GM 700R4 Valve Body Assembly (1988-1992) and Transgo Jr Shift Kit

[@gabriell9289]

Great Video Man!! 👍 Currently installing this on my 700R4 (1st gear only)

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks!

[@keltecfan]

Another excellent video with great detail. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to make these informative videos.

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks again, Keltecfan! Appreciate your feedback.

[@jordansmith8467]

Outstanding content and was wondering it erred possible call you about a few certain questions. Thank you kindly as always

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks, Jordan...Feel free to pose your questions here and I'll answer if I can.

[@williamanderson4706]

Great detail, your knowledge and experience is appreciated

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks, William!

[@stevenjohnson5891]

Thanks Nick good job. Can I put the Jr kit without pulling transmission?

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks, Steve...Yes, you can install the Jr shift kit without pulling the trans as all the parts go into the valve body, servo and accumulator housing and you simply drill the separator plate's feed orifices per the instructions.

[@gabriell9289]

Hi Nick, I have a 700r4 4x4 with only 1st gear and reverse no manual upshift. We’ve checked all the usual issues (gov. ETC…) and we are stuck. Maybe somewhere in the valves? Any advice helps. Thank you

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Gabriel, If the governor valve was moving freely when you actuated the weights, gear was in good shape then drop the valve body and check the 1-2 throttle valve and 1-2 shift valve to see if either are stuck...Also air-check the 2-4 servo to confirm the servo is applying the band at the 2nd gear feed location in the case.

[@gabriell9289]

@@nickstransmissions Heck yeah man! Thanks for the advice! Well check those specific valves. Thank you again for your help. I’ve been losing sleep over this

[@nickstransmissions]

You're welcome, man!

[@gabriell9289]

@@nickstransmissions your video explains how to inspect these, correct?

[@gabriell9289]

@@nickstransmissions Hi Again Nick, Great News. Followed your video “to a tee” and I have 1st and 2nd however no 2-3 up shift. I noticed when polishing the VB that 2-3 shift sleeve was very difficult to remove. The 2-3 shift valve binding very little. Not sure if the bore is out-of-round. Should I polish bore until sleeve moves freely, polish sleeve and valve or entirely new VB? I installed a SK jr. like you recommend but no 2-3 up shift. Any advise helps. Thank you Nick, Gabriel

[@sirenswhispering]

Hi, i rebuilt 1990 th700 transmission but unfortunately the shift between 1st to 2nd gear occurs with delayed and harshly i adjusted tv cable several times but no any change, can you please guide me and give me some advise please

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Yousef, I'd check your servo travel and band clearance as too much clearance will result in a harsh 1-2 upshift. Also pop the 1-2 accumulator housing off and check to see if the spring broke. Did you do a pressure test to validate your TV set up and adjustment? If not, I'd def do that first so that you can verify your settings are where they need to be. Lastly, what 2nd gear servo are you using? What size did you drill the 1-2 shift feed orifice in the spacer plate, if you drilled it?

[@lonepine55]

Great video, Thank you I installed the same kit in my 1988 700r4 along with a new separator plate. The car was not shifting the way it should. Removed the valve body just in case of a stuck valve. Notice the new separator plate was missing the hole that is above the line bias valve like the original plate has. Two plugs were supplied with the new plate for plugging the holes when uses on later models. Will drilling out the hole like the original solve my shifting problem? Thanks again

[@nickstransmissions]

Thank you, Lonepine. What sort of shifting issues are you having? I would need to know the details before answering your question...If you follow the instructions on the Transgo 700P plate based on the valve body you're working with, it should shift fine (all other things held equal).

[@lonepine55]

@@nickstransmissions Hi Nick I came across a repair manual that has separator plates one with the hole and one with no hole. It says the one that has a round bias vale must have that hole and one with flat sides on the bias valve must have no hole

[@nickstransmissions]

So what sort of shifting issues are you having? I would need to have those details before answering your question.

[@lonepine55]

It shifts way to early in all gear and is in 4th at 30mph. The TV cable I set up with the cam lever the trans just touch the TV valve and is the mid range of the fine tuning adjuster by the carb. Even with the fine adjuster pusher in to tighten up the cable there was no difference.

[@cjscottallen]

How do you tell the difference between the type one kit and the type two kit? My transmission year is a 91 but on Amazon the kit says type two only and then others please advise. Thank you for the great content.

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Scott, if you're referring to the Transgo SK700JR that kit will service all years. That's largely true of all shift kits for the 700r4.

[@David-yy1hp]

I've rebuild my valve body before one valve train at a time. However, this time around I got cocky and pulled them all as you did here, then they rolled off the table. Now I can't figure out what springs go where and their colors are worn off. This video was very helpful and I think I've got them sorted out, but is there anywhere that explains what springs go where based of their dimensions?

[@nickstransmissions]

Hey David, thank you for watching! Unfortunately, I don't know of any reference that provides dimensions and other granular information however most of the springs are different enough that you should be able to tell which springs go where...the 1-2 accumulator and line bias valve springs are very similar however if you're using a shift kit you can simply use the springs from the kit. Do you have the ATSG Manual for the 700R4? That manual has a couple diagrams - you should be able to google the images online if you haven't already done so but that's the closest thing I can think of that provides detailed information about the valve train components.

[@David-yy1hp]

​@@nickstransmissions I do not. I have an 84 GM service manual for my truck. It has a decent enough drawing for identifying the valves, just not the springs. I will look for the ATSG manual. Thanks!

[@nickstransmissions]

You're welcome!

[@workparty3949]

These are great videos! You really know your stuff!! I have watched a few now because I am having problems with my 91' 700R4. It's in a G2500 vandura. It has been shifting/engaging into drive quite hard for a while and now it does not shift to second. If I keep accelerating in 1st (very high revs!), it will shift to 3rd and then 4th like it normally would. The unit has about 70,000 original miles and hasn't had any work done to the transmission..... What do you think might be some possible causes? Any help you could give me would be much appreciated! Matt.

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Matt, thank you for watching and the kind words! I would check the 2-4 servo assembly for worn or pinched seals or O-rings. you can air check the servo to see if it applies by dropping the pan and putting shop air into the little hole on the pan rail surface, right underneath the servo bore. If the servo applies and none of the sealing rings on it are damaged, check the 1-2 accumulator housing to see if the seal on the 1-2 accumulator piston has been broken or otherwise damaged. Then check the 1-2 shift valve or throttle valve in the 1-2 shift valve bore in the valve body for stuck valves or a broken throttle valve spring. It sounds like the governor and internal case components are fine since you have engagement into 1st, 3rd and 4th. Let me know what you find.

[@workparty3949]

Hello again, and thanks for the quick response! I have air checked the servo, and as you suspected, it leaked because the seals are worn. The housing and pistons look fine so I am now on the hunt for a servo seal kit. I am probably going to put the transgo Jr shift kit in while I have it apart as well. There was some sludge build up in the servo so it's probably like that all through the valve body. Any other cheapish/easy upgrades I could do while I am in there? It's not a performance rig, but we do load it up with stuff to go road tripping sometimes.... Thanks again for taking the time to share your expertise! Matt. FYI. Was looking at your homepage, and the link to your 'buy me a coffee' page isn't working for me (could be something to do with my phone??)

[@nickstransmissions]

Hey Matt, you're welcome...Purchase a .472 boost valve and .300 reverse boost valve to go with the shift kit as well as a Corvette servo - don't reuse your existing 553 servo as the pin bore is likely worn and the Corvette servo is simply a better servo (cost should be less than $25 for that servo). The corvette servo kit will come with the sealing rings/o-rings you will need...you will just need to grab new sealing rings for the 4th gear servo and cover...They can be found on eBay for relatively cheap or at your local transmission parts supply shop. Drill the spacer plate per Transgo's instructions and it will shift real nice for you.

[@nickstransmissions]

Ah - forgot to add - here's my Buy Me a Coffee link: buymeacoffee.com/nickstransmissions

[@steveb4762]

got a 700r4 built and in his car, but it’s not shifting correctly. Seems to have good pressures on the gage and TV adjusted correctly. When manually shifting it won’t shift into next gear unless rpm way up; not up shifting right away when moving gear shift. Kinda thinking it’s in the VB or sep plate. Drilled out some extra exhaust holes on another recommendation. Of course didn’t write them all down. This 700 has a Superior shift and Transgo TV. Any recommendations?

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Steve, yes, start over with an unaltered stock spacer plate that's appropriate for your year/vintage of 700R4 or Transgo's 700P (follow their directions)...then reinstall, take for another test drive...simce you have good line pressure and it is shifting (late), TV system, governor and pump are most likely fine...start with the plate and see where that takes you...

[@hybridmusclegarage4590]

Great video man!!

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks again, HMG!

[@randy1ization]

do u allow folks to ship thier valve body assemblies to you to rebuild with the upgrade kits?

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi Randy, thank you for watching! I'd consider it if the valve body required reaming/other machine work to repair or correct and there was a clear cost/benefit to doing so over simply replacing w/a reman valve body but for non-perm work, it really doesn't make sense. By the time you figure in the cost of parts, labor and shipping/insurance both ways (plus turnaround time) vs you doing it yourself, you'd save so much via performing the mods as needed while leveraging vids / resources like mine to guide you. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask and I'll try to answer them to the best of my ability.

[@randy1ization]

thanks @@nickstransmissions

[@nickstransmissions]

Anytime, Randy.

[@LonnieKresge]

What is the purpose of eliminating the spring on the MTV upshift valve ? thanks

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks for watching, Lonnie...Leaving it out eliminates the forced 1-2 upshift that otherwise will occur w/the spring left in.

[@borisb.2344]

Great video and the explanations are awesome. Been following your 700r4 videos. What would cause a 700r4 to feel like the brakes are applied when on R or D or any gear for that matter. Gotta give it gas so it actually moves. Thanks

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks, Boris! How many miles are on the 700r4 in question?

[@Subypowa]

​@nickstransmissions hi Nick. Actually it was working before I did a transgo jr kit and a .500 boost valve. It's a project so It hasn't even seen the street but transmission was perfect before so I'm trying to figure out which of all the pieces I touched could cause that.

[@nickstransmissions]

I suspect the problem is related to check balls - either a check ball was accidentally omitted or put when it shouldn't have been. What year of 700r4 and does it have an auxiliary valve body?

[@Subypowa]

​@@nickstransmissionsits a 92 aux vbody

[@nickstransmissions]

Ok...The aux valve body check ball should be in a capsule so unless you took it out for some reason (and there'd be no reason you would need to) then that prob isn't the problem....Could also be a line pressure or TV pressure issue...Did you go through the process of checking TV adjustment and confirming with a pressure gauge? If not, I'd actually start there before taking the pan back off..If pressures are good and within the required ranges, you'll have drop the pan and re-trace your steps...Problem can be in the valve body (check balls left out, etc) or case check balls. Also could be a misassembled boost-pressure regulator valve train but do the pressure test first..If it fails, start with adjusting the TV cable and see where that takes you.

[@wootownwakefest8597]

How long should the install take of sk - 700- jr with transmission on the car

[@nickstransmissions]

Hi, thanks for watching... That's really subjective as it will vary from person to person, depending on experience, abilities, etc... Based on what you saw in the video, how long do you think it would take to get through all the steps shown, once you have all the required parts off the transmission and on the bench?

[@wootownwakefest8597]

@@nickstransmissions so I’m not smart enough to do what you do. However, my transmission guy is telling me eight hours… he believes he hast to take the transmission out.

[@nickstransmissions]

For the SK700 JR shift kit? LOL! I'd do it yourself...There's five components you need to work on: 1) Valve Body 2) 1-2 acc housing 3) separator plate 4) Servo assy 5) Pump The only thing that goes into the pump from that kit is the pressure regulator spring, though I'd install a .472 boost and .300 reverse boost valve assemblies while you're at it...Pump stays where it is, you just remove the eye-loop style snap ring to take out the stock pressure regulator spring and install the Transgo spring. The valve body video you just watched plus my 700R4 rebuild series is all you really need to do the job. If you're smart, you won't let someone rip you off for 8 hours to install a kit that DOES NOT require the transmission to be taken out of the vehicle. Visit Transgo's website or type in "SK700-R4 JR shift kit instructions" in your browser's search bar and you'll find the instructions...Read them over, get a sense for what's involved then watch my 700R4 rebuild series where I show you step by step how to install all those parts and what to do when it comes to the spacer plate. ETA: Ask him to explain to you why he thinks the transmission has to come out to install that kit and let me know what he says...

[@wootownwakefest8597]

@@nickstransmissions I believe he stated something about access to the pump. I don’t know he’s old. I may go by there tomorrow and show him the kit. I don’t think he realizes what’s in it. obviously you don’t think eight hours. What do you think he’s a transmission guy he’s just old and old school not to mention. The car is old and God only knows if he ever installed one of these. I’m sure he can. I just don’t think he has. He’s done several rear ends for me in the past.

[@nickstransmissions]

Let him know the pump does not have to come out to install the kit...Feel free to refer him to my 700R4 Rebuild Series part 1 where I work on the pump. The only thing he needs to do is remove the boost / rev boost valve and install the Transgo PR spring (though id install new .472 boost/.300 rev boost at that time. He should also install the Sonnax TV plunger and sleeve kit to proactively fix the insufficient line rise problem those vbs are known for. Here's my 700R4 Rebuild Series, PT1: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXnbh2CqmpV4gc0&pp=iAQB

[@paulmathews5686]

NICK, ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO , you have to take the time to make it right !! THAT'S THE PROBLEM IN THE 21st CENTURY, THESE YAHOOS NEVER HAVE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT THE ( FIRST TIME ) BUT; THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO HAVE TIME TO DO IT RIGHT , THE 2nd / 3rd time !!!!!! PATIENCE - IS - A - VIRTUE !!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT VIDEOS !!!!! THANKS PAUL

[@nickstransmissions]

Thanks again for watching, Paul!