Author Topic: Turbo 400 dipstick tube  (Read 12834 times)

Offline Bowtie4004x4

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Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« on: September 11, 2008, 12:34:36 AM »
 Does anyone know where to get a replacement dipstick tube for a '78 4x4 400/400 combo? I ordered one from a local parts store MrGasket and it says "fits 400 turbo transmissions". NOT!! The bracket doesn't line up with the bolt hole in the bellhousing, it's about 6-8" shorter than the one I have (might be specific to a 4x4 on the length issue). I have also noticed that the '78 and '80 transmissions have different dipsticks. They are identical until you get to the pan, the '78 has an "O" ring and the '80 has a grommet that fits in the trans. with no "O" ring grove. I thought about bending the bracket but it is spot welded on as the originals are and this is my problem in the beginning. The spot welds pulled loose due to misaligned bracket-tube placement-being rough with it while changing motors etc...

  Several places show a flexible braided tube and the chrome one like I have. I would really rather have a plain Jane steel tube, no chrome (never can seem to seal chrome against leaks). Thanks in advance.
I'm spending my children's inheritance on my Trucks.
'78 3/4 fleetside 4x4 4oo/400 3:73gears (frame off rebuild)
'80 3/4 fleetside 4x4 305/400 4:10gears (if I took the body off the frame it would fall totally apart...lol )

Offline Dragon

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2008, 02:52:19 AM »
Personally I like a good locking type(The Gold Dichromate protects the tube from Corrosion)
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=HUP%2DHP2235&N=700+%2D103555+115&autoview=sku
Yes it is a Universal 400 replacement, so the length my be Shorter/Longer than your original.....

Here is a TCI Factory Style Standard Black Replacement
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=TCI%2D743860&N=700+4294863741+4294904018+115&autoview=sku
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Offline JJSZABO

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2008, 07:40:00 AM »
I just replaced mine.  You need to measure the dipstick length and get the same length - there are different lengths. ;)
Jeff

86 Chevy C-10
350, TH400
Ex father and son project (son lost interest)

Son regained interest when truck was almost completed

Offline Bowtie4004x4

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2008, 11:57:10 AM »
I just replaced mine.  You need to measure the dipstick length and get the same length - there are different lengths. ;)

 With? Come on throw a dog a bone ..lol  I've seen differnt length tubes advertised for the 350 tranny but have only seen the 24" tube for the 400.

 I went ahead and carefully welded the bracket back on one of mine, that was next to impossible but I got it stuck on the tube solidly. the thing still had some pinhole leaks (you can only weld so much on the tube before it starts going real bad, blow thru and too much heat).  JB Weld to the rescue! Fixed it right up lol.. I don't want to do this route to the truck I'm restoring tho, would rather get a new one.

  Wanted to stay with original however the locking type raises an eyebrow. Thanks for that suggestion. Hate to have the tranny get all heated up and in such an angle that it throws fluid out all over my freshly painted Engine/firewall etc..
I'm spending my children's inheritance on my Trucks.
'78 3/4 fleetside 4x4 4oo/400 3:73gears (frame off rebuild)
'80 3/4 fleetside 4x4 305/400 4:10gears (if I took the body off the frame it would fall totally apart...lol )

Offline JJSZABO

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2008, 02:12:09 PM »
I have a TH400 transmission.  My transmission tube was 34 inches.  The catalog shows a 34 inch tube used on a th350.  I think it is a problem with the catalogs.  Measure your length and replace what was originally there.

I can't tell you where I got it from - I'll get banned :D  I took my chances.  Look in junk yards for replacements also.

Chris, do you sell transmission tubes with dip sticks?
Jeff

86 Chevy C-10
350, TH400
Ex father and son project (son lost interest)

Son regained interest when truck was almost completed

Offline Captkaos

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2008, 11:26:56 PM »
Nope, I don't.
Lovely, now everyone will be saying "that banned place...." :D

Offline JJSZABO

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Re: Turbo 400 dipstick tube
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2008, 04:29:10 PM »
Nope, I don't.
Lovely, now everyone will be saying "that banned place...." :D

LOL :D :D

Jeff

86 Chevy C-10
350, TH400
Ex father and son project (son lost interest)

Son regained interest when truck was almost completed