Best years for 700r4?

Planning on snagging one out of a wrecking yard soon for a '57 Chevy Panel truck I'm working on. What years are the best? I've heard, "later is better..."

Any help appreciated.

 

Later is better. Most of the early (82-84) transmissions have failed and been either overhauled or replaced with the updated parts by now.

I was in dealerships when they first introduced the 700R4 for the 82 model year. For historical information around January 82 we had a recall with a stop delivery order on all such equipped vehicles in dealership inventory. We replaced complete transmission assemblies on all affected vehicles, both in stock and previously customer delivered vehicles.

I forget exactly what the failure was or which parts were affected.

Also there were some later changes made about 1984 that affected replacement parts, you would replace for example (can't remember exactly what, just for example) a sprag and you would have to replace a drum and other items as the new design had so many changes made the original would not work with the replacement.

Hope this is some help, unfortunately time dims memory and I don't rebuild automatic transmissions myself.

 

Just did this on the OT '70 c-10. 87,88-92 are the best to use, truck is the simplest mounting, though long. Speedo is an easy changeover, 87 may still have cable, my 89 had a rare gear to electric convertor. Call Bowtie Overdrives for the TV kit. Works good, run a cooler after the rad, esp. if towing! Good luck!

 

Look for one with a CZ code, they are out of the performance vehicles. I have heard they have the better servos and clutches.

 

You will want a 1988-93 these have the lubrication upgrades and are still non-computer.

 

Thanks guys!

 

I believe by 1990 the upgrades to the 700 R4 were made that corrected issues with the earlier unit. I'm running a 91 in my 48 Ford out of a Chevy Caprice that was a Maine State Trooper car. I believe it is the CZ code. I have noticed it has much firmer shift points than other 700's I've driven. Not harsh, just not sloppy.

 

These guys are right on !

 

Almost everyone I know who had an early one had constant trouble. My father and a local farmer both had '82 pickups and would get the 700r4 rebuilt/replaced yearly, and I'm not joking. Both traded into Dodges after the 7th transmission.

 

yes, 88-93

 

The last ones, 92, 93, were called 4L60 but it's just a name change -- still a 700R4.

 

The 700R4 was introduced during the GM transition from Hydro-Matic to GM Powertrain. Hydro-Matic designed the trans and it was a good unit. When the reorganization took place the new engineering team decided that the trans had been way overbuilt, and implemented cost cutting measures using less expensive parts. After a short run and many problems, the original design was returned.

 

1987-1992, look for the MD8 case. I normally take them from trans ams and Z28s, I have one from an 87 trans am in my 37 Buick.

 

but the dodge was good .....hahahaha

 

What changes were made after 86? as I have an 86 out of an Iroc that is complete with the MD8 case and I have one out of an 89 2 wheel drive truck with the K case but is missing the valve body assy. would I be able to use the valve body from the 86?

 

I have used a couple from 90/91 Camaros. The last one I got was fully rebuilt out of a 90 from Thirdgen.org classified section.

 

Probably the best compromise for an older car is to track down 88-89 Suburban and possibly G10-G20 van. Possibly 1990 as well. These are the last ones so far as I know to use a cable drive for the speedometer. Not that it's difficult to change one over necessarily, but it saves you some hassle, and given the beating my '89 trans took unless you plan to drag race every weekend with it you should be fine.


If you're just going to chuck it in and go, remember, set that TV cable right before you go anywhere or you'll roast it in no short order.

 

87 to 92 with CKZ in serial no.and large MD8 on it you can not go wrong

 

thanks guys.......