700R4 will not shift out of first...

[Sodium Duck]

Fix my overheating issue, now the transmission decides to stop functioning. Let me preface this by saying, I'm very tempted to just go out and buy a TH350 today, and just be done with it...

Since I got the truck dialed in and not overheating, I decided to take it on a trip today. I drove a good hundred or so miles in total. Thankfully, on the very tail end of the trip, the last few miles home, the transmission started acting up. Starting shifting hard, revving high. In the last half mile home, it wouldn't do anything but first gear.

Started with the simplest. Checked the fluid level. It was a little bit low. Topped it off. Still the same.

Checked the TV cable. It was adjusted with a lead sinker weight... (I really bought a lemon, what can I say) Fiddled around with it a bit, tried tightening it up. Still the same. Tried loosening it. Still the same.

I thought maybe the cable was stuck. Took it around the block and mashed the gas hard a few times. Still the same.

At one random point, it did shift out of first and ran through the gears, but quickly returned to the same behavior.

Tried starting out at 1, and shifting on the tree into 2. Still the same.

Stuck in first gear. Am I missing something simple or does it need to go to a shop to be looked at? If the latter, then does anyone have a good TH350 they want to part with? Might take me a while to get there, as I only have 1st gear...   

[87454westernhauler]

I have a brand new rebuilt TH350 in my 74 that im parting out! Ogh check the vacume line on the trans shifter thats on the fire wall above the engine, see if it is on still. where are u located at?

[VileZambonie]

Pop the governor cover off and remove the governor. Check the gear and see if it's apple cored.

[Sodium Duck]

I'm in Western Massachusetts.

Apple cored, lol... I'll check today.

[Sodium Duck]

Governor looks fine. Moves freely. Gear is intact, no apparent signs of excessive wear. Looks almost brand new.

[Da67goatman]

I had a similar problem, turned out i had a check ball in the wrong spot in the valvebody.

[Skunksmash]

I wouldn't go from a 700R4 to a TH350. Had one before and its lousy when you get to the end of that 3rd gear...

[frotosride]

Not an expert here but how old is the second gear servo and 2nd gear engagement band.. it's possible that the band is wore out and/or the servo isn't putting enough pressure to engage it...just my 2 cents.

[joel]

Had an 86 did the exact same thing . Local told me i had a port that was stuck.  told me to drive it like i was stuck in first and then floorboard it for a couple hundred feet. then park and start again sometimes if the burr isnt too bad it will free itself and stay, mine freed and did fine for a day then did the same thing, stuck in first.  Had to do some inside work but i dont know what was done, i know it only cost 120 for him to fix it and 10 years later it still works great. Not much help but a direction to look in maybe. good luck

[VileZambonie]

Governor valve sticking.
Governor driven gear loose or damaged.
Governor driven gear retaining pin missing.
Nicks or burrs on output shaft, governor sleeve or case bore.
Governor support pin in case too long or short.
Governor weights or springs missing, binding or damaged.
1-2 shift valve sticking.
Valve body spacer plate or gaskets damaged or incorrectly installed.
Case to valve body ace not flat or damaged.
Governor screen restricted or damaged.
Restricted or blocked 2-4 servo assembly apply passages.
Nicks or burrs on 2-4 servo assembly pin or pin bore in case.
Missing or damaged 2-4 servo assembly piston or pin seals.
Fourth servo piston installed backwards.
2-4 band assembly worn or damaged.
2-4 band assembly anchor pin not engaged.
 

[frotosride]

Governor valve sticking.
Governor driven gear loose or damaged.
Governor driven gear retaining pin missing.
Nicks or burrs on output shaft, governor sleeve or case bore.
Governor support pin in case too long or short.
Governor weights or springs missing, binding or damaged.
1-2 shift valve sticking.
Valve body spacer plate or gaskets damaged or incorrectly installed.
Case to valve body ace not flat or damaged.
Governor screen restricted or damaged.
Restricted or blocked 2-4 servo assembly apply passages.
Nicks or burrs on 2-4 servo assembly pin or pin bore in case.
Missing or damaged 2-4 servo assembly piston or pin seals.
Fourth servo piston installed backwards.
2-4 band assembly worn or damaged.
2-4 band assembly anchor pin not engaged.

With my luck all this would be happening at the same time it it were my truck.

[Sodium Duck]

lmao

[Skunksmash]

With my luck all this would be happening at the same time it it were my truck.

I'd at least have two of 'em, so it could make sure I'd have to do lots of research and be nice and confused.

[Sodium Duck]

Was about to start calling on used transmissions to get me through the summer.

Last ditch effort, dropped the pan. Changed out the fluid, new filter, cleaned up everything, and played around with the kickdown cable some more. Truck started shifting good again. Fingers are crossed that it will hold through the summer.

Score one for me!