700R4 install help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Cliff · 07-02-2003, 11:59 PM

Hey there everyone, I have a chance to buy a 700R4 that is bolted up to a 350 and am wondering what I'd have to modify to make it work in my 1972 C/10. The truck is currently a automatic with a Turbo 350. Thank you for the help in advance, I appreciate it greatly.

Cliff

bigvinnie · 07-03-2003, 01:28 AM

check this link...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=33266

mtdave2 · 07-03-2003, 09:46 AM

my help would be, dont do it! things are more trouble than they are worth.

Project1970 · 07-03-2003, 10:32 AM

The most you might have to do to the tranny is re-wire it internally (easy) and convert it from electrical to mechanical speedo (almost as easy). Beyond that, you need to move the tranny crossmember, shorten the driveline, and set up the TV cable and bracket, and the shift linkage.

Mixup · 07-03-2003, 10:52 AM

Everybody said fuel injection was trouble to and now look.

busterwivell · 07-03-2003, 02:12 PM

If the tailshaft on your TH350 is 9", your driveshaft will be ok, that's what was in the Stude and all I had to do was move the crossmember, but to make it live long and healthy, HAVE A REPUTABLE SHOP SET IT UP or you will burn it up and be mad like some other guys are. I've got one in my 1 ton Longhorn and I pull a water trailer with 525 gallons of water (about 4200 lb payload) up hill with mine couple of times a week with no trouble. The amount they charge will be money well spent.

Chevy4Life · 07-03-2003, 04:26 PM

I really don't understand why so many people here say it's more trouble than it's worth. I put a 700r4 in my 68' chevelle by myself when I was 16 years old. I got it out of an 87' IROC from a junkyard for $500. It worked PERFECT behind 400hp for years until I sold it. I will be putting one in my 67' SWB, and every other car I build.

For me, not being able to cruise 90mph(@LOWrpms) on the highway is WAY more trouble than bolting in a trans, shortening the driveshaft, adjusting the tv cable and wiring up a toggle for 4th gear lock-up. (I don't recommend a toggle now, that's just what I used back then)

I would guess that most of the people against this mod have never even tried it, but only heard a few horror stories about guys burning them up, usually from a improperly adjusted tv cable or not having it hooked up at all.

A properly installed 700r4 will work just like it does from the factory.

This mod is VERY easy to do and well worth it!

Just my $.02

72chevyLWB · 07-03-2003, 07:19 PM

They aren't that much trouble. I did mine after work for a few nights by myself in February in South Dakota in a snowmobile suit. NO Biggie at all. And I set up the TV cable myself and have over 6,000 miles on the tranny (Use it hard too) with no troubles at all. Best money spent for driveability and gas mileage rocks.

breeh · 07-03-2003, 09:30 PM

Yep, I love my 700's too. Both of the ones that I have are behind big blocks and have been working flawlessly for a year now. One is in my 4x4 and one is in my 67 Camaro.

mtdave2 · 07-04-2003, 12:55 AM

Well,i because they are so dam touchy, there is no room for error unless you get a good one, built perfectly, and installed perfectly... they dont last.

They are temperamental to get to shift properly, cant two, dont handle high horse power. far less durable than the th350... to me they are just a pain in the ass...

granted, when they work, they are great. but i just dont trust them. all my dealings with them have been bad.

breeh · 07-04-2003, 01:42 AM

Where is LONGHORNMAIL on this one. We haven't had this discussion for awhile

He is in the anti- 700 camp too.

Chris_T · 07-04-2003, 11:27 AM

I have to say I love my 700 as well and I swapped it into a 4wd with a 205 with no problem. Makes highway driving fun again, but I wish I had even lower gears, that OD really works!

busterwivell · 07-04-2003, 11:41 AM

I'm looking in to a later model rear with 3:42 gears. A friend at a differential shop says to get a 73 up 8 lug rear and they will relocate the leaf spring mounts for me.

Longhorn Man · 07-04-2003, 12:18 PM

I gve up on the 700. I give a short opinion, and walk away.
Not worth gettin all razzeled up.

Dean23 · 07-04-2003, 12:28 PM

700's r good. tHE biggest problem is the people installing them, they dont adjust the tv cable properly. the tv cable sets shift points and trans pressures. that is the reason they fail improper adjustment of the tv cable.

mtdave2 · 07-04-2003, 02:02 PM

There are also a ton of different springs that can be used to adjust shifting points as well... i never did get the right combo.

As far as cv cables, the self adjusting ratchet type work the best... still, a pain in the ass.

i would say the 2nd, almost 1st, reason they fail, is they are hard to build correctly. the average trany shop cant do it right. its almost like you need a specialist for the dam things.

to me, if you want to cruise on the highway, get a gear vender. or put in a 5 or 6 speed trany. next time i do a conversion, it will be a 6 speed.. i wont waste my time and money on the temperamental pos 700r4.
as far as cv cables, the self ajusting ratchet type work the best... still, a pain in the ass.

i would say the 2nd, almost 1st, reason they fail, is they are hard to build correctly. the average trany shop cant do it right. its almost like you need a specailest for the dam things

67chevemall · 07-04-2003, 03:28 PM

Leave em in the new toys,
Get a clutch and a Muncie!
Then your done 4 Life!!!!

72chevyLWB · 07-04-2003, 04:35 PM

The guy that built my 700 is building one exactly the same to put behind his Blown Hemi. NO LIE. And he has one is his customized 49 Studebaker with over 10,000 trouble free miles. Hmmmmm

oldsub86 · 07-04-2003, 04:54 PM

Some of the earlier 700R4 transmissions were troublesome. I had one in my 86 Suburban that caused a lot of trouble. The engine (350) was fine when I sold it at 183,000 miles but the transmission had been rebuilt once and needed to be done again. I don't think that I was hard on it. No major towing and I had a good aftermarket cooler in line with the towing package cooler. I looked into the issue with the intention to rebuild it better the second time and learned that there are a number of upgrades that are required to keep the transmision alive. If you are going to go to the effort to install one I suggest you get a reputable shop to rebuild it first and make the upgrades so you won't be cursing it later.

BubbaGreen · 07-04-2003, 10:09 PM

I too agree with putting in a 700R4.
JUST make absolute sure you understand and
set up the TV cable properly....it makes or breaks an installation job and hence, the reliablility and performance of the 700 tranny.
The overdrive more than makes up for its difficulty in getting
set up.
If you purchase a rebuilt unit and/or having a unit rebuilt, just
make sure its done at a reputable shop.
There is alot of info out there to assist in getting/checking the
installation. Setting up the TV cable. What to look for, how to
check the pressures, etc. Use www.google.com and search
for 700R4.
Do your homework, understand some of the issues, and you will be well on your way to a happy user of a 700 tranny.

Slammed67 · 07-05-2003, 12:47 PM

Before you do anything, check out Bowtie Overdrives !

These guys know their stuff! You can't just use a "self-adjusting" TV cable on a 700R4. These have to be set up with a pressure gauge. They sell a TV system kit that will make your 700R4 perform like it's supposed to. When I first installed mine, I just threw on a Lokar TV cable and the thing wouldn't shift right and I was very unhappy with it. I ended up getting the Bowtie Overdrive kit and it was like night and day.

07-02-2003, 11:59 PM	#1
Cliff Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 291	700R4 install help Hey there everyone, I have a chance to buy a 700R4 that is bolted up to a 350 and am wondering what I'd have to modify to make it work in my 1972 C/10. The truck is currently a automatic with a Turbo 350. Thank you for the help in advance, I appreciate it greatly. Cliff __________________ 1972 Custom deluxe 305/350 C/10 8-foot bed with 1/4 inch diamond plate steel bed floor.

07-03-2003, 01:28 AM	#2
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	check this link... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=33266 __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project

07-03-2003, 09:46 AM	#3
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	my help would be, dont do it! things are more trouble than they are worth. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

07-03-2003, 10:32 AM	#4
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	The most you might have to do to the tranny is re-wire it internally (easy) and convert it from electrical to mechanical speedo (almost as easy). Beyond that, you need to move the tranny crossmember, shorten the driveline, and set up the TV cable and bracket, and the shift linkage. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

07-03-2003, 10:52 AM	#5
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	Everybody said fuel injection was trouble to and now look. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

07-03-2003, 02:12 PM	#6
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	If the tailshaft on your TH350 is 9", your driveshaft will be ok, that's what was in the Stude and all I had to do was move the crossmember, but to make it live long and healthy, HAVE A REPUTABLE SHOP SET IT UP or you will burn it up and be mad like some other guys are. I've got one in my 1 ton Longhorn and I pull a water trailer with 525 gallons of water (about 4200 lb payload) up hill with mine couple of times a week with no trouble. The amount they charge will be money well spent. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

07-03-2003, 04:26 PM	#7
Chevy4Life Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 749	I really don't understand why so many people here say it's more trouble than it's worth. I put a 700r4 in my 68' chevelle by myself when I was 16 years old. I got it out of an 87' IROC from a junkyard for $500. It worked PERFECT behind 400hp for years until I sold it. I will be putting one in my 67' SWB, and every other car I build. For me, not being able to cruise 90mph(@LOWrpms) on the highway is WAY more trouble than bolting in a trans, shortening the driveshaft, adjusting the tv cable and wiring up a toggle for 4th gear lock-up. (I don't recommend a toggle now, that's just what I used back then) I would guess that most of the people against this mod have never even tried it, but only heard a few horror stories about guys burning them up, usually from a improperly adjusted tv cable or not having it hooked up at all. A properly installed 700r4 will work just like it does from the factory. This mod is VERY easy to do and well worth it! Just my $.02

07-03-2003, 07:19 PM	#8
72chevyLWB Got 20's???? Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Aberdeen SD Posts: 1,451	They aren't that much trouble. I did mine after work for a few nights by myself in February in South Dakota in a snowmobile suit. NO Biggie at all. And I set up the TV cable myself and have over 6,000 miles on the tranny (Use it hard too) with no troubles at all. Best money spent for driveability and gas mileage rocks. __________________ 99 Silverado Ex-Cab 2wd, Bagged&WhippleCharged 02 Sierra Ex-Cab 4wd 2500 HD The 72 went down the road.

07-03-2003, 09:30 PM	#9
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Yep, I love my 700's too. Both of the ones that I have are behind big blocks and have been working flawlessly for a year now. One is in my 4x4 and one is in my 67 Camaro. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

07-04-2003, 12:55 AM	#10
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	Well,i because they are so dam touchy, there is no room for error unless you get a good one, built perfectly, and installed perfectly... they dont last. They are temperamental to get to shift properly, cant two, dont handle high horse power. far less durable than the th350... to me they are just a pain in the ass... granted, when they work, they are great. but i just dont trust them. all my dealings with them have been bad. __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

07-04-2003, 01:42 AM	#11
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	Where is LONGHORNMAIL on this one. We haven't had this discussion for awhile He is in the anti- 700 camp too. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

07-04-2003, 11:27 AM	#12
Chris_T Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Saskatoon, SK Posts: 44	I have to say I love my 700 as well and I swapped it into a 4wd with a 205 with no problem. Makes highway driving fun again, but I wish I had even lower gears, that OD really works!

07-04-2003, 11:41 AM	#13
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I'm looking in to a later model rear with 3:42 gears. A friend at a differential shop says to get a 73 up 8 lug rear and they will relocate the leaf spring mounts for me. __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

07-04-2003, 12:18 PM	#14
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	I gve up on the 700. I give a short opinion, and walk away. Not worth gettin all razzeled up.

07-04-2003, 12:28 PM	#15
Dean23 68cst_ss490 Join Date: May 2001 Location: edmonton,canada Posts: 1,363	700's r good. tHE biggest problem is the people installing them, they dont adjust the tv cable properly. the tv cable sets shift points and trans pressures. that is the reason they fail improper adjustment of the tv cable. __________________ Dean edmonton,canada a winter wonderland 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche LT cold air intake, performance exhaust, Comp cams cam, jba shorty ceramic headers. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3090973



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07-04-2003, 02:02 PM	#16
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	There are also a ton of different springs that can be used to adjust shifting points as well... i never did get the right combo. As far as cv cables, the self adjusting ratchet type work the best... still, a pain in the ass. i would say the 2nd, almost 1st, reason they fail, is they are hard to build correctly. the average trany shop cant do it right. its almost like you need a specialist for the dam things. to me, if you want to cruise on the highway, get a gear vender. or put in a 5 or 6 speed trany. next time i do a conversion, it will be a 6 speed.. i wont waste my time and money on the temperamental pos 700r4. as far as cv cables, the self ajusting ratchet type work the best... still, a pain in the ass. i would say the 2nd, almost 1st, reason they fail, is they are hard to build correctly. the average trany shop cant do it right. its almost like you need a specailest for the dam things __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

07-04-2003, 03:28 PM	#17
67chevemall Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: NB Posts: 3,367	Leave em in the new toys, Get a clutch and a Muncie! Then your done 4 Life!!!!

07-04-2003, 04:35 PM	#18
72chevyLWB Got 20's???? Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Aberdeen SD Posts: 1,451	The guy that built my 700 is building one exactly the same to put behind his Blown Hemi. NO LIE. And he has one is his customized 49 Studebaker with over 10,000 trouble free miles. Hmmmmm __________________ 99 Silverado Ex-Cab 2wd, Bagged&WhippleCharged 02 Sierra Ex-Cab 4wd 2500 HD The 72 went down the road.

07-04-2003, 04:54 PM	#19
oldsub86 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 695	Some of the earlier 700R4 transmissions were troublesome. I had one in my 86 Suburban that caused a lot of trouble. The engine (350) was fine when I sold it at 183,000 miles but the transmission had been rebuilt once and needed to be done again. I don't think that I was hard on it. No major towing and I had a good aftermarket cooler in line with the towing package cooler. I looked into the issue with the intention to rebuild it better the second time and learned that there are a number of upgrades that are required to keep the transmision alive. If you are going to go to the effort to install one I suggest you get a reputable shop to rebuild it first and make the upgrades so you won't be cursing it later. __________________ 1968 Chevy - 292 with a powerglide

07-04-2003, 10:09 PM	#20
BubbaGreen Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Cedar Park, TX Posts: 686	I too agree with putting in a 700R4. JUST make absolute sure you understand and set up the TV cable properly....it makes or breaks an installation job and hence, the reliablility and performance of the 700 tranny. The overdrive more than makes up for its difficulty in getting set up. If you purchase a rebuilt unit and/or having a unit rebuilt, just make sure its done at a reputable shop. There is alot of info out there to assist in getting/checking the installation. Setting up the TV cable. What to look for, how to check the pressures, etc. Use www.google.com and search for 700R4. Do your homework, understand some of the issues, and you will be well on your way to a happy user of a 700 tranny. __________________ 71 Chevy C-10 SWB Fleetside RamJet-350/4L60e & Compushift/3.73Posi See it at www.prismnet.com/~grzanich

07-05-2003, 12:47 PM	#21
Slammed67 Progress = 0% Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 2,108	Before you do anything, check out Bowtie Overdrives ! These guys know their stuff! You can't just use a "self-adjusting" TV cable on a 700R4. These have to be set up with a pressure gauge. They sell a TV system kit that will make your 700R4 perform like it's supposed to. When I first installed mine, I just threw on a Lokar TV cable and the thing wouldn't shift right and I was very unhappy with it. I ended up getting the Bowtie Overdrive kit and it was like night and day. __________________ Jason - '67 GMC swb \| '57 Bel-Air 4dr hardtop \| '56 210 4dr Wagon \| 2000 GMC Sierra

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