GM Automatic Overdrive Transmission Builder’s and Swapper’s Guide (Sa Design)

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There’s an important component standing between your engine and your drive wheels: the transmission. Inside that metal case is a bewildering array of gears, bearings, seals, and more. The automatic transmission is a miracle of modern engineering, but it can also be a source of trouble. If your transmission breaks down you’re not going anywhere, and if it’s just not working properly, your car will never realize its performance potential.

In this book, expert mechanic and drag racer Cliff Ruggles demystifies the popular GM 700-R4 and 4L60 automatic transmissions. Keeping the enthusiast in mind, Ruggles explains the history of these transmissions, presents critical identification guidelines, and leads the reader through the complete disassembly, repair and upgrade, and assembly processes. DIY-ers will learn how to test their transmission to ensure its proper operation before installing it in the car.

This book includes information about high-performance modifications, both from the factory and the aftermarket. These include internal parts and external components such as shift kits and torque converters that will help you make your transmission perform at its best. It also covers common installation issues such as mounting, shifters and linkages, wiring harnesses, and more, and includes a special section by Ro McGonegal on swapping these transmissions into earlier performance and musclecar chassis.

From the Publisher

In this book, expert mechanic and drag racer Cliff Ruggles demystifies the popular GM 700-R4 and 4L60 automatic transmissions. Keeping the enthusiast in mind, Ruggles explains the history of these transmissions, presents critical identification guidelines, and leads the reader through the complete disassembly, repair and upgrade, and assembly processes. DIY-ers will learn how to test their transmission to ensure its proper operation before installing it in the car.

Removal and Installation

Cooling lines can be difficult to access. On some vehicles, you may have to lower the transmission slightly to gain access to the cooling lines. Several different types of fittings were used; the most common is a 5⁄16-in inverted flare, requiring a 1⁄2-in tubing wrench to loosen them.

Tools and Equipment

If a shop press isn’t available, you can fabricate a very effective spring compressor. The one shown in the picture was made from two different sizes of square tubing, at a very minimal cost.

Disassembly

The center support is held in position by a large snap ring. The snap ring is positioned so that one end keeps the retaining spring, oftentimes called an “anti-clunk” spring, in position in the case.

Transmission rebuilding requires a suitable work area. As the transmission is taken apart lay the parts out on a workbench. Pay close attention to the order in which they were removed from the case, and inspect each part for wear or damage.

Assembly

The above photo is the later forward clutch pack. It consists of five flat steel plates and five flat friction plates. They stack directly onto a waved plate that rests on top of the thick apply plate. The waved plate is always installed first in all models, followed by the rest of the clutch pack.

Shift Kits

Some shift kits will require drilling holes in the separator plate. They may not have the needed drill bits in the shift kit. Follow the size recommendations exactly, and make sure to check twice and drill once.

Swapper’s Guide

You’re ready to put the transmission back on the engine. Invariably, the unit will have to be wiggled into place because it won’t couple up by going straight in. As precaution, attach a hold-down strap to the transmission and jack. Flexplates for TH350 and 700-R4 are identical.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CarTech (September 30, 2008)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1932494502
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1932494501
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.38 x 11 inches