Tranny problems

[winstonca]

Hi Guys.  I have posted this at another spot but thought this area would be a better area.  Please let me know if I am in the right place. Here is my problem: I have a 1989 Suburban Silverado 4x4 with a 700R4 tranny that does not shift out of 2nd gear and slips like crazy in reverse. I have three 700R4's at home out of several 88 caprice classics that have 250,000 + but run perfect. Obviously the tail shaft is different but my question is can I take the tail shaft from the blown tranny and put it on the good 700R4 or maybe take the innards from the good tranny and transfer them to the bad one? I love this truck and am desperate to keep her.   If you have any other suggestions please let me know. BTW I have had this tranny rebuilt twice now and am ready for a more permanent fix.

[CMNTMXR81]

How does the transfer case mount up to your current trans?

[winstonca]

Thanks for replying. The transfer case bolts to the tail shaft. I have only done a visual on the setup and am wondering if anybody has tried to swap trannys or parts from one to another. I am not sure what kind of alterations I will have to get into to make it work. My garage will only hold one vehical of this size and did not want to tie it up yet until I get an idea of possibe fixes.

[Guest Friz]

If you talking about the tail shaft HOUSING, I think it would be fine. I remember having to switch between a TH-375 and 400 due to the bell housing bolt pattern and the tranny man told me that the tranny was all built around one single shaft. At any rate, unless you are good with trannies, have someone like Aamco do it.

I confine my work to motors, I've just never been inside an automatic transmission and am not really in a hurry to try it.

[Cop_Dodger]

Most of the parts should be interchangeable.  It depends on the year of the other trannies.  The main differences are in spring pressures and such along with some part updates.  

 

The problem really isn't with the parts unless you brake a "hard part".  If you need just an overhaul you can get all those parts for $100-$150 if you can find where to buy them.  The big ticket is the tools needed.  There are 4 seal tools that you need (about $100 each) and a clutch spring compressor (about $250 depending on quality).  This is why it costs so much to get a tranny worked on.  It's the $3000 in tools they need to work on just one kind of transmission.