GM 700R4 Transmission: Specs

 

700R4 Vehicle Compatibility – Makes & Models

MAKEMODELENGINEYEARS
CHEVYASTRO VAN4.3L1985-1992
CORVETTE5.7L1982-1992
BLAZER2.0L1982-1991
CAPRICE3.8L / 5.0L1982-1992
CAMARO2.8L / 5.0L1983-1992
SUBURBAN6.2L1984-1992
S10 PICKUP2.5L / 2.8L1989-1991
S10 BLAZER2.5L / 2.8L1989-1992
GMCJIMMY2.0L / 2.8L1982-1993
SAFARI VAN4.3L1983-1990
SYCLONE4.3L1991-1992
S10 / S15 SONOMA2.5L / 2.8L1983-1991
S15 PICKUP2.5L / 2.8L1983-1991
PONTIACFIREBIRD5.7L1983-1992
BUICKLESABRE5.0L1984
CADILLACFLEETWOOD5.7L1990-1992
BROUGHAM5.7L1990-1992
LIMOUSINE5.7L1990-1992
HOLDENCOMMODORE5.0L1988-1992

Years Covered

  • 1982
  • 1983
  • 1984
  • 1985
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1988
  • 1989
  • 1990
  • 1991
  • 1992
  • 1993

About the 700r4 & Common Problems

700r4_transmission

The GM 700r4 is a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. It was introduced in the early 1980’s, as way to make their V8 powered cars and trucks more efficient. In a world filled with rising gas prices, the General needed to keep its product line relevant.

Adding a 4th overdrive gear allowed them to make their sports cars and pickup trucks more affordable to drive. The 700r4 transmission replaced the 3-speed TH350, and became a popular upgrade for older rear wheel drive GM vehicles.

Broken Input Shaft

input shaft close upEarly versions of the 700r4 featured a 27 spline input shaft, which wasn’t really capable of handling much torque. 30 spline shafts were standard issue after 1987, and greatly improved the reliability of this otherwise sturdy gearbox.

Overheating

Another common issue with the 700r4 is overheating. Given the high power output, and extreme use that most vehicles equipped with this transmission see, overheating is fairly easy. As the ATF temperature rises, significant internal damage can start to occur. To avoid this problem, simply install an auxiliary transmission cooler.

3-4 Clutch Pack Failure

Slipping between 3rd-4th gears can signal a problem with the clutch pack that engages those gears. Overheating can weaken the metal used to make the 700r4 3-4 clutch pack discs. If this happens, the ends can shear off, and you’ll eventually have a serious problem.

Warped Valve Body

Due to overheating, the valve body can become warped, which can significantly hamper gear changes. If this happens, you’ll be on the hook for an expensive repair.

Stuck Governor

700r4 GovenorDirty transmission fluid can cause the gears or springs in the governor to become inoperable, which will lead to delayed shifts. So have your 700r4 serviced on a regular basis.

700r4 vs 4L60 – Are they the same?

In 1990, GM changed the name of the 700r4 transmission to 4L60, which stood for 4-speed Longitudinal 6,000 lb gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). For 1993, the hydraulic shifting system was replaced with electronic controls (4L60E). A Vehicle Speed Sensor told the engine computer how fast the vehicle was going, that way it could decide when to change gears. Shifts were then executed by sending a signal to the appropriate shift solenoid.

 

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Bobthomsen
4 months ago

What causes the bell housing to crack 700r4

Last edited 4 months ago by Bobthomsen
Billy
6 months ago

Tail housing came loose lost most of fluid then when repaired it only has first and reverse also it slams into gear when we towed it to fix the wires got sucked up into the gears but I pulled them out the only damage was they were twisted really tight

Mike Kirke
6 months ago

I have a 75 C10 454 with a 3 speed auto transmission, hoping to get more top speed, any recommendations on a longer differential, or gearing swapped in the existing casing, or limited slip diff
All ideas are appreciated thank you

Gary dopp
1 year ago

1988 gmc 4wd only have rev 1st and second

Gary dopp
1 year ago

good untel 3rd then nothing im driving in 2nd at 35 mph

David
1 year ago

Will a 1989 Astro van 700R4 work in a 1991 GMC Sierra 2 wheel drive standard cab

Carl Keller
1 year ago

I replaced my 700r4 transmission in my 91 Caprice classic with one from a 88 g20 van and now I can’t get my car into park

dub d.
1 year ago

My 92 2500 Silverado when in drive at a light the tranny slips to like being in neutral same with overdrive so I gotta run it in second I pulled the pan put new gasket no metal to say .I should of pumped all fluid out but just replaced the four quarts in the pan

dub d.
1 year ago

My Silverado 92. 2500 series will start in drive at a light but before clearing the intersection it slips same with overdrive

Jerome Adams
1 year ago

I have a 71 Pontiac Grand Prix , my plans are to make my 400 engine to a 461 stroker. The current transmission is a 400. I would like to know if a 700r4 would be a better option possible gear 342 or 373. Is this possible?

jeff mize
1 year ago

my rear shaft has way to much play.its actually laying on rear seal.short tail trans

Rob
1 year ago

Bought a 30 spline and a 27 spline neither will lock in??

david thomas
1 year ago

it will not engage in drive unless its in the lowest gear.

tony
1 year ago

HI i was pulling my fifth wheel when smoke was coming from the truck so i pulled over tired to shift gears and noting check tranny no fluid and hot called a tow truck got home changed the filter and fluid and flushed it and it’s working again so could i have

done any damage to it it’s a th 700 1989 chevy 2500

George Crockwell
2 years ago

Is the th 700r4 set up for 4WD?no what transmission do I need for a 1985 GMC S15 V6 2. 8L 4WD?

JOHN C MILLER
2 years ago

no second or 4th gears

Floyd A Pope Jr
2 years ago

I have a 700r4 behind a early hemi. It has started making a howling noise going down the road. I have tried different things and discovered that the noise is not there in 1st and 2nd gear. It shifts hard going into 3rd and from there on I get the howling noise

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