I think its time for a new transmission.  The old TH350 has been leaking for some time.  A couple of years ago I had new seals put in, stop the leak for a couple of months then it started to leak again (in the front).  With the gas prices what they are I have decided (after searching the threads) to put in a 700r4.  I am going to have a shop do the work. I've used them before and have been happy with them but before I give them the green light to do the work I would like some info. My question is do I need to have them install the Up-shift sleeve and get the "Superior Solution Lock-Up package or is this some thing they already would do. I would just like to be a little more knowledgeable before I talk to them.  Any advise would be helpful before I spend the big bucks.

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Eddie

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The use of the 3-4 upshift valve/sleeve will depend on the trans they use to build yours. Some of the later units('87>) should already have that set-up in them from the factory.
I would definitely recommend the Lock-Up kit. The GM kit is still available from some sources, and is a lot cheaper, but it only comes with one spring, so being able to tailor the LU speed to your preference is limited to what the kit has in it. The GM kit will usually engage LU around 40-45mph. The Superior kit will allow earlier or later LU speeds, depending on the springs behind the actual LU valve in the pump itself.
Also, these kits will only work in the earlier('82-'87) valve bodies, anyway, so don't let them sell ya something that can't be installed. The later valve bodies do not have the bore in the valve body for the LU valve line-up...they are computer controlled, so the GM or the Superior kits are useless in them.

One other thing I would heartily recommend is the updated/upgrade sun shell(sometimes referred to as the "reaction shell") . The best is one called "The Beast", and it is virtually unbreakable...trust me...I've pressure tested a LOT of them....you just can't break them!
Be aware that some carb modification will be needed, too, for the TV cable linkage to the trans. This is VERY important for the survival of the trans. The hook-up for your 350 kick-down cable will NOT work, no matter what they tell you, without modification.

Not trying to scare ya here, just putting the info out there so you'll have a little more knowledge.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Is anyone out there using Ford trans fluid in their 350/400 ?

If anyone is using the "B&M Trick Shift" fluid, they are!
Using (the old)Ford spec fluid usually creates a little firmer shifts in most automatics. It has to do with the friction modifying additives in it. That was a big thing back in the earlier days....using the Ford fluid to make the shifts a bit "crisper". The bad thing is the Ford spec fluid gums up, and deteriorates much quicker than Dextron fluids, so more frequent fluid changes are a good idea.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks Joel

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Eddie

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To second one important point Joel made, which I learned from experience.....  It is critically important that the attachment point on the carb linkage the exact correct distance from the shaft.  If you get it wrong, it tells the transmission wrong information about throttle position, so the internal pressures are wrong and can burn up your transmission under hard use.  Not that I would know about that part.

Larry