700r4 shift lever question - Did I break something?

I started working on my shift linkage last night, and just to see how tight the shift lever on the tranny was, I clamped a vice grip on it and ran it through the gears. It felt fine, but when I headed back in the other direction, I didn't feel anything.

Now, I can twist in either direction, and I can't feel any detents, it just spins.

What happened?

Did I break something?

How do I get it to work again?

Thanks,
Rich

 

700 has a very strong detent, compared to 350/400. Drop the pan to see what let go

 

This is not your exact application but it shows the components involved here:


The detents (stops) are made by a combination of the valleys in the toothed mechanism, and a spring steel lever, with a bearing at the end, as seen above.

I have seen the spring break, the bearing come off, and the "rooster comb" (the toothed dealee) break free of the shaft. In the case of it being broken free, it was contact with an automatic car wash, and a linkage too low. In other words, it took quite some force.

This is likely to be something simple.

Here is an actual 700R4, with the detent mechanism at the top of the frame, by the pan rail:


And the valve body, naked, with the dent spring/bearing on the right:


If you have to work on the "rooster comb", be sure to observe the little linkage attached to it (small rod, about 1/8"), and make sure you know how to get it back where it goes.

Off:

Off, the other end:


Make sure it is on/in, on both ends.

 

Thanks, I really appreciate the pics.

So, what will happen if you keep rotating the shift lever clockwise?

Will it stop, or keep going past the last detent?

Thanks,
Rich

 

If the "rooster comb" is detached from the shaft (ovaled hole, nut backed off, etc.) The shaft will just spin. If it is still attached, and nothing is causing it to pause/stop at each position, it will stop-out on the case, or bind the linkage. Unless you really force it, I don't think you could do any damage.

 

I pulled the pan.

The shaft is just spinning in the rooster comb.

I would assume that I need to replace both the detent lever and shaft?

Got any pointers?

Where do I get these parts"

Thanks,
Rich

 

Ebay, most often. I sent you some listings via a PM.

If those can't be had, many local transmission re-builders have them, from non-serviceable units, and may sell them to you.