Need All The Help I Can Get!

I bought a '94 Chevy Silverado Z-71. Body is in excellent condition, engine isn't to bad ( or at least it doesn't smoke ). Not sure if it's the original engine. Anyway, at this time the tranny ( a 700R4 ) is hesitant about going in gear and shudders in OD under a load. Is there a possible quick fix for this or should I prepare for a new tranny or rebuild. If I should go with a new tranny, what kind? This will be my everyday truck and occassional toy. I want durability and torque, but with economy, also need fuel economy. I have no experience, education, or mechanical inclination in this area. PLEASE HELP, any and all!  

Wolverine, in situations like this, it's always better to expect and prepare for the worse, and hope for the best.  Yes, I would prepare for a tranny rebuild at this time.  I would call around to your local tranny shops and preferably try to look for a performance tranny shop.  You want to find a shop that has experience working with the 700R4 in particular.  These trannys had quite a few bugs in the early years but they have been solved since and the 700 can be made into an awesome tranny.  Depending on what condition your is in, you could be looking anywhere from 500 for some minor to moderate repairs to 1500 for a full blown bad ass rebuild that will snap your friggin head back when it shifts into 2nd gear.  I had a company in Sacramento CA build 1 for me a few years ago.  They do a great job, Shift Management Inc.  They ship all across the US, but you can probably find a local shop that will do a great job.  Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask any more questions that may arise.  That's what this site is here for.  

Hey, I really appreciate the imput. I have talked to people who love them and hate them. Some that have had nothing but problems and others who have had none. I just am not sure. I know they have been around awhile now and like you said the bugs should be worked out. Thanks again. If there is anything that you could think of, upgrades, short cuts, performance, whatever to my truck, engine, suspension, etc. I'm all ears. It does need work, so I'll except any advice or knowledge. Again, thanks.  

There is alot of love/hate with the 700r4 trannie. Main reason is that they're a piculiar trannie(especially the first ones) about everything being installed correctly. There is no such thing as that's close enough on a 700 install, and that's where most people develope the hate for them, but they are great transmissions. They're just picky how they're rebuilt And installed that's all. Especially the connection of the shifting linkage, but that's another story.  
------------------------------------------------------------                                                                                                                                                                                 '75 CJ5, Chevy 327, SR4, twin stick D300, D44&D30 with OX lockers, sitting on 3" lift and 33's.