86 c10 tranny slipping in low

[kenr427]

Hello everyone, just joined the list. I've been in lurk mode for awhile and have been reading posts. It really is nice to have a forum like this with people that are knowledgeable on these trucks!

I recently bought an 86 Chevy C10 from a friend that has been sitting for a couple years for $700. I was told that the only thing wrong was the carb....WRONG. It does need carb work still, but does run. I had to put brake lines on, a heater core in, caliper, rotor. When I picked it up and towed it home, it was low 3 qts. of tranny fluid. When I got it running and warmed up it ran well, but the tranny slips while trying to take off. Will this need rebuild or replacement, or do you think it may start working properly once the fluid has been in there awhile. Should I try an additive to swell the seals up in the tranny and if so, what?

I am beginning to wonder if I should of left this truck alone!! I had a 77 about 8 years ago, which I loved and wish I would of kept

[70BLAZERX2]

did you flat tow it with the driveshaft still in? and if so how far?

[James McClure]

Welcome from a fellow new yorker. What type of trans? What does the fluid look & smell like? If it's a 4 speed, it's probably an early 700R4, if it's a 3 speed behind a small block it's probably a thm350c. If it's the 4 speed and the fluid is burnt and it smells bad you can try a fluid\filter change, but in all likelyhood replacement will be necessary. 350's are a dime a dozen and the rebuilds aren't all that expensive either. I'd rebuild it for you if you was closer. jim

[kenr427]

70Blazer...I towed it with the motor running about 2 miles.

James...it's the 4 speed (3 with OD) Hoping I can pick one up at the junk yard if need be.

[kenr427]

As far as the smell and color, it wouldn't register on the dip stick, so I couldn't tell by that. The new fluid I put in remains pretty clean and doesn't smell burnt, but then again I really haven't driven it only around the yard.