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Hello All,
Thought I would start an all-encompassing 700R4 information thread since so many of our trucks have one of these transmissions installed. Please feel free to add your own tips, tricks and anything else that you found helpful or ask questions as you need to and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
If you would like parts added to the below ‘Parts List’, post them in the thread and I’ll incorporate them into the list. Meanwhile, I’ll update this first post with additional information and links as I go.
700R4 Production Run - 1982-1993
700R4 Vintages, Defining Characteristics and Parts Interchange
Some of my videos covering the 700R4:
700R4 Teardown and Inspection
Valve Body Changes and Interchange
Input Drum Differences and Interchange
700R4 Rebuild Series
Rebuilding the 700R4 - Special Tools
700R4 Rebuild - Parts Selection
Machining, Reconditioning and Recommended Assembly Procedures
700R4 Check Ball Location and Descriptions
Source: ATSG Checkball Book, Vol 1
Resources:
Throttle Valve Cable set up and adjustment instructions
Thought I would start an all-encompassing 700R4 information thread since so many of our trucks have one of these transmissions installed. Please feel free to add your own tips, tricks and anything else that you found helpful or ask questions as you need to and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
If you would like parts added to the below ‘Parts List’, post them in the thread and I’ll incorporate them into the list. Meanwhile, I’ll update this first post with additional information and links as I go.
700R4 Production Run - 1982-1993
700R4 Vintages, Defining Characteristics and Parts Interchange
| Years | Defining Characteristics | Interchange |
| 1982-E1984 | - 27-spline input shaft - 7-element forward roller clutch assembly (Jan 1-May 31 1982) - Narrow pump stator - First design forward drum - poorly designed 3-4 clutch bleed orifice (368 last three digits of casting no) | None - discard these parts if working on a 1982-E1984 unit and replace with L84-1986 pump/input drum assemblies |
| L1984-1986 | - Introduction of 30-spline input shaft - Introduction of wider pump stator to accommodate 2nd design input shaft - Updated forward drum housing - improved 3-4 apply circuit bleeder checkball capsule (152 last three digits of casting no) | Will retro to all prior years of 700R4 as a service pack (pump assembly and forward drum) and strongly recommended for any 1982-E1984 700R4 |
| 1982-E1987 | First generation valve body (has bore for mechanical TCC command / lock up )
| Will install on all years of 700R4 and recommended for anyone seeking 100% mechanical control of the torque converter clutch |
| L1987-1992 | - 2nd generation valve body - Takes only two check balls - Introduction of auxiliary valve body - Third design forward drum (097 last three digits of casting) no.) | 2nd design valve body Will NOT interchange onto a non-aux valve body case Third design drum will technically retro to any year 700R4 but forward feed orifice was widened from 3mm to 6mm so installing onto non-aux valve body applications may result in very harsh engagements into drive. |
| 1993 | - 3rd generation valve body (F-bodies and corvette only) - same general design/valve train layout however a third check ball was added to the valve body |
Some of my videos covering the 700R4:
700R4 Teardown and Inspection
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Valve Body Changes and Interchange
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Input Drum Differences and Interchange
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700R4 Rebuild Series
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Rebuilding the 700R4 - Special Tools
| Tool | Applicable Parts/Location(s) in the Transmission | Function | Appx Cost | Source |
| ATSG manual | Everywhere | Provides detailed step by step procedures, tools, diagnosis and troubleshooting along with other information pertaining to the servicing and repair of the transmission | $30 | Amazon, eBay, trans parts suppliers |
| Ft Lb torque Wrench | Pump, Ext-housing to case | Torque fasteners to required specification | $50+ | eBay, Hardware stores, Amazon, Snap On, Cornwell, Matco, etc |
| Inch Lb torque Wrench | Valve body, aux valve body, 1-2 accumulator, TCC solenoid, speedo housing bracket | Torque fasteners to required specification | $50+ | eBay, Hardware stores, Amazon, Snap On, Cornwell, Matco, etc |
| Dial Indicator, magnetic base and vise grips | Pump/Input shaft | Used to measure front end play. Dial indicator is mounted onto a metal surface and plunger set vertically on the snout of the input shaft while vise grips are used to grip the input shaft so the builder can lift up on the shaft and measure dial indicator travel. | $100-$300 | eBay, Hardware stores, Amazon |
| Pump alignment tool | Pump assembly | Used to align the pump cover/stator and pump body during reassembly - can use a large hose clamp obtainable at most hardware stores | $20-$100 | Home Depot, ebay, Amazon |
| Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers - Straight | Clutch Drums & Low Reverse clutch snap rings | Snap On PJIOA or equivalent is used to remove and reinstall clutch return spring snap rings throughout the transmission | $25 | eBay, SnapOn |
| Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers - 90-degree | Output shaft snap ring and low reverse clutch | Snap On SRP1 or equivalent is used to remove the small snap ring at the output shaft-front planetary carrier junction; also used to remove the low reverse clutch return spring snap ring | $30 | eBay, SnapOn |
| Internal/External Snap Ring Pliers - Eye loop | Pump cover (Boost/PR valve and TCC Lock up valve) | Use small pair of internal/external snap ring pliers designed to engage ‘eye loop’ style snap rings such as those found at the boost/PR valve and TCC lock up valve in the pump cover | $30 | eBay, hardware stores, Amazon |
| Sealing Ring Expander and Sizer | Input shaft | Expander: Expands teflon sealing rings so they can fit over the input shaft Sizer: Resizes rings to proper diameter once each sealing ring is in its groove | $75-100 | Amazon, eBay, trans parts suppliers |
| Clutch spring compressor | Forward drum, reverse input drum, low reverse clutch (rear case) | Used to compress apply piston return spring assemblies so the corresponding snap ring can be installed If you will build transmissions occupationally, purchase a good foot press ($400-600) | $100-200 | Ebay, Amazon |
| Bushing Drivers | Various | These are used to remove and reinstall bushings in a transmission - look for the 4L60e-specific set on eBay A set can be expensive so an alternative is to take all bushed parts to a trans shop for R/R - cost is roughly $150 | $300-500 | eBay, hard parts suppliers, tool suppliers |
| Slide hammer / blind hole puller Kent Moore J-45548 | Pump stator bushings | Use to remove both stator bushings (price is for the kent moore tool) | $40-60 | eBay - commonly listed |
| 12+ Ton Shop Press | Various | Used in concert w/bushing drivers to install bushing (and occasionally remove them) Heavy arbor presses can also be used Hammering bushings into place is a last resort | $150+ | Harbor Freight |
| Lip Seal Installation Tool | Various | Used to work lip seals into sealing pockets or cavities without cutting/tearing the lip seals on apply pistons, etc | $5-10 | eBay, Amazon, WIIT Trans Supply |
| Air compressor w/air nozzle | Various | Use an air compressor w/a rubber-tipped nozzle to air check clutch pack apply in drums and the case as well as the 2-4 band servo apply to confirm those elements will function correctly upon the transmission’s return to service | $100+ | Hardware stores, Amazon |
| 700R4 Air Test Plate | Case Belly | Optional but recommended for transmission builders - used to air check a fully assembled case by mimicking the valve body’s presence on the case and using air as a proxy for apply fluid. Validates all sub-assemblies containing applied elements are working properly in the case | $100-$150 | eBay |
| Sonnax Governor Bore Air Check Tool | Governor Bore | Optional but recommended for transmission builders - used to detect leaks at the governor bore | $50 | eBay |
| Kent Moore J | Governor Bore | Use to ream the governor bore and install a governor bore sleeve that will restore sealing integrity of the governor bore for continued use of the case | $70+ | eBay |
700R4 Rebuild - Parts Selection
| Part | Location | Rationale | Part No (if app) |
| Detent Cable | TV hook-up (case) | Always install a new TV cable - pre-existing cable is likely worn and may not hold adjustment upon overhaul, resulting in unacceptable main TV pressures | |
| Transgo Jr shift kit | Valve Body | Factory main throttle valve sometimes sticks, causing inconsistent main TV pressure and drivability symptoms | SK700JR |
| Accumulator Pistons | Case / Aux Valve Body / 1-2 Acc Hsg | Always replace existing accumulator pistons with new counterparts | |
| Corvette Servo | Case (Servo bore) | Original ‘053’ servos are undersized, especially if the engine is modified. HP/Xtreme Heavy duty: Use Billet Servo Augment w/ rubber D-ring seals in place of teflon scarf cut seals if available ‘053’ refers to the three-digit code cast into the 2nd gear apply piston | |
| .472 boost valve / new reverse boost valve | Pump Cover | Factory .420 boost valve is worn; new boost valve kit will provide better line rise upon acceleration HP/Xtreme HD: Use Sonnax .500 boost valve kit | |
| 10 Vane Pump kit | Pump Body | Applies to 82-86 700R4s that came with seven-vane pumps from the factory 10 vane pumps provide greater stability at higher RPMs; 13 vane pump kits (rotor and corresponding slide) can also be installed but are usually not necessary | |
| 298mm pump stator | Pump Cover | Applies to 82-E84 700R4s installed behind V8 engines Install a matching stator or stator-pump cover assembly from a L84-86 unit that pairs with the 30-spline input shaft Note Pump bodies with last three digits of ‘732’ in the casting number will work on any pump cover across all years of 700R4 | |
| 4L60E reverse input Drum | Reverse Input Drum | Retro a 4L60E reverse input drum, aluminum apply piston, belleville cushion plate and 4L60E tubular steels from a 97+ 4L60E for more consistent hi-reverse apply if existing drum cannot be reconditioned | |
| ‘152’ Forward Drum (152 refers to the last three digits in drum’s casting number) | Forward Drum | Applies to 82-E84 700R4s installed behind V8 engines Early 27-spline input shafts are susceptible to failure; early drums do not have as efficient fluid bleed-off design for 3rd clutch piston when trans is in first or second gear | |
| Bonded steel/rubber apply pistons | Forward Drum | Factory aluminum pistons in 700R4s and pre-97 4L60Es crack (esp the forward piston) | |
| Updated forward clutch return spring assembly | Forward Drum | Required for 97+ bonded pistons | |
| #7 3-4 clutch apply ring | Forward Drum | The apply ring from a 4L60E is slightly shorter than the #4 or unmarked 700R4 factory equivalent. When paired with a combination of thinner apply and backing plates/support plate and 4L65E spec clutches and flat steels will allow for additional clutches and steels in the 3-4, providing for a stronger clutch than factory | |
| High energy frictions (3-4 clutch pack) | Forward Drum | Always use 4L60E high energy clutches for all rebuilds, at minimum (more specialized clutch discs should be considered if application calls extreme duty/spec frictions) | |
| 29-Element sprag assembly | Forward Drum | Applies to 82-87 700R4s Install the updated 29-element sprag from 87+ units for greater strength/reliability over the original 24 element sprag or, in the case of very early units, the 7-element roller clutch The entire sprag gear assembly must be updated if unit is pre-1988 If so equipped, replace existing sprag clutch with new Borg Warner counterpart | |
| Viton seal (input - output shaft junction) | Forward Drum | Install a 4L60E rubber/viton style seal in this location in the forward drum Never use the plastic input-output shaft junction seal that comes in numerous overhaul kits as they leak | |
| Bushing kit | Various | Replace all bushings in the transmission Install Sonnax 4L60E teflon coated bushings for the pump body, rear stator bushing and extension housing bushing if available | |
| Low reverse tubular steels | Low Reverse clutch pack |
Machining, Reconditioning and Recommended Assembly Procedures
| Procedure | Rationale |
| Pump Working Surfaces (Body and Cover) | Machine the pump cover flat to restore it’s working surface to factory new; remove .010” of material Machine pump body deck by .010 to restore surface to perfectly flat; machine rotor pocket to achieve .0015-.0025 rotor-deck surface clearance and .002.003 slide-to deck surface clearance Install new vanes, pump rings and teflon parts |
| Pressure Regulator Valve | Grind off the in-board most land all the way around flush to provide the transmission full-time line-to-lube at all throttle positions |
| Pump Drain Back | Drill pump drain back 5/16” to promote more efficient drain back of fluid to the sump (pan) Applies to 4L60Es as well |
| 4th Accumulator | Install your old accumulator piston upside down in the case bore with no rubber seal then install a new accumulator piston over top with a perimeter seal - this will provide for a positive, crisp 3-4 upshift This procedure is equivalent to installing a restrictor that comes in some shift kits High-stall: Block off 4th accumulator feed in case and leave piston/spring out entirely |
| Reverse Input Drum | Turn reverse input drum surface to remove any warpage - install wide Alto red 2-4 band (band is only a few dollars more than factory band) |
| Band Clearance | Set band clarence such that band moves about ⅛” movement of band along drum to promote longevity and shift quality |
| Separator Plate | - Drill separator plate hole sizes to .110-.115 for 2-3 feed and 2-3 exhaust for crisper upshifts to 3rd gear - Drill 3-4 feed hole to .110-.115 for crisper 3-4 upshift - Drill 1-2 feed hole based on servo piston type and spring used in 1-2 accumulator valve in valve body Increase above hole sizes incrementally based on increase in converter stall over stock rpm stall speed (1600-1800 RPMs) |
| Valve Body - Line Bias Valve | Block off line bias valve is high stall/high performance application - use a rod of the appropriate size |
| Valve body - MTV Upshift valve | Remove spring from MTV upshift valve for more optimal shift quality |
| Valve Body Swap - Vehicles that did not originally come with a 700R4 | Hot Rods / Resto Mods: Install an 82-86 valve body if your late (88+) 700R4 is intended to be used in a non-computer control application and you do not want to install an electro-hydraulic TCC lock up kit Install a Super Technologies or Transgo TCC Mechanical Lock up kit in the applicable location in the valve body Note: You cannot install a late 700R4 valve body onto an early non-auxarily valve body-equipped 700R4 case |
| Governor | Replace governor gear with new Governor valve not moving when actuating weights? Remove governor valve and polish bore w/bench buddy and WD40 to promote better function of the governor and prevent upshift/downshift issues upon overhaul |
700R4 Check Ball Location and Descriptions
Source: ATSG Checkball Book, Vol 1
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Resources:
Throttle Valve Cable set up and adjustment instructions
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