K case 700R4

[WP77]

I just replaced the broken 700R4 in my 87 V10 with a rebuilt unit from an Ebay seller. I figured out that the rebuilt unit is not a K-case, with no holes for the heavy duty dust cover and support rods. The seller advertised the unit as a replacement for 87-92 4x4 700R4's. Were all 700R4's in 4x4's K cases? Is there any other differences it the K case besides the ears for the heavy dust cover?

 

[bucket]

I don't know what year it started, but yeah, all 87's should have a K case, if 4x4. The bellhousing portion of the case is thicker aluminum too.

 

[NickTransmissions]

I just replaced the broken 700R4 in my 87 V10 with a rebuilt unit from an Ebay seller. I figured out that the rebuilt unit is not a K-case, with no holes for the heavy duty dust cover and support rods. The seller advertised the unit as a replacement for 87-92 4x4 700R4's. Were all 700R4's in 4x4's K cases? Is there any other differences it the K case besides the ears for the heavy dust cover?

At some point in the past, someone converted that unit from a 2WD to a 4WD.

 

[1STLS1]

700's in 4x4 application were K case and tapped for the heavy, bolt on torque converter cover with the thread bosses to mount the strut rods to the engine mount brackets. Normal 2 wheel drive applications did not use the heavy duty torque converter cover.

They are getting hard to find and carry a premium, I recently sold a core one to a local, well known truck builder. I have another one rebuilt in 2wd configuration from Monster Transmissions as their Sport Monster for another truck I am building.

 

[Ricko1966]

I belive you can hold the 4x4 cover up to the 2x transmission and drill the holes bigger. On two I believe you have to use nuts and bolts. I'm to lazy to go look right now.

 

[WP77]

At some point in the past, someone converted that unit from a 2WD to a 4WD.

Probably the rebuilder I bought it from. In your opinion, would you run it or swap to the correct K-case unit so that the braces can be used?
The old transmission was a K-case, but previous owner lost the cover and support rods. A few weeks ago, the rear u-joint at the differential broke and the driveline came loose. The driveline was destroyed, the transfer case and transmission both cracked their cases. So after over $4,000 in new components, I’m leery of half assing anything.

 

[Turbo4whl]

The old transmission was a K-case, but previous owner lost the cover and support rods.

GM didn't waist money and time on parts that were not needed. You are right, the extra support was deemed necessary.