Overdrive options
 

I would really like to ditch the th400 in my crew cab for a 4 speed auto. I've heard mixed reviews about using a 700r4 because of the weight of the truck, 4l80 is more than I would like to spend, I do know where there is an almost new gear vendors for $1000...

The reason for wanting to swap is mileage and just make the truck a little more driveable at highway speeds. This truck will be mainly a DD maybe pull a trailer once or twice a year but nothing too heavy. Any suggestions?

Re: Overdrive options
 

Well, I'm no expert, but I think a TH400 with an overdrive is like having a 4l80 with zero electronics. I'd love to put one in both my trucks but not sure if the mileage gain would be worth the cost? Then you get the added benefit of being able to split all your gears.

Re: Overdrive options
 

Yeah, I dont think the fuel savings would equal out for a LONG time but it would be a lot easier to drive with that extra gear.

Re: Overdrive options
 

I found a lightly used 4L80E for $500, and looked into the Baumann controller for it. If you were to switch to a 90-91 Cluster, it could be done for about $1100. I agree about the extra gear; I was always waiting for the trans to shift again in my dually.

Re: Overdrive options
 

200r4's are supposed to be stronger than a 700, and can be built to handle more too. Not sure how well they would work in a big truck like yours, but if I keep my 77, I am putting one behind the 292 when I get it built.

Re: Overdrive options
 

thats what I've got...haven't run it yet tho

Re: Overdrive options
 

I figured I'd be able to find a cheap used 4l80 but buying used tranny's always scares me. $1100 isnt too bad of a price though. I havent done much research yet, is the Baumann control the best way to go?

Re: Overdrive options
 

Not sure about the best, but it was the easiest (and close to cheapest) way I found. I have a friend that put a 4R70W in his Lincoln Mark VII, and used the Baumann stuff. He swears by it. Looking at their site, it won't take a lot to program it- their software is even compatible with Windows 98- so I figured even I could figure it out. I had a similar post in the engine and drivetrain section a couple of months ago, and it was discussed that swapping the engine wiring harness out of a 94-95 truck and using the PROM from a 91-94 454SS truck will work, but sounds like it will be a lot more work to do. I had found a 4L80E out of a '99 454 truck with mileage in the 60's from a yard I use all the time, so that didn't scare me so much. You might talk to 68 TT about the newer wiring harness swapout. It might be easier than it sounds, but I just didn't want to go that route.

Re: Overdrive options
 

any other opinions? the guys at bowtie overdrives are telling me I wont have any issues with a mildly built 700r?

Re: Overdrive options
 

I got a 700r4 in my burb. It is built for 500 hp. On friday i will be hooking it to my new engine that is going to that over 450 maybe as high as 480. My burb is prob close to the weight of your crew cab. I dont have any douts about my trans......now the transfercase is a nother story....

Re: Overdrive options
 

I hope to be testing my 500+hp built 200-4R soon! I just wish I knew when soon was going to be! :lol:

Re: Overdrive options
 

A well built 700R4 will handle the dually empty. You will have to tow in 3rd. If you need OD towing, a NV4500 is the best option.

Re: Overdrive options
 

I have a buddy that has a fairly stout 700r that I can pick up pretty cheap, I think I may go that route now so I can make this thing a little better to drive on the highway and bump mpg.

I'll start buying parts slowly for the 4l80 swap later, might as well set this truck up to tow since it IS a 1 ton :lol:

Re: Overdrive options
 

Gearvendors are pricey, but if you're lucky, you may be able to find a good deal on a used one. I have a GV unit in my '62 behind a th350. I love it because I still get the crisp shifts of a th350 and still have OD without dealing with TV cable issues or computer stuff.