I'm thinking about rebuilding my 700r4 -- myself!

Hello,

I wanted to get some opinions about rebuiding my 700r4. i have a 92 with a 350 2wd 240,000 miles. Reverse is slipping and i know it won't last much longer. I have been looking at the rebuild kits from Pro Built Automatics -- http://www.700r4l60e.com/store/home.php?cat=19. They have a dvd and manual for the DIY'er. I have built a manual t-5 before and numerous engines but not an automatic. Can any one give me some tips that has been through this before? Maybe I should just go with a kit from NAPA? What do you think?

I haven't any advice except that it can be done with enough time and patience, space, and the right tools. There are Haynes-type repair/rebuild manuals specific for the 700R4. Spike TV's Extreme 4x4 even did an episode rebuilding one.

Since you are asking about possible suppliers, I do recommend looking into Monster Transmissions (www.eatmyshift.com (http://www.eatmyshift.com)) as another possible source for standard rebuild kits as well as upgrades to your tranny. You can even buy a rebuilt one shipped to you and you ship yours back...free core return I think. They are well-reputed.

Hope this helps and good luck...let us know how it goes!

Everyone thinks there is some kind of black magic in there, there isn't. If you have a good understanding of hydraulics you can diagnose and repair one. If its slipping at your mileage I would imagine you need to replace the clutches and steels and the piston seals, which are in a rebuild kit.
The main thing is take your time, and go buy the right tools, you need a good tool to compress the springs in the clutch packs to get them apart and replace the seals.
Also if you are in there and have 240000 on it, put a new converter in it. And don't waste time repairing it. If it does start to come apart, it will stop up the cooler, then everything in it will be burnt up.

There are quite a few special tools needed for overhauling this trans. Its not brain surgery but they're are a lot of "Tricks of the trade" things that trans techs do that are not in any video or overhaul book when they rebuild automatics. Even knowing that, a $20 ATSG book on the 700R4 will tell you what you need to know to do a basic overhaul. Just post questions here if you need to during the overhaul and I can help you any way I can from here.


transman

Go for it, as long as your core is in decent shape and it's just slipping, I see no reason why someone capable of rebuilding an engine properly, can't handle an automatic transmission rebuild. I would suggest that you make sure you have adequate room and keep the sub-assemblies separated and in order as you remove them from the case. I use plenty of newspapers to set the components on in the order I take them out of the case. Good Luck.

what he said.
There are definately tricks of the trade that make things go faster.
Again, don't go cheap on a clutch spring compressor, the money you save on doing it yourself will buy it, and you will have it too.
Otherwise, just take your time. Have something else to drive for a few days so you aren't rushed.
Cameras really are nice for getting it back just the way it was too...

Thank you all for your comments. I have watched a DVD half a dozen times on the rebuild and also have the haynes manual. If you know of any tips that rebuilders use that are not normally mentioned please let me know. I will let you all know how this turns out in a few weeks. Thanks