TomP

The title says it all... when rebuilding a 700r4, is the lo-reverse clutch spring compressor needed? It looks like if someone pressed down on the assembly with two large screwdrivers, and a helper popped the snap ring out, the job would be done. Or, is that lo-reverse clutch under some insane amount of pressure?

[edit] Oh, almost forgot- could this tool be made? Looks like if I took some steel stock, I could make it... doesn't look "that" complicated! I could probably use some rectangular tubing to lock into the case lugs, then take some u-channel stock to depress the clutch, and hook 'em together with some threaded rod...

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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

[This message has been edited by TomP (edited November 26, 2001).]

Jay 727

It's hard enough to get your own hands down in the case with the spring compressor. I made one out of 3/16 steel plate cut in a circle to fit the spring retainer, used some 1/2" round tube to make three legs that are welded to the round plate and a 1/2" nut, a piece of 1/2 allthread rod connects this piece to a 1/2" by 2 1/2" by 10" aluminum plate with a hole in it for the rod which has a nut on it to tighten it down and compress the springs.
The overrun clutch spring retainer is stiffer but can be removed by two people, be careful not to distort the retainers.

GMTech

Its not so much as needing it to remove the lo-reverse piston and return spring, its putting it back together. The piston has three square cut seals, and its a VERY tight fit. The piston litteraly has to be pressed back into the case, the the spring compressor is the easiest way to do it, not to mention it makes putting the snap-ring back on almost effortless.



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Nordbert

I have one made by kent-moore, but I have made several from 1/4" x 1" strap. Make it
with 1/2" legs and as wide as the spring
spacing. I think you could make one from
a steering column lock ring tool like those sold at Autozone and Advance Auto Parts
and some all-thread and a short bar to span the rear of the case. If you lube the piston
seals with Vaseline, you can push the piston
into place with your hand. I use a stiff
plastic cup like the old Pizza Hut ones to
push it in.
Just make sure the three seals are not
twisted and the lug on the rear of the piston
is in its depression in the case and it should slide right in. Make sure your spring
retainer does not fall into the snap ring groove while you are compressing the springs.
If it does, you can easily bend it to the
point where you will need a new one. Wear
eye protection when working with springs and
snap rings.

TomP

Cool, thanks for the answers, guys! I went to the http://www.trannyman.com website, and they only want $36 for the compressor... it might wind up being worth it to get the tool than get out my hacksaw & welder!

What about other tools, like a bushing driver? Can I just be verrry careful with a hammer?



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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l)

Nordbert

Tom- Check out www.toolsource.com. They sell
Atec Trans-Tool. They have the tool you asked about and a clutch drum spring compressor #TO158HD that should work on the700-r4(although it is not one of the
transmissions listed). It might need some mods but the price is right at $59.95.