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.

 

Your Name
Email Not Required
67 Tell us about your transmission problems
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Bret Howell
2 years ago

91 firebird gta, when car is really warmed up, it stalls in reverse. Also, when shifting auto trans from 1st into 2nd, it makes one hard buck but only going into 2nd.

Anonymous
2 years ago

When I start driving and it goes from 1st to 2nd u have to let ur foot off the gas at about 2500 3000 rims for it to shift once it shifts u can hit the gas again I have a 2003 chevy suburban

Brent bowen
2 years ago

I have a 95 gmc k1500 4 x 4 5.7 liter, automatic transmission has problem shifting 3 and 4 gear, so I take off in 2nd gear up about 45 to 50 mph then I shift it to the d in column which I assume is overdrive or 4th gear and I can do about 55 mph , rpm is at like 3200, shift it down to 3 then right back to 4 or d on column trying to trick it to shift, any suggestions on what I can do to get truck to shift temporarily, I eventually will replace this one, I just don’t likw running high rpm on motor for a long period of time, any suggestion to make tranny shift would

GARY
2 years ago

SLIPS COMPLETELY WHEN HOT 700 R4

Carl Havens
2 years ago

Transmission has no 3rd gear , Lock up switch burned out engine is high performance 396 / 30 over

Richard Sjoquist
2 years ago

Won’t shift from -st gear to 2nd gear until I reach 20mph

Larry
2 years ago

Where is the governor located at on a 700r4 or a 4l60?

Does anyone know?

Larry
2 years ago

I ha a 94 camaro as the reads 150 mph on the odometer & i about this same time a yr. ago swapped out transmissions & it was operating just fine until about a week or so ago so i checked the fluid level & it read 2 quarts low so now it shifts into 3rd but it doesn’t have any pulling power in 3rd or overdrive.

So i am hoping for a simple solution perhaps.

Thanks

James Stewart
2 years ago

I have a 700r4 transmission that is leaking fluid from the front still working fine but dip stick reads low .
67 Firebird 400 HO new lines with transmission cooler

Auwstin E Green
2 years ago

I am doing a lt1 motor swap 1995 5.7 liter v8 camaro ss motor from a 5 speed manual transmission but putting in a 4.8 gm manual k3500 out of a 95 chevy s10. The transmission has a 10 spline input shaft while the motor has a 27 spline input shaft how do i go about making the transmissions 10 spline input shaft fit my 5.7 350 27 spline input shaft? Plz help

Anonymous
2 years ago

What about the G series vans?

Dan
2 years ago

When I’m in 2 nd gear shifting to 3rd the motor rev up then it shift to 3rd

Ladarrius Johnson
2 years ago
Reply to  Dan

I have the same problem

Red
2 years ago

How hard is it to change the clutches in the 4L60

Travis
2 years ago

Will a chevy 86 5.7 tbi engine work with a 92 k1500 (4×4) 4L60 (700 R4) tranny/torque converter? Or will need an adapter etc. Thank you.

John H. Crosby
2 years ago

I have a 305 tune port fuel injection motor and has a 700R4 automatic transmission and the 305TPI,700R4 has been completely rebuild for street/strip set up in my 86 camaro IROC Z28 and I am curious if I can replace it by taking out the 350 throttle body fuel injection motor and has a 4L60E automatic transmission in my 1995 Chevrolet Silverado ext. cab four wheel drive truck so is it compatible to swap the motors and automatic transmissions

Clint Estes
2 years ago

Truck won’t allow transmission to engage until fluid is warm and it has a tendency to stop working . When transmissions cold it won’t go in any hear ? I got the truck doing some wheeling and dealing and was told it had a transmission leak and when the man I got if from brought it to me he drove it to my house ? He told me to change filter and fluid and said it would fix the issues it is having ? The truck sat for a year and leaked out almost all the transmission fluid any opinions on how to fix it because I’m on a really tight budget and don’t have the ability or funds to be able to afford to r replace it’s transmission . Any tips and pointers would be greatly appreciated . Before the man I got it from parked it and allowed the fluids to leak out I was told by him and several of our mutual friends that the transmission ran good And shifted good from gear to hear but I’m trying to get as much help and information as I can to try and get it back to how it was before dude parked it and it started not wanting to even try to go into any gear until transmission warmed up enough to thin down the fluid enough to allow it to penetrate the tranny’s filter once fluids warn it will shift into reverse as well 1st and second usually takes about an hour f
Of warming up before it will do any thing at all please help

Ricardo Williams
2 years ago

I’ve lost reverse and 2nd and 4th gear wanted to know what is the problem exactly but we know that’s never possible with being a member of the mechanics life style cause I was raised by my dad the best in my eyes but i was trying to find out where should I start with this situation

Thomas Brooks
2 years ago

Was driving when vehicle stalled, upon restarting and putting it in gear the Trans is slipping badly but will still move the truck. I’ve changed the filter and fluid. This gave me an actual shift into gears from park that I can feel but only slightly lessened the slipping. It’s an 84 gmc k1500 seirra, and yes the fluid was filthy.

George
3 years ago

Will a 1980s 700r4 fit a 92

michael zinkiewitz
3 years ago

I was charged 1500 dollars for a rebuilt tranny and it still leaks also takes time for it to shift from 1st to 2nd also still has tie strapes on the shifter arm that goes into the tranny

Derric Anglin
4 years ago

Thanks for the insight 👍, that telling me about the tranny misfunctioning between 2/3gears,but drives perfect when I shift to L1/L2, back to Drive.What I do?The fluid isn’t burnt,not dirty?The vehicle is operating well in reverse at 60 MPH puzzles me.Us it the transfer casing as stated?What is Your Expertise Advise must I do?I am disabled veteran who lives off fixed income monthly.Derric

😳 what
3 years ago
Reply to  Derric Anglin

You drive in reverse at 60mph??

gary
3 years ago
Reply to  Derric Anglin

LOL…..Do more research Derric..And for God sakes Slow down dont go so fast in reverse…an try going forwards,,it makes the drive a little more enjoyable..

67
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x