[Edahall]

I’ve got a front wheel drive 1987 Cadillac Allante with a bad F-7 transmission. The F-7 is basically a beefed up 440-T4 I’m told. I’m going to rebuild this transmission myself but before I pull it out I have some questions.

1. What upgrades can I do to make this transmission stronger? Upgrades I’m aware of include shift correction packages either by Superior or Transgo and having the fins on the torque converter fins brazed. I’ve also heard about upgraded channel plate and sprags and hardened drums but I don’t know who sells these upgraded parts.

2. What are some good companies to buy the rebuild kit / hard parts and upgrades from? Two companies I’ve seen on the web are Makco and Transtec.

3. Is there any way to test the rebuilt transmission before I re-install it in the car such as a transmission dyno? Any shops in Los Angeles have this ability?

4. What does it take to drop a transmission from a front wheel drive car in my backyard. Is it possible? How far does the front of the car have to be lifted up? I do have access to a lift but getting the car there is going to take a tow.

[Edahall]

Just want to put this subject back on top

[Crosley]

I have remained quiet on this post since you seem to have no experience in FWD trannys , removing them & repairing them.

If you do not know how to get the tranny out safely you could possibly get hurt. The sub frame must come out . the engine will fall if not properly supported.

have you rebuilt transmissions before? This tranny is a challenge for the DIY person.

In the subject head of the thread, I assume you mean 4T60 not the 4L60

[Edahall]

Crosley,

You’re right. I don’t have any experience in removing FWD trannys from the bottom. The last FWD tranny I rebuilt, I removed from the top since the engine needed rebuilding. The only transmissions that I have removed from the bottom are the 700-R4 and the terribly heavy SM-465. I did both of these at home and I’m hoping I can do the same with this tranny. I do have access to a lift but the problem is getting the car there so I’m kind of stuck doing the job at home. I also want to learn how to do the job myself because local transmission shops are quoting me $3000 to the job. And the previous owner of the car had the transmission rebuilt a year ago and it failed again. At least if I rebuild it and it fails I can blame myself.

Another question. Which are the best manuals for the 440-T4? Makco sells manuals for these transmissions but it looks like you have to buy 4 of them to cover the updates. They also don’t give the name of these manuals? I wonder if they are ATSG manuals. Here's the website for the manuals:

http://www.bulkpart.com/cgi-bin/miva...y_Code=440T4tm

[Edahall]

Found a website that shows someone taking the engine/transmission assembly out of a cadillac. Looks like it can be done.

http://tyre.serveftp.com/copev8x11/caddy_prep.htm