tranny valve body

i have a 97 blazer 4X4 and the valve body needs to be change. i also have a tranny from a 98 p/u with a 4.3 can i take the valve body out of the tranny from the p/u and put it in to the blazer, also do i have to take the trans out of the blazer the change it or can i do it on my back ( I'm thinking of the all bearings that they my fall out)

i have a 97 blazer 4X4 and the valve body needs to be change. i also have a tranny from a 98 p/u with a 4.3 can i take the valve body out of the tranny from the p/u and put it in to the blazer, also do i have to take the trans out of the blazer the change it or can i do it on my back ( I'm thinking of the all bearings that they my fall out)

There is a plate that goes between the valve body and the trans itself. Ball bearings that go in the trans should be able to be kept in place by the plate. BTW, check that plate and make sure that none of the bearings are sticking in the plate. I had mine out to replace the reaction sun shell and noticed that one bearing was stuck in the plate. That can cause all sorts of troubles.

Why are you changing the valve body? What is the problem that causes you to change it?

For about $15 you can get a new separator plate, and it's worth it. That will solve any problems with worn seats, sticking check balls, and gives you two new gaskets.

The check balls can be held in place for assembly with a liberal dose of TransGel or Vaseline.

However, the valve body from the '97 may be different than the '98. 1996, 1998, and 2004 were transition years, and depending upon the type of 3-2 and PWM solenoids you have, the valve bodies may not be compatible.