[1947Chevy1989]

Hello,
New to the board and just had my 1989 GMC 4x4, 350 C.I. V8, with the ever famous 700r4 start giving me problems...I think it is time for a rebuild, it only has 195,000 miles on it, due to me changing the oil in the trans religiously every year, and lucas oil additive .

I have been told that they are easy to rebuild, but I was wondering if there are any tools that I may need to buy special for tearing such a trans apart, or is easily torn apart with any good gear heads selection of tools? I know my uncle was able to redo a th350 no problem, and several other makes and models through the years, but I am not familiar with the metrics...yes, I am one of the dreaded "do it yourselfers" . I figure how else is a person going to learn.

My truck started giving me trouble on Tues here when the weather hit -25 below zero...I just thought it was hard shifting due to the cold, then it would not shift into third, fine through 1st and 2nd, third it falls on it's butt ....ofcourse I still have reverse so from what I hear and have read that means overdrive should be intact, just that drive is out. took it out today and it does the same thing. I have also read about some "plastic gear" that breaks? what is that about? Well, hope you can help me out with my few questions....thanx
Mike

[JeffB]

Contact www.transmissioncenter.net they specialize in 700r4's and have a great step by step DVD to walk you thru the build.

[1drwgn]

it is a whole lot easier to take it to somebody you know, and let them rebuild it, theres a reason for the 300 bucks in labor, its a pain in the rear, unless you've done another trans before i wouldnt recommend doing it yourself

[richard stewart 3rd]

Hi Mike,
Try this, click the search button above & type-in
700r4 rebuild & read what others have to say & don.
You will need a manual &/or a video, but it's not
hard to do this trans.. Go for it.
Take care,
Rich

[Jmark]

If you are mechanically inclined, it can be done. The tool that will come in handy is the spring compressor for all the piston retainers. A real pain without it. You will probably also need help replacing all the bushings and installing the teflon sealing rings. You can cheat but be prepared to bugger up a few bushings and rings.

There are a lot of little things to check that are easily missed if you don't know what to look for. Any of which will render the trans still broke if not addressed.

I did a 350 2 years ago and did good. I then tried a 700 and did kinda ok. Finally lost interest in finishing it and moved it on to someone else to ck and finish.

Mark

[66chevystepside]

I did mine with the help of the video and books/websites... If you take your time, are patient and are mechanically inclined you should be able to do it yourself.

[1947Chevy1989]

Well, I have decided to go with a local shop that has a good rep. He called today and told me with exchange it would be about $700 for the trans and converter. I think I am going to go that route for now since it is one of my most driven vehicles....I will maybe try a rebuild myself if I ever decide to put an overdrive in my old chevy....thanx for the help....