700R4 build thread.

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Apply air to the Reverse feed hole, The Low/Reverse piston will pop up, Remove piston.

These are 4L60E pics, 700R4 is very similar.

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Now that the case is bare, Clean the case thoroughly, Having it ran through parts washer is a good idea. Remove the 2 thimble filters from the case. 1 at the rear of the case (Governor feed) & one toward the front (TCC solenoid feed), Before cleaning

Time to leak check the 3rd Accumulator check ball assembly, It is absolutely critical to check this, If it is leaking it will only be a matter of time before the 3/4 clutches burn down.

The valve body face needs to be pointing straight up.
Install 2/4 servo assembly in servo bore.
Install servo cover and retainer, then pour a suitable solvent into the accumulator bore. Observe for leakage inside case. *Pic.
If leakage is observed, replace 3rd accumulator retainer and ball assembly.

Remove 3rd accumulator retainer and ball assembly using a number 4 screw extractor.
Install new check ball assembly, small end first into case, positioning oil feed slot in sleeve facing servo cover.

Using suitable tool, drive check valve assembly until seated in case. To ensure correct installation depth, scribe a mark at 1.653 inch on a 3/8 inch diameter metal rod, then seat the 3rd accumulator and ball assembly as shown. When the scribed line is flush with the case, Installation depth is correct.

The AC-Delco part# is 8634400 if new check ball assembly is needed.

Red arrow is the 3rd accum. exhaust port, It the valve is leaking...Solvent will leak out here. The white arrow is the Bleed orifice...Solvent will leak here...Normal condition.

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Replace the rear Case Bushing, Knock it out from the rear of case, Install from the front, Not that 700R4's are bad about Case Bushing walk-out like a TH400/4L80E. But procedure is procedure. I use my camshaft bearing installer handle to drive the Bushing Installer & Bushing. I use a Seal/Bearing tool to drive it out.

If ever in doubt, Measure the depth of the Bushing before removal.

Didn't get a pic of my installer, But how many people have a Cam Bearing knocker handle?

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Time for part inspection & Parts ordering. We will start from the bottom & work to the top.

Reaction (Rear) Planetary assembly is a high wear item.

1.Inspect the reaction carrier/support thrust bearing assembly (683) for damage.
2.Inspect the reaction gear support to case bearing (692) for damage.


3.Inspect the internal reaction gear (684) and the internal reaction gear support (685) for proper assembly, stripped splines, cracks, teeth, and lug damage.


4.Check the reaction carrier pinion end play. The end play must not exceed 0.61 mm (0.024 inch). Inspect the reaction carrier for the following conditions:
•Pinion gear damage
•Proper pinion staking
•Excessive pinion washer wear
•Keystoned pinion gears
5.Ensure that the pinions turn freely.


6.Inspect the reaction carrier captive thrust bearing for wear or damage.

6.1. Without touching the pinion gears, place a bushing or an output shaft sleeve (690) onto the bearing race, and turn it with the palm of your hand.
6.2. Any imperfections will be felt through the bushing.

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Inspect Low/Reverse clutch "Steels" for bluing "hot spots", Replace if necessary.

Inspect Reaction Sun Gear for damage, If the planet had damage...The Sun Gear most likely got damaged as well. Replace Bushing 100%, High wear area. Wide Sonnax Bushing is preferred.

Remove Inner Race from Center support, Inspect the Low/Reverse Sprag inner race for damage, Replace the Low/Reverse Sprag 100%....Borg Warner Only! This Sprag is technically a Roller Clutch.

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Next up is the most Infamous part in a 700R4, The Reaction Sun Shell.

AC Delco sunshell (update) kit is the way to go for Stock to Mild builds up to 350 ft.lbs
Amazon.com: ACDelco 24243878 Reaction Sun Gear... Everything to "Rollerize" the Input planet Carrier.

Sonnax Smart-Shell is the next step-up in torque handling, As strong as any "High Risk" component in this unit. Making over 450 ft.lbs.? Rethink using a 700R4/4L60. Info http://www.sonnax.com/landing_pages/smartshell Product http://www.sonnax.com/parts/2454.

The Beast, Monsters, Lions, & Tigers are a waste....

[clinebarger]

Input Planetary inspection.

Inspect the input planet captive thrust bearing assembly. To check the captive thrust bearing in the planet carrier (662) for wear, place a bushing or an output shaft sleeve (690) onto the bearing race and turn it with the palm of your hand. Do not touch the pinion gears. Any imperfections will be felt through the bushing.

Check the input planet pinion end play. The end play must not exceed 0.61 mm (0.024 inch).
Inspect the input carrier for pinion gear damage, proper pin stake and keystoned pinion gears. Pinions must rotate freely.

Check Input planet annulus gear/internal gear for damage (arrow).

The Reaction shaft is snap ringed into the Annulus gear, If you buy the AC Delco update kit....No need to inspect this part (The kit come with a new one), If you are going to reuse this part...Check for wear on the shaft from the Reaction sun gear bushing & for spline wear form the annulus gear.