Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sick472 · 07-15-2021, 10:39 AM

I'm new to working on a 4x4 and will be dropping the transmission for a rebuild soon. The motor is out of the truck already, the transmission is in place, held up by blocks, and still connected to the transfer case. Before I start pulling bolts to see what comes apart, can anyone advise me on separating the two?

I'd like to leave the transfer case in place and just drop the transmission, but that may not be the best approach. I am very familiar with working on cars and trucks and have the tools....I've just never been around a 4x4.

Any basic steps, tricks, or things to be aware of would be great!

Zachary17 · 07-15-2021, 12:41 PM

Best to pull the transmission and tcase together
Posted via Mobile Device

Just call me Sean · 07-15-2021, 12:56 PM

No sane person would try to leave the transfer case in there.

sick472 · 07-15-2021, 01:09 PM

Just so I'm clear...the motor is already out...so, it's still best to take the transmission and case out together?

That's the path I will take...thank you both!

What about splitting the two apart. Is is as simple as removing the obvious bolts and it comes apart?

**Corts60** · 07-15-2021, 08:18 PM

Yep. Remove the 6? bolts and slip the two apart. There is a gasket there and the shafts are splined.

sick472 · 07-17-2021, 07:28 AM

Thanks Cort, Your timing is good as I should get the transmission and transfer case on the ground tomorrow, so long as work doesn't get in the way.

GRADYS Performance · 07-22-2021, 12:38 PM

If the engine is out unbolt the 4 bolts that attach the case to the transfer case adapter and pull the transmission forward out of the adapter. Transmission kit will come with the new o-ring seal for when you bolt it back together. No reason to take transfer case out of the vehicle.

sick472 · 07-22-2021, 01:20 PM

Thanks for chiming in Gradys, but given the earlier "no sane person" advise...I'm only the speedo cable, shift linkage, and cross member bolts away from having the pair on the floor. I guess I'll take the opportunity to clean the t.case up before it goes back in.

I could see how it would make sense with the motor in place to drop them both together, but I've never done this...I'll learn it one way or another...

Next question...what's the best procedure for it all to go back in???

I'm thinking...

Trans case first, then transmission, then motor.

OR...Trans case, then motor AND transmission connected together first...then all that through the engine bay.

OR...Trans case AND transmission connected together first, put in place, then the motor. Just like it came out.

You tell me. I have a engine hoist with a load leveler, but no tranny jack...just a couple floor jacks.

Just call me Sean · 07-22-2021, 01:44 PM

I would assume he has a shop with things like lifts, jacks, stands and such. The transfer case isn't going to float there, you would need to support it. While he may have a pile of tools to easily leave it up there most don't and given the engine was out the best thing to do in my eyes is remove it. Work smarter not harder.

karlbenz · 07-23-2021, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

I would assume he has a shop with things like lifts, jacks, stands and such. The transfer case isn't going to float there, you would need to support it. While he may have a pile of tools to easily leave it up there most don't and given the engine was out the best thing to do in my eyes is remove it. Work smarter not harder.

leave it bolted to the adapter which is still in there I would think

Just call me Sean · 07-23-2021, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlbenz

leave it bolted to the adapter which is still in there I would think

The adapter doesn't defy gravity either.

GRADYS Performance · 07-24-2021, 02:30 PM

Is the transfer case and adapter bolted to the crossmember or is the transmission mounted to the crossmember?

karlbenz · 07-24-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

The adapter doesn't defy gravity either.

OK, my adapter was bolted to the crossmember

**hatzie** · 07-23-2021, 07:20 PM

Be careful to avoid supporting the transmission under the pan with a floor jack.

You can bend the pan so that it obstructs fluid pickup depending on how the strainer is configured. The 4L80E is much easier to damage in this manner but it's best to avoid supporting any automatic under the pan with a small saddle floor jack.

Just call me Sean · 07-24-2021, 08:30 PM

Maybe I'm the one that isn't sane. Just to make sure though, who here has actually pulled a transmission while leaving the transfer case in?

karlbenz · 07-25-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just call me Sean

Maybe I'm the one that isn't sane. Just to make sure though, who here has actually pulled a transmission while leaving the transfer case in?

not sure why someone would even consider it actually

**Mr_Rich** · 07-25-2021, 03:30 PM

The reality is that the transfer case weighs eighty pounds and the weight is off-center. It will pull the transmission off to the heavy side. When I rebuilt the drivetrain in my '89 I separated the transfer case from the transmission. Made it much easier for myself and I did the work in my late 50's.

sick472 · 07-26-2021, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_Rich

The reality is that the transfer case weighs eighty pounds and the weight is off-center. It will pull the transmission off to the heavy side. When I rebuilt the drivetrain in my '89 I separated the transfer case from the transmission. Made it much easier for myself and I did the work in my late 50's.

After the fact, I found the above statement to be very true. Since I was already going down the path of pulling them together...that's what I did. I will not do that again. The off-center weight made it terribly unstable and required 3 different jacks and sets of blocks. But, it's out.

IF the transmission had to come out with the motor still in the truck, I'd pull the transfer case first then the transmission.

Bad news is that one of the bolts that holds the tail of the transmission to the adaptor had corroded/galled to the threaded tail hole and that caused the corner of the tail to break off...I now have a big paper weight.

07-15-2021, 10:39 AM	#1
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please I'm new to working on a 4x4 and will be dropping the transmission for a rebuild soon. The motor is out of the truck already, the transmission is in place, held up by blocks, and still connected to the transfer case. Before I start pulling bolts to see what comes apart, can anyone advise me on separating the two? I'd like to leave the transfer case in place and just drop the transmission, but that may not be the best approach. I am very familiar with working on cars and trucks and have the tools....I've just never been around a 4x4. Any basic steps, tricks, or things to be aware of would be great! __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

07-15-2021, 12:41 PM	#2
Zachary17 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Brownsville tn Posts: 152	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Best to pull the transmission and tcase together Posted via Mobile Device

07-15-2021, 01:09 PM	#4
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Just so I'm clear...the motor is already out...so, it's still best to take the transmission and case out together? That's the path I will take...thank you both! What about splitting the two apart. Is is as simple as removing the obvious bolts and it comes apart? __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

07-15-2021, 08:18 PM	#5
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,697	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Yep. Remove the 6? bolts and slip the two apart. There is a gasket there and the shafts are splined. __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 73 Chevy C20(Daily)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=852767 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(sold)

07-17-2021, 07:28 AM	#6
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Thanks Cort, Your timing is good as I should get the transmission and transfer case on the ground tomorrow, so long as work doesn't get in the way. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

07-22-2021, 12:38 PM	#7
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please If the engine is out unbolt the 4 bolts that attach the case to the transfer case adapter and pull the transmission forward out of the adapter. Transmission kit will come with the new o-ring seal for when you bolt it back together. No reason to take transfer case out of the vehicle.

07-22-2021, 01:20 PM	#8
sick472 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Sedalia Mo. Posts: 1,131	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Thanks for chiming in Gradys, but given the earlier "no sane person" advise...I'm only the speedo cable, shift linkage, and cross member bolts away from having the pair on the floor. I guess I'll take the opportunity to clean the t.case up before it goes back in. I could see how it would make sense with the motor in place to drop them both together, but I've never done this...I'll learn it one way or another... Next question...what's the best procedure for it all to go back in??? I'm thinking... Trans case first, then transmission, then motor. OR...Trans case, then motor AND transmission connected together first...then all that through the engine bay. OR...Trans case AND transmission connected together first, put in place, then the motor. Just like it came out. You tell me. I have a engine hoist with a load leveler, but no tranny jack...just a couple floor jacks. __________________ He who is without oil shall throw the first rod. Compressions 8.7:1 1972 C10 1976 C10 (parts truck) 1985 K20

07-24-2021, 02:30 PM	#12
GRADYS Performance Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Columbus, Oh Posts: 367	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Is the transfer case and adapter bolted to the crossmember or is the transmission mounted to the crossmember?

07-23-2021, 07:20 PM	#14
hatzie Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wentworth, NH Posts: 4,977	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please Be careful to avoid supporting the transmission under the pan with a floor jack. You can bend the pan so that it obstructs fluid pickup depending on how the strainer is configured. The 4L80E is much easier to damage in this manner but it's best to avoid supporting any automatic under the pan with a small saddle floor jack. __________________ 1959 M35A2 LDT465-1D SOLD 1967 Dodge W200 B383, NP420/NP201 SOLD 1969 Dodge Polara 500 B383, A833 SOLD 1972 Ford F250 FE390, NP435/NP205 SOLD 1976 Chevy K20, 6.5L, NV4500/NP208 SOLD 1986 M1008 CUCV SOLD 2000 GMC C2500, TD6.5L, NV4500 2005 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 6.0L 4L80E/NP263 2009 Impala SS LS4 V8 RTFM... GM Parts Books, GM Schematics, GM service manuals, and GM training materials... 1973-1991 GM Light Truck Service, Unit/Overhaul, Wiring Manuals, Parts Books and Some 1968-1999 GM Service Training textbooks in PDF 1988-1998 GMT400 CK service manual project 1988-1993 GMT400 CK parts books. 1967-1972 GM Light, Medium, & Heavy Truck Service Manuals in PDF Please include at least the year and model in your threads. It'll be easier to answer your questions. And please let us know if and how your repairs were successful.

07-25-2021, 03:30 PM	#17
Mr_Rich Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Yucaipa, Calif. Posts: 790	Re: Splitting a 700R4 from the Transfer Case..School me Please The reality is that the transfer case weighs eighty pounds and the weight is off-center. It will pull the transmission off to the heavy side. When I rebuilt the drivetrain in my '89 I separated the transfer case from the transmission. Made it much easier for myself and I did the work in my late 50's. __________________ 1989 K1500 Chev. EC Original owner; some of the aftermarket parts I've installed are Borla headers, Hypertech chip, Edelbrock water pump, and a Stillen rear disc brake conversion kit. 2009 Hummer H3T 3.7L 5M (sold) 1997 K2500 Chev. EC 7.4L/ 4L80E 2018 Dodge Ram 2500 HD R/C



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