GM TH400 Automatic Transmission Rebuild For Dummies

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Come on people. Please take the 2 seconds to like the video. He does alot of work to put these out for us.

[@oldcarnut3953]

This was an awesome video Bob. I totally appreciate you sharing your knowledge with the KZbin community. After 2 years of being mentored, I rebuilt transmissions for 7 years. I enjoyed doing that type of work. Once you get the case and internals all cleaned up, it's actually a very relaxing Android clean job. The older gentleman that taught me how to rebuild transmissions was a stickler on cleanliness. And petroleum jelly/Vaseline is a transmission technicians best friend. He always wanted me to find out what caused the transmission to burn up... whether something was broken internally worn excessively or just normal wear. I miss that old fella. He was a great man to work for. I don't rebuild them for anyone anymore. I've rebuilt a few for myself over the years and that's about it. This video really hit home and brought back some good memories. I totally love your channel Bob and highly appreciate you sharing your knowledge sir. Keep up the great content. You always keep me riveted whenever a new video comes out and always make me look forward to the next video. Keep them coming Bob! I'm a lifetime subscriber for sure. Keep On Keeping On Brother!!! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@dadams19111]

"Tork em down about that much", I love it. Thank you Bob!!!! I've done a lot of car stuff over the years but never a transmission. You gave me the courage to do a transmission just for kicks. Thank you Bob

[@lilmike2710]

Bob you're a humble soul. Whether you know it or not, you are a gifted, talented and highly intelligent man. And I would confidently follow you anywhere.

[@kennethdaust3793]

When you said for dummies you caught my attention. I think I need to give this a try if it doesn’t work out I put it next the watch I took a part. “THANKS’

[@stephenmedeiros499]

Bob, my wife and I have been watching your videos for a while and love all the knowledge you bring and how you're so down to earth. You're definitely an inspiration and make me want to build rat rods when we're back in the states. Keep these awesome videos coming!!

[@lukewebb96]

Not many guys like this anymore! Great job 👏

[@stevecr8934]

Learned something Bob. Thanks a Lot. Gonna ask my neighbors if they need a transmission rebuilt. Hey I aint stupid. You simplified a highly technical operation. I got this.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

An excellent video Bob. If I ever have another TH350 or 400 that packs it in, I will definitely tear it down to try and diagnose what went wrong. It is tough to think about reassembling it though, when you buy a trans from the wrecker, if it is bad they give you another one. If you rebuild it on your own then it is all on you. Best days to you all. Pray the storms are not trouble for you there, we are seeing some crazy footage.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

That storm is pretty far away, never even got cloudy here. Although I have been through my share of strong hurricanes. Hopefully, those folks on the Florida coast where that storm hit evacuated or found some really good shelter, but the weather radar map always makes the hurricanes look much bigger when the real danger is only close to the eye when it first hits the coast. The rest is just like a bad rain storm. Tornadoes are what scares me because you have no warning they're coming like you do a hurricane. But, the TeeVee folks always make things look more dramatic than they really are .... you know .... for the clicks ... the daily news cycle. Like standing in a deep ditch to make the flooding look a lot deeper ... those kinds of devious flicks. Yep ... we are now officially in the era of clickbait. When the normal shop guy does it you know things are getting out of hand. But we all fall for it and click on it! That's all it takes to count as a view even if you don't watch it.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

@@RatRodBobBuilds- Yes sir, great to hear 👍 See you next time !

[@davidgreen9663]

Excellent video Bob ! I'd better start with a clean garage floor cause I can see it now, I'd get the transmission done and back in the car then I'd find a finishing nail, exactly like the one I thought I put in and I'd be wondering every time I drove it. Thanks for all of your effort Bob !

[@teamdrummond6915]

I lived in Louisiana for over 4 years. I've worked side-by-side with hillbillies. They're the most hard-working and honorable folks that I know. Great content!! God bless you!!

[@kevinl.2291]

Great video Bob. You sure make it look easy. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. ✌️😎👍

[@mercsmith]

Watching this channel since the beginning. This man is a amazing amount of knowledge. If you truly want to learn a skill here’s a excellent source

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I'm in agreement! 😎

[@kenfrazier616]

awesome two videos, when my 46 takes the trip to no where I'll be trying it myself for sure. Just follow the book and hope she works the first time.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I hear ya ... and watch a lot of KZbin videos on em before you even start.

[@kenfrazier616]

@@RatRodBobBuilds roger that

[@warrenglover]

You smart..​@@RatRodBobBuilds

[@carterleggett2478]

That wasn't to bad, your an awesome teacher professor Bob... can't wait to see it work.

[@MG-hg8cu]

I have two of those parts washers, but mine are the upgraded "Parts Washer 2001"...

[@mymodgarage6939]

Hey Bob. You talking old school. You used a piece of exhaust pipe on a press. I use two c-clamps. Lol

[@stanleymartin1613]

Great video 👍. Really learned a lot about transmission stuff that I didn't know about. Thanks Bob. Looking forward to seeing that thing doing some shifts 😀 ✌️.awesome job

[@barryellis7283]

Great video, Bob! Looking forward to the next one.

[@joegarza3109]

Maybe u thought about it already but using a 5 gallon bucket n putting a flywheel on top of it u can stand the transmission case standing straight up n you can install the parts in n works real good for aligning it all when assembling it together...I used that method in the past worked real good....

[@Popwarner-x1w]

I've never did anything on the inside of an automatic transmission. This is awesome. Thank you Bob 😊

[@frankierutherford1888]

Thanks Bob there ain’t many guys it would take on a transmission like this one.

[@donaldhalls2189]

I use your idea with the stud's, but use bolt's with the head cut off, to line up my motors to transmission, put them at 3 and 9 o'clock, should be a great working transmission, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@doscooby76]

Ive been rebuild engines and transmissions since the 90s, you sir make me proud to be an Ameican, You have a new subscriber.....

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Welcome aboard!

[@randallguillory9910]

I'm going to Crusin on the Coast this year. I love the rat rods. Use to build a few race car. The rat rod engineering is what I like. Hope to see you there.

[@BadHombreGarage]

This is great Bob! Thanks for putting this one together, I’ll use it!

[@markgriffin9699]

I'm learning Professor!! Great video Bob!! Preciate ya!!!

[@JD-iu3vi]

I hit the thumbs up button because I can and I wanted to.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Ha haa ... good plan!

[@keiththecarguy1967]

Thanks Bob that really helps, I've always wanted to rebuild a transmission but I was always didn't want to buy special tools

[@samkaplitz9036]

Wow! Wish I had Bob's confidence & motivation!

[@seller559]

Great video. “Hold your tongue right” can be effective but I whistle during the complicated stuff 👍

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

JUST GOT MY RAT ROD BOB T-SHIRT TODAY. THE LEGEND. A PIECE OF HISTORY. YEA!

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Congrats PinkLady ... you got it before they disappeared. Which one did you go for?

[@pinkladybikermamma3603]

@@RatRodBobBuilds RRBOB RATOLOGY WITH FALCON

[@saddletramp7215]

Enjoyed the vid.Entertaining to watch someone else do it.Good job,Rock on Bawb... 🤩

[@aarongrabowski3775]

Your making the right call by rebuilding the tranny. Now you know for sure that it is going to be good. Nice work Bob. I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished product. You do really nice work.

[@silktat2803]

Hey Bawb, You must have used some of that voodoo stuff!!!! Seems like you did your homework and it payed off for you!!!! I remember hearin' a lot more cussin' on slidin' some of those assemblies together!!! Good Job!!!!

[@OhioThrifty]

My daddy taught me that hold your tongue just right and you got it!!!!!!

[@kurtludwig6962]

🤣 I’ve done work with snap ring players, and your right got to hold your tongue just right!

[@HeadFlowInc]

I agree, .010”-.012” per clutch is fine. 5 clutch @ .055”-.060” 👍

[@briankinnear7461]

Great video. That TH400 looks great. The info and knowledge provided was great. Am sure it's gonna work great in Junkyard Dog. Look forward to more. Be safe and stay well.

[@RichieCat4223]

1:12 Bob put some expanded metal on the bottom with feet. Lets the hard stuff go to the bottom like a deep fryer.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Nice job thanks for sharing 👍

[@fredflintstone8048]

You got you some cosine error there with your dial indicator Bob. Any time the shaft of the dial indicator is not as close as possible to being at right angles to what you're measuring you're actually measuring a hypotenuse which will give you an error because the distance you're traveling with the dial indicator is actually longer. You may think it won't matter but it does when you're measuring down to the thousandths of an inch. The greater the distance (travel) that you're measuring the more error.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Well dangit Fred. Nice explanation .. had to google a couple of your words to see what you were saying ... lol. Good thing I only needed to be within 5 or 10 thousandths. Never was good at the finer details of machining, probably why I like building Rat Rods.

[@fredflintstone8048]

@@RatRodBobBuilds I would say that if you only had to be within 10 thou, you were perfectly fine. If you want to get as close as a thou or two, then I would take that into consideration in the future. When we realize that the hypotenuse of a triangle is the longest side, the more of an angle we tilt to, the smaller those actual thousands actually become on our dial indicators. Yeah, I do machine work among other things and I often need to hold to tolerances to less than a thou. Keep up the good work Bob, I've been impressed with the transmission build project.

[@maddog3080]

I made a tool for starting the lip seals on the piston out of some fine smooth piano wire and a piece of brake line, get about 3inches of wire, bend it in half, but not folded in half, and put the two loose ends into the brake line and crimp it in the vice. Two different sizes of wire, on on each end of the brake line for different applications. The wire will never damage the seal because it is smooth

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Good plan with the piano wire and brake line.

[@TheZorgen]

Yep another beautiful video Bob, enjoying the new format mate

[@stevezack6077]

we consider bob our well respected elder, im 45 genx, do alot myself, i look at him and and shake my head at my own ability. Then think wow these kids have never suffered hardship and never fix anything. Their in deep shit looking at bob

[@danielspangle8284]

Bob did you but two o rings on the filter mine wines when cold temps I herd that’s the fix 🙏🐺

[@andrewrichey7374]

I’m here watching Bob, I enjoy watching specially the rat rides. Still watching now just wanna come and say 🤙🤙

[@darrylway4910]

Wow,that was quite the lesson Bob, thanks heaps for that. Very informative

[@shawng7902]

If you dont have a press. I made a tool years ago. 2 pc of steal flat stock. 1/2" thick by about 2" wide. 3ft 1/2" all thread cut in half and hand full of nuts. Used a big pc of idustrial pvc pipe for that tool you made. I rebuilt my 48re OD hub. It has a 800# steel spring in it. That junk tool has so much force its crazy.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I hear ya! Make your own tools and save $.

[@curtcooper9447]

Better to safe than sorry great job thanks 👍

[@V8Lounge]

Greetings from the V8Lounge in germany. I have a TH400 in my 66 chevy hauler. :)

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Great! Thanks for checking in. Checked out your channel ... love me some Corvettes. The TH400 is a very strong transmission ... great for a hauler.

[@jamesthornton1867]

new specifications call for but you got to account for where right away so it should be a little tighter so as the transmission wears in when it's new it would allow for that

[@jfs70ss]

I never knew I even owned a 'Parts Washer 2000'..? Had it sitting in my garage all these years..!! Who'd of known....!!! LOL

[@donblack2123]

I often use a zip tie, coated wire, or even a piece of string to help install lip seals into their groove. You can stretch them a little during the process and they will return to intended size. Just don't over do it, no need to pull very hard.

[@edcianfarra7890]

Great job,thanks for everything you do.

[@TheDuckCallDoctor]

U are one badass man god bless you buddy keep on keepin on 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎🦆🇺🇸🦀

[@johnlenoir1023]

Dang Skippy that's a pretty good idea as far as that tool you made to push on him springs back together to be able to put a clip on it can't wait to see how it does once you completely put it together curious how hard is it going to shift love the video please keep them coming

[@albertdehn8381]

Thanks for sharing 👍😀

[@eligiotello9337]

At last somebody who bothers to clean what he's gonna work on my kind of mechanic !!!

[@williamcantrell8484]

Over an hour long? I'm gonna miss gunsmoke

[@warrenglover]

I respect your training 👌 🙌 💪 👏 👍 😌 😊❤.

[@josephshaneferguson6561]

Thanks for the knowledge ole timer much obliged

[@waynew2831]

Thank You for your videos. I am swapping the TBI on my '88 Chevy truck for a carburetor. It has a TH400 trans. Everyone says all you need is a micro, or similar switch, to operate the kickdown, but no one ever says what to do with this switch. Do you know? Thank You?

[@geoffreymills9932]

Got right into the guts of it, great job Bawb, I'm sure that's too technical for red,, lol

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Remember merch ends next Wednesday ... witll that work for ya?

[@geoffreymills9932]

@@RatRodBobBuilds yes it will, I'll get paid Monday 😉

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I Like your Style Bob ! Liked/Subscribed !

[@2thehook773]

The torque spec of " about that much" is the same as the German spec of "Gootantite"

[@chucksgarage7165]

You should probably weld some snap ring fingers on Red and let him rebuild these transmissions for you!

[@lsnowy7758]

Did you get the bit that pinged off where you said "oops"!?

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Yea ... it was a spring and I went back to the book to make sure that's all that flew out.

[@mackluvall6592]

You can use some slick 50 for the seals

[@jamesgladden6506]

I like your videos. Thank you.

[@1pimpmuke4life]

thank you bob. Youve gotten one more subscriber off this one

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Preciate ya!

[@bobray2381]

Can you tell me which manual you have? I've watched your video a few times and think it;s the best one in Lamins terms.

[@ChanceB1111]

"The parts washer 2000" SOLID GOLD

[@tim1299]

Can the third gear ratio be changed? Having a motorhome with the TH400, I would like a 3rd gear ratio of somewhere around .7. To the best of my knowledge the ratios are currently 2.48 - 1.48 - and 1.00.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

3rd gear is direct drive, or 1:1 so no you can't change it. The only options or higher rear end gears, a gear vendors overdrive or an overdrive transmission.

[@LSX_GORILLA]

“Parts washer 2000” 😂 SUBSCIBED

[@toddrhine7648]

Just awesome Bob! Wish you were close to me here in Cassville, Missouri as my TH 400 pushes the transmission fluid out from the ? when engine off and sitting. What yah think Bob?

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

vent tube plugged?!!?

[@toddrhine7648]

​@@RatRodBobBuildsthx Bob. Tyranny is still in the truck. Is there an easy way to unplug it without dropping the tyranny? Thx so much for your opinions.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

@@toddrhine7648 You can probably get a piece of wire or something up in it ... it's on the top right ... where the bell housing meets the trans. Little tube sticks out a couple three inches. Not sure that's what the problem is but I would certainly check that. If that's plugged it will spit out trans fluid everywhere and you won't be able to pour more in because of the back pressure.

[@toddrhine7648]

Thx Bob, I shall try that.

[@dandodds1926]

Thanks, you make it look easy!

[@waynew2831]

Can you tell me about the vacuum line going to the modulator valve? Does the hard metal line have a check valve in it ? Can I run a line from the modulator valve to the manifold vacuum on carb?

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

No check valve ... manifold vacuum.

[@maddog19499]

This was an awesome video. Thanks

[@born2wrench]

So where did all that clutch come from that was in the pan in your tear down video??? Convertor??

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Initial clutch wear. The last builder packed the clutches too tight which made them wear a lot during break in.

[@petesscrapheapgarage3130]

Hey Bob on my first attempted install I put a 2 stage shift kit in a TH400 I first warmed up good & Barked through the gears just fine like I wanted, after I was done only until I shutter down she puked up about 2 quarts of ATF out the dipstick tube, what caused that you reckon, Any idea? 😅

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Vent tube stopped up! Google it ... easy fix!

[@petesscrapheapgarage3130]

@@RatRodBobBuilds Thanks Bob your absolutely correct 😉👍 later I had found a dirt dauber had built a nest up in my vent tube, so I remedy-it by sliding about a 6inch hose onto the vent tube so he can build a next nest up in it. SMH 😒" Bugs...!

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

@@petesscrapheapgarage3130 Well thanks for that tip Pete. Everyone should do this ... makes it easier to fix it next time.

[@petesscrapheapgarage3130]

@@RatRodBobBuilds thank ya Bob" wish then their had've been a Google, that happened a few decades & lost night sleep back... Nice job on your rebuild it learnt me a few things 👍"

[@chevylanier7468]

Is there a tricc to remove the speed sensor gear ring if I find a replacement in the junkyard?

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

You'll have to remove the tail shaft housing and there's a little clip that holds the gear to the shaft.

[@chevylanier7468]

@@RatRodBobBuilds yea but what claw removes the metal gear for electric sensors?

[@OmarNakcho]

Hi Bob, I have a Th400 mated to Chevy 454 and mounted on a 1995 chevy taho, recently the transmission started producing grinding noise on D or R nothing to report on P or N, the sound will disappear as soon I drive the car, and will return once I am at a complete stop or about. the transmission was rebuilt three years ago but the car drove less than 2000 miles. transmission is shifting very smoothly with no issue the last thing I wanna do is take the transmission down or take them garage, any thoughts on what to inspect will be highly appreciated. BTY ordered a new filter and oil to replace just in case the issue is from the filter (clogs) I live in Dubai and the garage which is specialized in rebuilding the transmission is asking a fortune to look at it and rebuild it in case it needs a rebuild.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I thought it was only in America where the transmission shops love to rip folks off. A complete rebuild kit is less than $200 and they want like ten times that just for starters. So that being said it's not a good idea to own a car with an automatic unless you know how to fix it or have butt loads of cash. I have had those old gm transmissions that made like a sucking sound until you take off like the oil pump was sucking air. I would change the oil and filter and run it until it quit and start saving money for the fix. If the oil pan has flakes of metal in the bottom then you won't be driving it long.

[@OmarNakcho]

@@RatRodBobBuilds thanks Bob for the advise, will try to change the oil tomorrow. But I am a still concerned about the grinding noise. Let see how it will go. Will keep you posted Keep up the great videos and information.

[@OmarNakcho]

@@RatRodBobBuilds so I changed the oil and filter, tons of dirt were in the pan that made the oil looks like mud, wining noise is gone (obviously because of how much) but the drinking noise when I shift to D or R still there. Something is touching the torque converter which I cannot figure what it is. Look I will take to garage to help checking. Ps. I will change the oil and filter again after driving 500mile or so to ensure the filter has collect all dirt from the transmission Big thanks for the help again

[@lorieturpin8613]

Your the best!love your videos

[@eligiotello9337]

At least he cleaned the trans unlike other shade tree mechanics who make videos

[@samuelrodriguez8198]

Hello friend, I saw your video and I would like to get a question right, I took my th400 transmission to be repaired but it did not make the third change, I already changed the governor, modular, converter, and it continues the same, now to your great experience what will be the problem for which Does the third change not make the transmission? please help

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I would look for a stuck valve in the valve body.

[@wilenelson1810]

Awesome!!!! 😎

[@steve-rr3nq]

Thank You.

[@papergatorzfedducca7998]

New subscriber!!🔥🔥🔥

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Nice build Bob, it's gonna work great! They do make a tool for thats selector shaft seal, Lisle I believe, but you did fine without it. It makes it super handy to do it without taking the Rooster head out though. :)

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I hear ya! Need that for sure to change the seal with it in the car.

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good stuff.

[@dustanburrell1571]

30 seconds in I hit subscribe!

[@born2wrench]

Yep and that filler gauge will cut the crap out of ..use filler wire on their handle

[@NineInchTyrone]

Do you buy new snap rings ?

[@phillipsmith7081]

why could not Red have helped you not make mistakes? Besides, Bob, no one else could rebuild a trans in one hour!!! Tell Red he is FIRED!!!

[@shartne]

If I had that all apart like that I would buy a new sprag if it showed any signs of wear not that I think Im expert I just know I wouldnt want to come back later. Wow no way I would attempt that LOL. What happens to the petroleum jelly? I guess the tranny fluid washes it off?

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

The assembly goop and jelly mixes in with the trans fluid on first crank and life is good.

[@mk-xg2kt]

you installed the parking brake incorrectly. the part with 2 bolts. you can see it on the disassemble video. thanks for nice videos.

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Yes, you are right! I did correct that after the fact and it works great!

[@saltycreole2673]

Count me in. I'm dumber than a bag of rocks!

[@driveradkins7612]

Why didn't you change pump bushing...more important then the seal

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

I explained several times in the video that someone has just went thru this transmission and that all the bushings are like knew. Probably didn't need to change the seal either.

[@joepacheco4038]

You do know that snap rings have a right way and wrong way for installation. Some have dots or w marks

[@RatRodBobBuilds]

Yep ... book really helps.