Rebuilding the 200 4R: Forward and Direct Drums

These drums are often no good when pulled out of a 200-4R that comes in for overhaul and usually need to be replaced. So I go into some detail about the GM 200-4Rs them including differences between earlier and later forward drums, variations (forward and direct), points of inspection common problems, clutch pack set up and more.

[@jojovillesange4591]

Dude thank you for these videos! I’ve been researching for weeks. I’m currently rebuilding one for my Cadillac. Jesus I was stressed. Thank you!

[@nickstransmissions]

You're welcome, Jojo and thank you for watching! I have several more 200-4R vids that will be published to the channel every other day for the next couple of weeks including a full rebuild from start to finish (PT 1 will be out early next week) so more info for your project.

[@heinrichgerhardt6119]

I once did a WOT kickdown downshift into 2nd which snapped off the intermediate shaft right at the base of the splines where the undercut is. It was a straight break, so didn't hurt anything else in the trans. Had to coast over 4 lanes from the fast lane in "neutral". Since that time, I've made it a habit to manually shift into 2nd before going WOT to avoid the shock load...this was back before the billet shaft was a thing.

[@nickstransmissions]

That sucks but glad you were able to make it to the side of the road safely and trans wasn't damaged otherwise...Yea, I don't trust those stock forward drums for anything even remotely high performance. CK Performance billet drum/shafts are what I use for anything serious...

[@skutahuniai4830]

Always wondered why GM made two 4 speed transmissions in basically the same era.

[@nickstransmissions]

My guess is that BOP wanted their own OD solution as opposed to strap-hanging onto what Chevy was doing with the evolution of the TH350 into the 700R4 but that's just a guess.