Electronic Transmission vs. Original Steering Column Shifter

[RaptorSentry]

Just doing some research and need to ask a question that I cannot find the answer too, or at least simply stated.

Currently I have a TH350 with the original column shifter. Looking to put an overdrive transmission in. Everything I have read basically is saying if I go to a electronic controlled transmission, such as the 4L60E or 4L80E, I will not be able to shift using the original column shifter but I would require to put in an electronic shifter. Everything I've see is either a paddle shifter or a floor mounted shifter. I'm not a fan of either and I like the column shift, but I can't tell if there are aftermarket "stock like" columns that accept the electronic transmission. If anybody can point me in the right direction that would be appreciated, needs to be paintable and accept the stock wheel.

Otherwise if I cannot control the electronic transmission from the column, what overdrive transmission would you recommend that would work with the original column shifter? 700R4/4L60?

[LuckyScott]

Im getting ready to put a 700R in my 1970 chevy truck. So far my research tells me if i install a tilt column I can buy a rod from Koogle industries and it will work. But if its not a tilt, it will not work.
(Not sure if this is true, still trying to verify if it is a fact)

I have been looking at tilt columns from vans of the same vintage, because they are cheaper. They are 1 1/2 inches shorter so would actually give me a little more leg room.

[suburban99]

I swapped a LS 5.3/4L60E into a '62 C10 and used an adapter from Lokar. Worked good and it was relatively easy. I think it was ACA-1800 Billet Adjustable Column Kit. I kept the stock shifter on the column...

[LuckyScott]

I also want to use the stock shifter on the column.

[notsolo]

Also researched this, waiting for the Lokar Aca-1800 to go on 71 original column. 350/700r4........floor shifters look nice also if you have the extra cash and want to loose the column shifter.

[lutronjim]

I have a 70 C10 that was 3 on tree. Had a friend install 'connect and cruise' which is a LC9 paired with a 65e.

It would appear he got parts from a similar model auto and installed in column. The arm at the bottom has been shortened as I remember. Works good except the indicator doesn't have place for 1st gear. Park, neutral, and drive 1 line up pretty good.

I could get pics if you want.

[LockDoc]

-
I put an LS1/4l60e in my '67 Chevy Panel Truck and used all stock GM shifter parts. It has a tilt with the shifter on the column.

LockDoc

[Bigdav160]

Everything I have read basically is saying if I go to a electronic controlled transmission, such as the 4L60E or 4L80E, I will not be able to shift using the original column shifter

As you can see that statement is not right. Yes, with those transmissions, the automatic shifting functions are done through electronics. They operate with a computer.

The manual shifting function is still done manually with a shift lever. Not a knob like some of the newer transmissions

[RaptorSentry]

Thanks Bigdav160, that makes more sense that when in drive/overdrive the computer would be telling the transmission when to shift, where as if I want to manually shift I can still use the column shifter. Since I have the TH350 right now with only thing I would have to do for the steering column is change out the gear indicator plate from PRND21 to PRND321, as the shifter has enough play in it to go that far.

[lutronjim]

Ratorsentry

Do you know of a plate that would fit for PRND321?

Thanks

[RaptorSentry]

There are several different variations to replace the gear indicator, a quick google search for “overdrive gear indicator for 1972 chevy truck” will bring up a lot you can chose from:

PRNOD21
PRND321
PRNODL2L1

etc.

[lutronjim]

Tried your search suggestion. Most show fitting tilt only except Ecklers which doesn't say but does say fits 47-87 which I find hard to believe.