed that you a TH350 with the spacer to make it go where a 700R4 was. This would mean that you have an unknown year transmission. I would doubt that it's a lock-up one. I didn't think that many were produced, and I didn't think that there was a shift kit for them.
And I thought that you posted a picture of your transmission and it showed that you a TH350 with the spacer to make it go where a 700R4 was. This would mean that you have an unknown year transmission. I would doubt that it's a lock-up one. I didn't think that many were produced, and I didn't think that there was a shift kit for them.
This isn’t a lock up trans and as far as I know it’s a 1984 TH350. And the TCI kit says where check balls should be but this trans doesn’t have them. I’ve gotta source some.
wasted wages
1 ton status
Might be a stupid question, but you do know that there are no balls in the valve body. there is a separator plate against the body of the trans, and the balls go in the passages of the transmission, on top of the plate.
Was just wondering if maybe you took down the valve body and the plate and gasket stuck to the transmission.
Was just wondering if maybe you took down the valve body and the plate and gasket stuck to the transmission.
wasted wages
1 ton status
You won't find balls in the passages of the valve body....
Yes I know. I spent half an hour scraping the gasket off the transmission.
Not that it really matters, but I was fairly confident that the lock-up version started in 1981. I saw several trucks with the lock-up version, even a K5. The adapter housing was one piece, just longer so that when the 700R4 came out, the driveshafts were the same. My buddy converted his '81 to a 700R4, from a TH350C easily because of this.
Just trying to share information is all.
And thanks to @Fastereddie it looks like you only need one check ball IMO, don't need to soft shifting in an offroad truck!
I found some check balls. $.08/ea. Had to buy $1 worth. At least I’ve got spares haha.
I'm going to be doing a shift kit soon, now I know who to check with if I lose one. 
Although based on what @Fastereddie posted, I'll only be re-installing one.
Although based on what @Fastereddie posted, I'll only be re-installing one.
Sling shot ammo
Just follow the directions that come with the kit you buy, and you’ll be good.I'm going to be doing a shift kit soon, now I know who to check with if I lose one.
Cleanliness is godliness, when it comes to autos.
This is my first one and it’s really simple. And yes, I’ll have plenty of spares if yours are missing haha. The instructions in mine show to leave two in it so that’s what I’ll be doing.
I've done a shift kit in my first K5 but that was 23 years ago. 
All I remember is getting soaked because I did it on a sloped driveway and it started to rain hard and I didn't have a creeper. 
All I remember is getting soaked because I did it on a sloped driveway and it started to rain hard and I didn't have a creeper.
Nothing beats the feeling of oil running down your armpit...I've done a shift kit in my first K5 but that was 23 years ago.
