new owner

[scum1]

well i just picked up my first truck and i already have alot of questions...first thing is it being used i really have no idea whats in it...350 with carb maybe mild cam. sounds good runs good. but it has a th400 tranny in it which im not crazy about, i feel like my motor might not me up to par..is this something i should change, for a 700r4/th350 or something. any opinions appreciated. other than that im gonna start a project thread with some pics when i get home tomorrow. and go from there!!

[Clyde65]

What is wrong with the 400? if it runs good and drives good, what is the problem for now? I would drive it and do/plan small upgrades, saving for the big ones along the way.

If you take it off the street now, it is entirely possible to loose interest faster and then sell it and we all know we dont want that.

[scum1]

very true..plus i was just looking at the 700r4 swaps. and i feel like its a diff language ..new flexplates, shortened drive shafts, moving crossmembers..i dont know if im up for that right now..i just heard that the 400 with a stock/mild 350 might be to much..but if its not that big of a deal ill jsut keep on rollin..

[markeb01]

The only downside I can think with a TH400 is being big and heavy. But it's also bulletproof, a very beefy and durable transmission. Granted it doesn't have overdrive, but the need for O.D. needs to be considered along with tire size, axle ratios, and what you intend to do with the truck. I'm with Clyde65 use it for a while to determine what you like and don't like, then formulate a plan (on paper) and start applying costs to the different options before you make changes. Too often impulse decisions can derail the entire project.

[scum1]

good advice guys..thanks. and thanks in advance for all the questions your going to see shortly from me!

[Clyde65]

Scum1,

I had a 400 behind my 350 for years, never gave me 1 inch of trouble, even when I was beating on it and beating on it, it came back for more....more than I can say for the 350 though.

[Fudge]

Scum,
I had a 400 behind a 283 in a hotrod for years. I tried and tried to blow that truck up cause I had a 327 waiting for it. I never did but the tranny never gave me any problems and always shifted strong. If you want OD then I say change it but if thats not a concern drive it and enjoy.

[scum1]

right on..thanks guys now im gonna post another thread on something i just noticed that im not so happy about maybe someone could chine in as well.

[Rich 5150 69]

In reading this thread got me to thinking that just maybe he has a stall converter or rv converter and not knowing it guys ...?

[scum1]

Originally Posted by Rich 5150 69

In reading this thread got me to thinking that just maybe he has a stall converter or rv converter and not knowing it guys ...?

this is all new to me so by all means, enlighten me

[raycow]

Apparently, there is something about your transmission that bothers you. Could you be more specific and tell us what it is doing that you don't like?

Ray

[scum1]

its actually nothing wrong. i mean i didnt think anything of it untill i started reasearchin the th400 on here and i saw alot of..not to be used with stock 350, its heavy duty hard on the motor..blah blah.. but i have no personal complaints.

[jocko]

hmmm - interesting. I've never heard any such complaints, but that doesn't mean there aren't any out there. I have had a few TH400s - only one that was an early-year trans. It was in a 65 Imp with a 396 and the weakness of the trans had something to do with lack of center bearing support like later transmissions. More than strong enough for most any small block unless it's severely hot-rodded. But, if I understand your concern - it's more that the trans is "too much" for the engine(?) Personally - I would not worry about that (but that's just my 2 cents - others may have specific experience to support your concern) - I don't see anything wrong with having a trans that is capable of much more hp than the small block can put out. I'd keep the TH400 and run it till you save the coin for a 700R4 swap if that's what you want for mileage/overdrive purposes - but I wouldn't go to a 700R4 if all you're concerned about is (normally) big block mated trans behind a small block. In other words - I see the obvious mileage/less wear and tear benefits of going to a 700R4 - but I see no benefit to your engine by swapping in a TH350. As for wear and tear, it would likely be about the same - both have 1:1 3rd gear, so you'll be turning the same rpm truckin down the highway whether you have the TH350 or TH400.

[Rich 5150 69]

They have been installing 400`s as far back as `66 with a 327 in front of them, most of these here would jump at the chance to have one, even a 7004r, strenght wise from the factory can`t hold up to the abuse a 400 can handle.

['63GENIII]

If I'm not mistaken, the 400 has a higher (taller) first gear than the 350 which I think also has the same lower 1st gear as the 700r4. I personally never noticed the difference. I have had 400s behind small and big blocks with great outcomes. It is a very durable transmission. Maybe the lower 1st gear of the 350 and 700r4 is what you're referring to as far as the 400 being "hard on the motor"? If it were me and it ran well, I'd run what I brung and fix what breaks.

[scum1]

ok cool thats what i like to hear...i didnt think there was gonna be a problem until i read things becuase i had heard good things about it. so im gonna rock n roll

[raycow]

The difference in 1st gear ratio between the TH350 and TH400 is so little as to be unnoticeable - 2.52 against 2.48.

Ray

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by raycow

The difference in 1st gear ratio between the TH350 and TH400 is so little as to be unnoticeable - 2.52 against 2.48.

Ray

I knew there was a difference between the two, but I didn't know it was that small. Thanks Ray.