Transmission Opinions

[RandyP]

Here's the deal. I'm starting to haul my car trailer around and picking up autos/trucks. My poor old 2005 Z71 is just not liking it to be perfectly honest, it's almost scary sometimes pulling one home. I have no doubt in my mind that my 87 1/2 ton would do this job easier, if I can get a better transmission behind the engine.

Currently it has a worn out 700R4 that I know I could fry by hauling one load of something. I'm thinking a TH400 would be just fine for a swap, but am worried what all it might entail on the swap. Any insight on this? Thoughts on maybe a TH350 instead? Can a 700R4 be built good enough to be a puller?

I'm also doing a little research to see if I'd rather add some leafs or just put helper bags on it. I'm leaning towards helper bags simply because I could control that and not always have the stiff battlewagon ride.

As always I appreciate input and previous experiences. I wish I could afford to trade my 05 for a nice newer 3/4 4x4, but it just is not in my cards right now. Plus every used 3/4 I find is worn out and high miles. I'm spoiled to my 05 with 50k miles on it.