700R4/NP205 Length

[zac]

I've read through some of the threads on this combo, my question involves the overall length of this package. If I end up going this route, I will NOT use the spacer, I'll do the output shaft swap. I swapped the output shaft on a TH400 this winter. Had never done it before, used a book, was surprised how easy it was. Been afraid of pulling apart an automatic all these years for no reason. My '70 burb has the 465/205 combo. I know you need the 205 that was bolted to a th350 for spline match, the adapter also, right? How about the crossmember? And where do we end up on length? Shortening/lengthening driveshafts how much? I have another identical basket case donor truck so I have spare shafts, but at this point in my life I'm not a big fan of cutting and hacking when there's a more elegant solution. Thanks in advance.

[Crash_OK]

Originally Posted by zac

I've read through some of the threads on this combo, my question involves the overall length of this package. If I end up going this route, I will NOT use the spacer, I'll do the output shaft swap. I swapped the output shaft on a TH400 this winter. Had never done it before, used a book, was surprised how easy it was. Been afraid of pulling apart an automatic all these years for no reason. My '70 burb has the 465/205 combo. I know you need the 205 that was bolted to a th350 for spline match, the adapter also, right? How about the crossmember? And where do we end up on length? Shortening/lengthening driveshafts how much? I have another identical basket case donor truck so I have spare shafts, but at this point in my life I'm not a big fan of cutting and hacking when there's a more elegant solution. Thanks in advance.

The 700r4 is 1.875" longer than the TH350. You can move the engine forward or move the Transfer Case back.. Is this what you were asking?

[zac]

Yep, thanks. Here's a dumb one, all my 67-72s have been 465 trucks. Crossmember is the same for th350 or 465 I assume, with a different mount?

[Crash_OK]

Originally Posted by zac

Yep, thanks. Here's a dumb one, all my 67-72s have been 465 trucks. Crossmember is the same for th350 or 465 I assume, with a different mount?

I believe so, but I am not a 100% sure on this.

[wilkin250r]

I was thinking about going this exact same route, swap the output shaft on the transmission and bolt up the NP205.

I haven't done it yet, but I believe I read on here that the transmission pan interferes with the front driveshaft, and the added length of the spacer is a benefit to help cure that issue.

[jjzepplin]

X-member bolts to the transfer case not the trans. Trans just hangs there. I moved my engine forward and wasn't that hard. If you don't you will have to modify both shafts and possibly a lift kit. Mine has a 4" lift so no clearance issues. You will also have to get the output adapter and take the entire trans apart to put it in. I did all this myself including the trans rebuild (B&M). Make sure you get a trans 86 or newer or you're wasting time and money.

[zac]

Oops, right on the crossmember. The last thing I did was the turbo 400 swap on my '79 and it was obviously still on my mind........What clearance issues did you run into moving the engine? I took a quick look and it looks like power steering, fan shroud and exhaust. I have a manual 4x4 steering box, but I ain't going back to that. Shroud trimming or a later style pump and bracket maybe? Clutch linkage is no factor, obviously. Did you move the whole engine cradle forward or use mount adapters? Moving the crossmember would eliminate the exhaust manifold clearance issues I can see. And the required lift you were talking about if you don't move engine would be for the front driveshaft/pan clearance that was mentioned? Thanks.

[kwmech]

The front driveline will interfere with the pan. I've done a couple of these swaps. What I do is....with a small ball peen hammer..... is massage the pan where the cv wants to rub. AND make sure that the cv is rebuilt and tight otherwise you can ruin the pan and the case if it gets up to high speed and won't hold a center

[jjzepplin]

Yes the cross member forward. Might run into linkage issues with carb and trans but worth it when you go for the rear header bolts or plugs or Hei. Shed the shroud and go electric for traffic. May use a shorter belt for ps but I went 92 serpentine and am tickled with the fit. pics if you want. Oh yeah a/c hooks up too...

[zac]

Yeah, a couple pics would be great when you get a chance.

[jjzepplin]

I started a thread on this and have pics there. Not sure how to post the link to a thread. Its called "Moving the engine forward!!!??" You can click on my name and find the thread there or try the search bar but that has never worked for me. Other wise I will get some more here for you but its all built and driving now so they won't be as good.