Rebuilding a 700R4 in 4x4 for towing...
 

Awhile back, I posted that the Internal Reaction (Ring) Gear shattered in my 1982 GMC 2500 4x4 truck. Here are the links to my previous posts.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=217634
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/inte...r4-103421.html

I am in the process of shopping for a local transmission shop. I know very little about the what's and how's in making an automatic transmission work. I am not familiar with the terminology. I will be using the truck for towing a horse trailer and/or boat.

Here is my checklist for rebuilding a 700R4 for towing. Help me learn so I will be able to understand what these shops are saying. Please point out my obvious mistakes. Please point out things that I might have left out.

I plan to start with 1987 (or 88) 700R4 K-case trans from 4x4 from salvage yard. 1992 was the last year for the 700r4. 1993 was replaced by the computer controlled 4L60E.

I plan to reuse 1987 Torque Convertor.
My 1982 is 27spline. Late 1986 was upgraded to 30 spline.
I have decided against:
-- 1993 and newer 4L60E Lockup TC w/ Stock stall speed - 1600 to 1800 RPM
-- Precision Industries 9.5" lockup TC

I plan to install new TC lockup solenoid.

I have decided against:
-- Hardened 30 spline input shaft. (needed for towing or if engine is capable over 400 foot pounds torque.)

I plan to replace OEM plastic thrust washer with a roller thrust bearing to reduce heat.

I plan to upgrade to GM Viton seal for the input to output shaft
(eliminating rear planet failure due to lack of lubrication).

I have decided against:
-- Hardened output shaft

I plan to install new high volume 10 vane oil pump (including vanes)
My 1982 is 8 vane. Late 1986 was upgraded to 10 vane.
I have decided against:
-- high volume 13 vane oil pump

I have decided against:
-- elevated pressure regulator spring
-- (38) pump slide spring

I plan to upgrade to Trans-Go, No Yo-Yo Pump Kit with steel front pump rings.

I plan to install 0.470 main boost valve
(including larger manual low/reverse boost valve)
I have decided against:
-- upgraded 0.500 main boost valve

I have decided against:
-- oversized manual low/reverse boost valve

I plan to install hardened SPX Filtran, "The Beast", sun shell.
I plan to install new 5 pinion rear planetary
I have decided against 5 pinion front planetary
I plan to install hardened reaction shell and bearing (needed for towing).
I have decided against extra wide sun gear bushing

I plan to reuse 28 element input sprag.
I have decided against:
-- 29 element input sprag (which brings 700R4 up to OEM 4L60E)

I plan to install new manual low/reverse sprag.

I have decided against:
-- Hardened drum assembly (needed for towing)
-- New aftermarket high quality band drum. ($75 to $100 depending on mfg)

I plan to upgrade to Trans-Go, SysKoKal Shift Kit - K61908 by Gil Younger
(Valve Body - Servo Accumulator & Governor Parts)

I plan to upgrade to Trans-Go Accumulator Seals
on existing Accumulator Pistons.

I have decided against pinless accumulator pistons.

I plan to install new plastic drive gear on the end of the Governor.

I plan to install
-- new OEM bushings from Federal Mogul and/or Clevite
-- new OEM seal/rings from Sealed Power

I plan to install new GM Turbulator low-drag steel & quick clutch release technology

I plan to install new OEM 2-4 band.
I have decided against:
-- Borg Warner, Hi-Energy wide 2-4 band.
-- Aftermarket made of Kevlar would reduce heat.
-- Alto Carbon Fiber with hardened anchors

I plan to install new HD 3-4 clutch pack with 6 friction plates.
-- Alto, 6 brown
I have decided against:
-- Borg Warner, Green Hi-Energy 3-4 clutch pack with 9 friction's and steels.
-- Alto, Red Eagle 3-4 clutch pack with 8 friction's and 7 full thickness (and 1 thin backing plate) Kolene steels
-- Raybestos, Blue Plate Specials 304 clutch pack with 7 friction's plus 1 backing plate

I plan to install new Forward, Manual Low/Reverse, Overrun, and Reverse Input Clutches
-- Alto, brown

I have decided against:
-- Corvette 700R4 2nd Gear Servo - firmer shifts
-- Oversize 35% and 50% Servo

I have decided against:
-- (41) Servo Valve
-- hp 1-2 accumulator spring

I have decided against:
-- Hardened Stator Shaft
-- Extra Wide Rear Stator Support Bushing
-- Hardened Anchor Pin


Thanks goes to "briscoe" at http://www.hotrodders.com
and "rfmaster" at http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212320

Info assembled from:
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/
http://www.700r4l60e.com/welcome.html
http://www.transmissionhead.com/
http://www.berrysweb.com/700-R4-Rebuild.htm

Product list:
http://www.bmracing.com
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...rt=BMM%2D70244
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/GM/gm_2004r.asp
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...t=TCI%2D376600
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0002_748599_-1
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...47219_-1_10733
http://www.transgo.com/
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...part=TRG%2D700
http://www.naparts.com/ProductModelD...ctModelId=5285
http://www.tciauto.com/Products/GM/gm_4L60E.asp
http://www.spxfiltran.com/Products/L...ssion=TH700-R4
http://www.spxfiltran.com/Products/L...BrycoNum=42298
http://www.spxfiltran.com/Products/L...rycoNum=42298B
http://www.naparts.com
http://www.txchange.com/parts.htm
http://www.delta-transparts.com
http://www.wittrans.net

several incorrect parts and date listing when upgrades were made by GM.

I would seriously consider a different 3-4 clutch pack & 2-4 band than listed.

Rebuilding a 700R4 in 4x4 for towing
 

You will benefit from a 3-4 clutch kit that allows you to install more than 6 clutchs in the drum. I'm curious about the input you may have gotten, which influenced your decision about the 3-4 setup.

I am impressed with the amount of research and time you have invested in this.

One other thing,the checkball capsule[in the case,servo area],we remove those capsules and plug the hole.We use a GM anchor pin cup plug.

If the ball does not seat in the capsule,from any type of debris,it will be a leak, and disturbs the band release clutch apply function.

This can take out the 2-4 band and or the 3-4 clutchs....It has happened to me.

having overdrive is nice on long highway runs but after the 700 in my 89 suburban failed ....again....towing my race car, i finally converted it to a t/400. do you actually ever use overdrive while towing anyway. i seldom did.

rebuilding a 700R4 in 4x4 for towing
 

Peteshotrodshop, just curious, what failed with your 700R4?

What were the symptoms, and was it clutch failure,gear train,converter?