Ive had my 82 (700R4 trans) for about 3 years and have not changed the fluid or filter / screen in it since Ive had it and have no idea when the PO had it serviced last.  The trans is performing beautifully and I want to keep it that way.  Are there tricks, recommendations, or captive springs I need to know about before I start unbolting the pan?  Ive never done this before so any guidance would be appreciated.

It's a simple remove/replace deal, Chip.
Nothing will fall/jump out at ya. There are two different filters that will work on yours, and either one will work just as well as the other, so, if the filter you get looks different from the one you have, it'll still be OK...(as long as it is for a 700, and not a 4L60E)
One thing to watch for, is when you remove the old filter, make sure the seal for the filter neck comes out with it. If it does not, you'll need to stick a screwdriver(or similar implement of destruction) up into the filter hole in the pump, and remove the old seal.(the new filter will have a new seal on it) While the new filter will still fit up in the pump with the old seal stuck in it, it's not really the best thing to do, so just keep an eyeball out for that.
Otherwise, the fluid/filter change pretty straightforward.

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Joel Adams
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Thanks Joel, thats what I needed to know.  Will probably do that this weekend.

the most important thing to remember is dont take all the pan bolts off ,make sure you leave the bolts just loose preferably the ones across from the edge closest to your face.that way the pan will swing down and deposit the dirty smelly fluid directly into your face,and not just down your arm like I usually do

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C3VR Lifetime Member #93
 

Thanks Ron, good point, Ill try my best not to use that technique

Chip,

It always bothered me that they never put a drain hole/plug in the original.

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Because it made it easier for people to simply drain the fluid, and refill, without changing the filter...
Back in the old days, we weren't as lazy, and in a hurry as we are today.
It was also the source of potential, unseen leaks. GM did put drain plugs in most of the older trannys, like the PowerGlides, and 350/250s. They have started putting drain plugs back in them, tho. So...for youse guys with 700s, you can install a later, 4L60E pan, with the drain plug. The pan will fit...it has the same bolt pattern, and shape, but they do take a deeper filter, which is not available for the 700, and the 4L60E filters will not fit in the 700. The two options would be to simply put more fluid in it, or modify the 700 filter neck by extending it a little...

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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"