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StockMonster
2WD
& 4WD
StreetMonster
SportMonster
TrackMonster
Table of Contents 2
Introduction 2
Special Tools Required 2
Fluid Requirements 2
Removal 3
Torque Converter Removal 12
Installation 12
Transmission Cooler Flush 12
Transmission Filling
TV Cable Adjustment
Monster Transmission offers a full line of GM 4-Speed transmissions which incorporate many upgrades and updates to improve transmission reliability and performance. See our website for up-to-date sales features.
GM 4-Speed transmissions were available in a wide variety of vehicles and some steps may not be applicable to all models. In the early 90’s GM renamed the 700R4 to 4L60, for this manual they will be referred to by 700R4 to help distinguish them from the 4L60E which has minor differences to the 4L60/700R4. The 4L60E-75E are all based on the same platform. The 4L80E and 4L85E are also based on the same platform.
Transmission Jack
Long Socket Drive Extension Bar
Line Wrench
Heat Gun
GM-Approved Dexron VI fluid
The stock transmission total dry fill is:
700R4, 4L60E/65E/70E/75E – 11.2 quarts
4L80E/85E – 13.5 quarts
There is residual oil from the dyno test procedure left in the torque converter and transmission which will reduce the total capacity. Always confirm fill level using transmission fluid level indicator.
For safety disconnect all vehicle batteries before starting transmission removal.
Raise and support the vehicle. Remove any skid plates if equipped. Drain fluid from transmission.
Note: Some models do not have a drain plug, remove the pan to drain fluid and reinstall.
Remove the exhaust crossover pipe.
Note: Newer models may require the oxygen sensors connectors to be disconnected as well in order to remove the exhaust crossover pipe.
Mark the driveshaft and respective flanges to retain alignment.
Remove the 4 bolts holding the rear u- joint caps in place.
If applicable unbolt steady bearing from cross member.
Remove the rear driveshaft.
4WD Only
Mark the front driveshaft for alignment on both flanges.
Remove the 4 bolts holding the front u- joint caps in place.
4WD 700R4 Only
Remove the 4 bolts holding the front driveshaft flange in place and remove the front driveshaft.
4WD 4L60E-85E Only
Remove front driveshaft dust boot clamp and remove the front driveshaft.
Note: Some models may still have bolts and caps same as the front of the driveshaft.
If applicable unbolt stiffener bracket from transfer case.
Depending on model unbolt or unclip shifter linkage from transfer case and remove.
Note: Not applicable to models equipped with electronic shifting transfer case.
Left: Early Style, Right: Late Style
Unplug electrical connectors from transfer case.
Disconnect vent hose from transfer case.
Early 4WD 700R4 Only
Unscrew speedometer cable from the transfer case.
Secure the transfer case with a transmission jack. Remove the bolts holding it onto the back of the transmission.
Remove the transfer case.
Upper: Early Style, Lower: Late Style
Cars Only
Remove the bolts securing the exhaust hanger and torque arm bushing.
Using a line wrench disconnect transmission cooler lines.
Note: Late models switched to a quick- connect style that is easiest to remove with a pick.
Left: 700R4/4L60E, Right: 4L80E
700R4 Only
Unbolt and disconnect TV cable from transmission.
Early 2WD 700R4 Only
Unscrew speedometer cable from the transmission tail housing.
Diesel Only
Remove starter support bracket.
Remove starter bolts and secure starter out of the way.
Important! Ensure battery is disconnected to prevent the starter wires from arcing.
Note: Retain any shims installed with the starter.
Remove the bellhousing dust cover.
Note: Diesel models may have additional support brace attached to the cover that must be removed.
Note: Not applicable to late model transmissions.
Mark the alignment of the flexplate to torque converter.
Using the flexplate rotate the transmission and remove the 3 or 6 torque converter bolts.
Note: Some models do not have a dust cover. Converter bolts are removed through the starter mounting hole.
Left: 700R4, Right: 4L60E
Applicable Models
Remove transmission heat shield.
Remove fuel line bracket hold down nut.
Remove transmission electrical connections.
Remove transmission wiring loom holddowns.
Note: Range sensor connectors (red arrows) are glued in place and require heating to loosen prior to removal.
Upper: 700R4, Lower: 4L80E
Remove the shifter linkage nut and disconnect shift linkage.
4L60E-85E Only
Depending on model unbolt or unclip shifter cable and bracket.
Disconnect transmission vent hose.
Secure the transmission with a transmission jack.
Remove transmission bellhousing bolts.
Note: Make note of the location of accessories secured with bellhousing bolts.
Remove the bolts securing the cross- member to the frame and transmission mount.
Remove the transmission cross- member.
Upper: Truck 700R4, Mid: 4L60E, Lower: Car 700R4
Confirm all wires, hoses, and cables are disconnected from the transmission.
Carefully wiggle and pull on the transmission to separate from the engine. Make sure torque converter doesn’t slide out.
Lower transmission to ground and set aside. Ensure dipstick remains free.
Torque Converter Removal
To remove the torque converter from the old transmission, carefully slide torque convert out of the transmission and drain as much fluid as possible. All components and cores must be drained of fluid before sending back to Monster for core credit. To ship core back, reinstall torque converter using the special retainer plate that came
on the new transmission. This will prevent damage during return shipping.
Transmission Cooler Flush
Before installing your Monster transmission you must flush the transmission coolers using a backflow heated transmission flushing machine. By not doing this you may void your warranty. If the transmission you are removing failed or has an excessive amount of debris in the pan, you should replace the transmission cooler and check valve assembly (if applicable).
Remove converter shipping bracket.
Look over torque converter hub for sharp edges, burrs, or blemishes. Polish out with 600-1000 grit sandpaper if needed.
Transfer over any components from the old transmission to the new transmission. This includes:
Shift cable bracket
Shift lever
Cooler fittings
Transmission mount
Range sensor
Input/output speed sensor
Place transmission onto transmission jack and secure.
Check condition of flex plate. Replace if necessary.
Clean and apply grease to converter hub pocket in the crankshaft.
Raise the transmission while simultaneously aligning the dipstick tube.
Align the engine block and bellhousing and seat onto the engine block dowels.
Confirm converter hub seats in crankshaft.
Install all bellhousing bolts and torque to manufacturer specification.
Note: Ensure any accessories that are secured with bellhousing bolts are reinstalled.
Note: Torque specifications vary depending on model, refer to factory service information for specification.
Align the torque converter to the flex plate using previously made marks if reusing the torque converter.
Install the first torque converter bolt hand tight, rotate engine and install the other bolts. Once all are installed, torque to manufacturer specification.
Note: Apply Loctite to torque converter bolt threads.
Note: Torque specifications vary
depending on model, refer to factory service information for specification.
Reinstall the transmission cross- member with the bolts securing the cross-member to the frame and transmission mount.
Reconnect transmission vent hose.
Reconnect shifter cable and bracket.
Reinstall shifter linkage and secure with shifter linkage nut.
Reconnect transmission electrical connections.
Reinstall transmission wiring loom holddowns.
Note: Ensure wiring loom is properly routed to avoid potential damage.
Reinstall fuel line bracket hold down nut.
Reinstall transmission heat shield.
Reinstall the bellhousing dust cover.
Note: Diesel models may have additional support brace attached to the cover that must also be reinstalled.
Reinstall starter bolts and any shims removed during disassembly.
Important! Ensure battery is still disconnected to prevent the starter wires from arcing.
Diesel Only: Reinstall starter support bracket.
Reinstall speedometer cable to the transmission tail housing.
Reconnect TV cable to link and secure hold down bolt to transmission.
Using a line wrench reconnect transmission cooler lines.
Note: Late models switched to a quick- connect style. Reinstall quick-connect clips and snap lines into place.
Reinstall the bolts securing the exhaust hanger and torque arm bushing.
Ensure transfer case mounting surfaces a clean. If not clean with Scotchbrite.
Install a new gasket between the transfer case and transmission.
Secure the transfer case with a transmission jack.
Lift into place and secure with bolts/nuts onto the back of the transmission.
Reinstall speedometer cable into the transfer case.
Reconnect transfer case electrical connections.
Reconnect transfer case vent hose.
Reconnect transfer case shifter linkage using the nut or clip depending on the model.
If applicable reattach stiffener bracket to the transfer case.
Reinstall front driveshaft into the transfer case and secure dust boot with clamp.
Reinstall the front driveshaft and secure with the 4 bolts holding it to the front transfer case output flange.
Note: Make sure to align marks made during dissasembly.
Reinstall the 4 bolts holding the front u- joint caps in place.
Reinstall rear drive shaft into transfer case or transmission extension housing.
If applicable reinstall steady bearing to the rear cross member.
Reinstall the 4 bolts holding the rear u- joint caps in place.
Reinstall the exhaust crossover pipe with new gaskets.
Note: Newer models with oxygen sensors connectors will need to be reconnected as well.
Fill transmission with GM-Approved Dexron VI transmission fluid.
To check transmission fluid level:
Start engine and let fluid warm to operating temperature 180-200oF (82-93oC)
With your foot on the brake, shift the transmission through each gear returning to park. Pause in each gear for about 3 seconds.
Remove the transmission dipstick, wipe clean, and reinsert.
Wait about 3 seconds and remove the dipstick. Fluid must be within the hot cross hatched area.
It is imperative that after your new Monster 700R4/2004R transmission has been installed that the Throttle Valve (TV) Cable gets adjusted properly, otherwise DAMAGE WILL OCCUR to the transmission, voiding the warranty. If you are unsure about the proper adjustment needed, call the Monster Transmission tech line for help or refer to a General Motors service manual for additional information and reference.
Function of the TV Cable: Many people believe that this is a detent downshift cable and that this is the only function that the cable performs. In actuality, the TV Cable controls line pressures, shift points, part throttle downshifts and detent downshifts. The cable functions similarly to the combination vacuum modulator/cable systems found on other automatic transmissions.
With the carburetor/throttle body end of the TV Cable disconnected, pull the link out of the transmission and fit the cable end to the link as shown. Push the TV Cable sheath into the seal in the transmission and tighten the 10mm retaining bolt.
TV Cable Connection: If you are retrofitting your Monster 700R4/2004R transmission in place of a different model transmission (i.e. TH-350 or TH-400) it is imperative that you follow the TV Cable bracket fabrication instructions. If your Monster Transmission 700R4/2004R is replacing an original 700R4/2004R then skip the following retrofitting steps.
Retrofitting: Obtain a cable that is designed for use with the 700R4/4L60/2004R transmission. The TH-350 and older TH-200 cables are designed differently and will not work. A salvage yard cable may work but be forewarned: There are about 30 different length cables found on stock vehicles and a cable that is too short in your application will not work. Also, used cables could have a number of problems as well, including stretched cables, damaged sheathing or housings or mutilated cable ends. Monster Transmission & Performance recommends our Universal TV Cable (Model# 60270405) that is designed to work correctly in any 700R4/2004R application.
Retrofitting Only
Install a bracket that will allow the TV Cable to mount to the carburetor/throttle body. Monster Transmission & Performance carries two brackets: Model# AS4-04K works with most Holly carburetors, or Model# AS5-05K for Edelbrock Performer carburetors.
If you are using a Chevrolet TBI/TPI induction system, then correct brackets can be obtained from a salvage yard or a local car dealership.
The figure below demonstrates the correct geometry for the TV Cable mounting position. Use the following procedure to determine if your adjuster mounting pointis correct.
Push in the Adjust Tab and retract the Slider in the direction shown.
Release Adjust Tab.
Without allowing the Slider to move, pull the cable until it stops and measure from the mounting bracket to the carburetor mounting tab. Add 3/16" to this measurement and with tension on the cable, loosen the brass lock-sleeve and slide it down the line to the 3/16" measurement.
Also note in the figure above that the distance from the throttle shaft to the cable end is referenced. This distance must be between 1 7/64" and 1 1/8"! The cable end mounting point should follow a 78° arc between closed throttle and WOT in order to achieve the proper amount of pull on
the cable.
Gasoline Adjustment
Adjustments are made with the engine off. Locate the Adjust Tab on the cable housing. Press in the tab and push the slider as shown.
Release the tab and rotate the throttle lever to WOT and the cable will self adjust itself as evidenced by a few audible clicks. Release the throttle lever and check the cable for any signs of binding or sticking. After you have released the lever, make sure there is no slack in the cable.
Diesel Adjustment
Adjustments are made with the engine off. If equipped with cruise control, remove the control rod.
Disconnect the TV Cable end from the throttle lever.
Loosen the locknut on the pump rod and shorten several turns.
Turn throttle lever to WOT and tighten the pump rod locknut.
Lengthen pump rod until injection pump lever contacts the full throttle stop.
Release the throttle lever and tighten the pump rod locknut.
Remove pump rod from the throttle lever.
Reconnect the TV Cable end to the throttle lever.
Press in the Adjust Tab and move Slider as shown in figure.
Release the tab and rotate the throttle lever to WOT and the cable will self adjust itself as evidenced by a few audible clicks. Release the throttle lever and check the cable for any signs of binding or sticking.
Reconnect the pump rod and cruise control throttle rod, if equipped.
If equipped with cruise control, adjust servo throttle rod to minimum slack.
Road test the vehicle. Under moderate acceleration your shift points should be close to the following:
1-2… …18-20 MPH
2-3… …28-32 MPH
3-4… …42-45 MPH
If the cable is adjusted too loosely your transmission will exhibit soft, stacked shifts (not spread out).
DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING VEHICLE IF THIS HAPPENS!
Immediately readjust cable. Tighten the cable to firm up the shifts and spread out the shift points. Loosen the cable if the transmission is shifting too late.
Roadtest again until shift points are within specification.
If you continue to have problems, please contact the Monster Transmission tech department for assistance
More information available through video in link.
TV Cable Adjustment Video
