TH350 TH400 700R4 Transmission Dipstick Tube with Flexible Stainless Braided Hose - Firewall Mount for Chevy GM SBC BBC

TH350 TH400 700R4 Transmission Dipstick Tube with Flexible Stainless Braided Hose

Key Features

• High-Temperature Braided Hose: Features a flexible, stainless steel braided outer jacket that protects the internal PTFE liner from extreme header and engine block heat.
• Firewall Mount Configuration: Equipped with a sturdy mounting bracket designed to bolt directly to the firewall, providing easy access and a clean, custom look for your engine bay.
• Billet Aluminum T-Handle: Includes a polished billet aluminum handle with dual O-ring seals to prevent transmission fluid from leaking or blowing out under high-pressure conditions.
• Universal GM Length: Specifically sized to accommodate various GM transmission depths, allowing for precise fluid level monitoring in custom hot rod and muscle car builds.
• Flexible Routing: The bendable design allows you to route the dipstick around custom headers, steering shafts, and specialized cooling lines that rigid factory tubes cannot clear.

Replaces / Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• Universal GM Flexible Dipstick
• Firewall Mount Braided Dipstick
• SBC/BBC Custom Trans Dipstick
• Lokar Style Flexible Dipstick (Aftermarket Equivalent)

Compatibility & Fitment

This dipstick and tube assembly is designed for use with the most popular General Motors automatic transmissions. Key compatible models include:

• Transmissions: TH350 (Turbo 350), TH400 (Turbo 400), and 700R4 (4L60).
• Engines: Compatible with Chevrolet Small Block (SBC) and Big Block (BBC) V8 engines (e.g., 350, 383, 396, 454).
• Note: While universal for these transmission types, it is primarily intended for use in vehicles where factory rigid tubes do not fit due to engine swaps or custom headers.

When to Replace

• Fluid Leaks: Transmission fluid is leaking from the base of the tube where it enters the transmission case, often caused by a failed grommet or O-ring.
• Rigid Tube Interference: The factory metal tube hits your new aftermarket headers or firewall, preventing proper seating or mounting.
• Difficulty Reading Level: The original metal dipstick is bent, rusted, or the markings have worn off, making accurate fluid checks impossible.
• Blown Dipstick: The dipstick frequently "pops out" of the tube during operation, indicating a poor seal or high crankcase/transmission pressure.

Installation Tips

• Drain the Fluid: It is highly recommended to drain at least 2–3 quarts of transmission fluid before removing the old tube to prevent a large mess when the case seal is broken.
• Case Seal: Ensure the mounting hole in the transmission case is perfectly clean. Use a small amount of transmission fluid or assembly lube on the new O-ring before sliding the base into the case.
• Firewall Mounting: Mount the bracket to a flat, sturdy section of the firewall. Ensure there is enough slack in the braided hose to allow for slight engine movement (engine torque) without pulling the tube out of the transmission.
• Calibration: Always verify the dipstick markings against your factory tube. In some cases, you may need to "mark" the full level on a universal dipstick after adding a known quantity of fluid.
• Heat Clearance: Although braided stainless is heat-resistant, avoid letting the hose rest directly against exhaust headers for extended periods to ensure maximum longevity of the internal liner.