700r4 install
 

Guys,
Got a 67 C10 with 3-speed manual, 250, and 4.11 rear end. It is downsizing time for the fleet and if my truck is to make the cut, I must make it a daily driver. I currently peak at 45-50 mph. I'm thinking the 700r4 may save the day. The local transmisson shop is quoting $2500-2700. This is including cross member, TV bracket fabrication work, junkyard steering column, etc.. Is this the best solution? Price? Performance expectations with 250 and 4.11?
Thanks for the help,
Chris

Re: 700r4 install
 

if you are actually topping out at that low of a speed, your truck has other issues needing addressed first.

Re: 700r4 install
 

It's not really "topping out". I haven't seen what it will get to. 45-50 is just the normal max that I hit riding to work. The engine is running alot faster than it needs to be with the current 4.11 and I don't want to abuse it or listen to it either.
Chris

Re: 700r4 install
 

Why not just change out the rearend gears to 308's and save about $2000.

Re: 700r4 install
 

That was my original plan but am concerned about fixing my problem by gaining a good highway speed gear ratio but killing my low speed ratio. With the current unsynched transmission, I must be nearly stopped to access first gear. If i slow down at a light and then continue, I must ride the gas to get through the manuever in second gear with a 4.11. If I increase my gear ratio, I believe it will be much worse if not impossible. This is why I "think" I need either an overdrive transmission or a gear change along with a first gear synchronizer. Thoughts?
Chris

Re: 700r4 install
 

Just installed a 700r4 in my truck. I've heard the $2,000 mark is expected but I believe with patience and some friends you can save some money. I found a used tranny and swaped it when I had the engine out. Only had to unbolt and move the cross member back alittle. Then I used all TCI TV cable etc. A company called Bowler makes a really nice kit but it is costly. I had no experience with tranny work and I was able to do the swap with some help from a friend and my dad. The truck runs great. I have 3:73's and it runs about 2500 rpm at 80 mph. You could possibly keep your column and use a floor shifter to save some money also.

Re: 700r4 install
 

Oh yeah when I had my 250 six, turbo 350 and 3:73's she barely hit 70 mph down hill with a tail wind.

Re: 700r4 install
 

I probably spent close to $2k for my 700r4 when it was all said and done.

$250 for the tranny core
$1300 for a high performance rebuild
$200 drive shaft
some more for VSS (maybe that was for the TPI I went with at the same time...it's on the tranny though)
more for the TV cable.

then I ended up changing from 3.08 gears to 3.73...another $250+

Re: 700r4 install
 

Yikes....why don't you get one from our local boys....they build them for $750-900....you install it then drive it to them and they will set the TV cable for you.

My buddy bought one and the kit to install it for $850. The builder is in Terrell just west of town. I know that's a bit far from you but the money you will save could pay for a short vacation up here!

Re: 700r4 install
 

I want to do the same swap, I tow ALOT though. I would be afriad to put it in overdrive even pulling empty (16' utility trailer) Won't this be an issue to consider??

Re: 700r4 install
 

The right builder will be able to set the tranny up for towing easily.

Re: 700r4 install
 

Who do you use in Terrell?

Re: 700r4 install
 

check out this sight, bowtieoverdrives.com They build in several forms, from stock to race.
good sight with plenty of good tips, you can even purchase tv brackets , cables, cross members and transmissions shipped directly to your from door . they also have good tips and how to's, especially on there tv pressure setup procedure. good luck and I like the 4:10 gears in the rear of my truck, especially with the lower first gear in the 700R4. good lauches and not improvising higher speeds, I opted for a trans temp. gauge and a lock up in second and third if desired for ease on trans if towing at lower speeds.....good luck

Re: 700r4 install
 

3.08 gears.

If you're only hitting 45-50 mph on your way to work, an OD tranny won't do you any good.

But if you really want to go that route, a 700R4 with a 3.73 rear is a good combo.

For comparison I get 12.5-13 mpg consistently with a commute like yours and 16-17 mpg highway (I rarely drive more than 20% highway). I have a 350/700R4/3.73. Running around Greenville I almost never put the truck in OD (under 50mph.)

Re: 700r4 install
 

Sorry for the bad info. 45- 50 mph is where I keep it. It will make 60 but it sure requires that engine to spin so I tend not to. Also, the transmission shop is suggesting a cooler. I haven't seen that listed on others' lists of items when they installed the 700r4. Towing is rare for me, is this necessary? I know its good but is it necessary? Thanks for all the input.
Chris

Re: 700r4 install
 

Also, what did you guys do for a steering column? I've seen plenty of nice ones but way out of price range. I'm afraid most from the junkyard will have the ignition on the side.
Chris

Re: 700r4 install
 

The transmission shop west of Terrell Tx [Trans Pro] did the 700r in my truck. I have 411's and run 70 at 3000 much better then the turbo 350. You should be able to find a column on this site or ebay I would think for a 100 or less. Try a search unless you want a tilt column and they are much more. I thought if cost is a big factor then changing out the rear end would work for you. I spent around 1400 including shorting the drive shaft, TV cable and longer speedo cable.

Re: 700r4 install
 

Ahhhh, gotcha!

I have a cooler on mine. Lots of fellas here do too, just something you kinda forget about? They're cheap too, I think mine with the line and fittings was only around $60? Cheap way to help your tranny last longer.

I said to heck with the column shift and put in a Lokar floor shift.

Re: 700r4 install
 

You'll need a cooler because your current radiator doesnt have trans fittings. You could swap radiators but you will still have to run lines.

Do they make special coolers for that application? I don't think an ordinary tranny cooler would suffice.

Albie

Re: 700r4 install
 

Not trying to be a smart@ss or anything, but if you are worried about saving a few bucks at the pump, why are you going to spend $2,500 on a tranny in order to gain fuel mileage? I think it would take YEARS for the upgrade to pay for itself. However, if you want to make the swap just for the heck of it, I say GO FOR IT! :metal: I agree with alot of the others though, I would shop around a little while for a salvage yard/rebuild deal before I dropped that kind of cash for a "kit". Just my $0.02

Re: 700r4 install
 

Do the same folks own TransPro?? I had a 5 speed rebuilt there back in '97 and it took 5-6 trips back to them to get it right, when the warranty went out so did the tranny. :( I have since had friends that race have tranny's built there and no issues...was the 1400 you doing the install or them?

Re: 700r4 install
 

Depends how much you drive. Try this:

# years to recoup cost = (cost of swap) * (current mileage) / [(price of gas) * (miles driven per year) * (% increase in mileage with OD)].

Eg. I get 10mpg and gas is ~$3/gal here. I probably drive about 2000 miles a year. Assuming a 30% increase in mileage (which some companies claim), and a $1500 swap, it would take me 1500*10/(3*2000*0.3) = 8.3 yrs. Hmmm... that 3.08 rear end is sounding better... assume a 15% mileage increase and a $300 swap: 300*10/(3*2000*0.15) = 3 1/3 years. OK, who's got a spare 3.08 rear?

Re: 700r4 install
 

Thats what I was getting at...just too lazy to type it all out. :hm: Thanks.

Re: 700r4 install
 

Not sure how gas mileage became the topic. That was never the issue or I wouldn't be driving an old truck. It's about usability. I'd like to be able to operate on the highway. Again, I worry that a simple rear end change will affect my low speed performance, since I don't always have access to downshift to first, this will create a different problem for me. Anyway guys thanks for all the comments.
Chris

Re: 700r4 install