Rebuilding a TH350

[bouncytruck]

I'm currently rebuilding my TH350. I have it almost completely torn down but I can't get the last set of clutches out (reverse clutches?) The book says that I need a special tool, reverse clutch spring compressor, to remove the snap ring but I can't find one. How did the rest of you who have rebuilt TH350's compress this spring set? Please help, I need to get this thing finished.

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'69 K-5 Blazer - 350/TH350, 6" lift, 35" tires
Bothell, WA

[COBALT]

Oh, I know what tool you're talking about. I need the same one for my TH400. I think the local tranny shop can hook you up. Otherwise there may be alternatives you can use. I know some of the tool sites on this web site offer them. They're expensive, though. Let me know what you find out. I need to get this baby myself (along with the slide hammers).

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'69 3/4 ton C20 2wd w/ 350ci/400THM and a wood bed!
'69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd w/ ORIGINAL 350ci/4sp Manual and a wood bed (parts beast).
Seattle, WA.

*See pics of my trucks and project at www.webshots.com!

[lofly'a]

this tool that you need is pretty simple to make if you are so inclined to do so. i made one about 10 years ago and still use it.
mine is about 24" long, built form 3/8 steel rod in an H pattern with a 1 x 6 inch piece of flat stock welded to the top. the width of the H is determined by how wide the spring assembly is that you want to compress.
mine is flexible enough to bend to match the surface i want to contact. i use it by attaching a beam to the wall with a series of holes for different heights, set the trans case on the floor, install my tool in the case and use the holes with a heavy pipe/rod (on top of flat stock) for leverage, compress the spring assembly with the rod/pipe and undo the external snap ring to remove the piston.
the tool that is specially made for this job is not as user friendly "to me".
also here is a tip in case you don't know: the piston is seated in the bottom of the case, but if after you remove the snap ring you can turn the case over and use a compressed air blower to pop the piston out. the hole to blow is located at the rear of the trans case through the valve body ports. all gm transmissions (rear drive) must be disassembled this way.
hope i've helped

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keep fly'in lo
66 gto ragtop 389/400
72 blazer (wuza4by)
68 swb fleet 350/700
98 tahoe 2dr (daily ride)

[bouncytruck]

Thanks guys. I try to jimmy rig something together. I really don't want to spend $ on a tool I'm going to (hopefully) only use once.

new69owner, I didn't need the slide hammer! Things came apart fairly easy. I was also able to compress the rest of the springs with my hands but this last one is way too deap to do it by hand.

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'69 K-5 Blazer - 350/TH350, 6" lift, 35" tires
Bothell, WA