Bringing back the th350

[Obwonkonobe]

A couple weeks ago my th350 went out. Since then I've been swapping in a 700r4. My builder wanted the 350 core or 50 bucks, and while it would be simpler to give the core, I've been considering paying him and fixing the th350 myself. From what I can tell my pump is solid. it happily thumps into reverse, but on its final drive it slipped out all forward gears, and prior to that 2nd would feel weird, and after I couldn't get it to move no matter what gear I manually put it in. When I took it out the fluid was like engine oil with chunks, but it had a fresh filter that seems to have picked up lots of the crap. How simple would it be to fix? Im assuming that there is a clutch pack that engages for all the forward gears, could I only replace this one? How deep would I have to tear into the trans?

 

[da_raabi]

Take a look at my thread here:

http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/i-knew-this-trans-was-dead-th350-rebuild.21928/

It sounds like you had a lot of the issues I had.

All I can say is... total rebuild. "One does not half-ass a tranny rebuild" is my quote of the day.

That being said, a good rebuild kit can be had on ebay for $135 and be at your door 2 days later. You don't really need any special tools (you can make the couple that you do need), but things can get pricey if you discover (as I did) broken parts inside. Again, most things are readily available but they can add up quickly.

Have you ever worked inside a transmission before? By your post I'm thinking not. I started with a TH400 last year (http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/well-im-phukd-th400-lost-3rd.20289/) which was a much simpler trans than the 350. Even with that experience I'm a little leary about building this 350...

Anyway, since you already have a 700r4 I'd just toss the 350 unless you want to learn on it. That's up to you.

 

[Obwonkonobe]

@da_raabi great thread, I'll probably pass it along then considering that the 700 swap has drained my wallet. Good quote