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

olblue81 · 07-16-2009, 11:49 AM

Background - I've had my 700r4 for several years now. Don't know a pile of details on the swap since a shop did the build and install for me. I do know they used the same crossmember and driveshaft and since my 81 had a lockup converter from the factory it was an easy swap parts wise.

One thing that has bugged me since is the fact that I can't force the trans into 1st gear. I pull the column shifter all the way down and it goes to second. So when you get on it hard, the tranny shifts 1st gear 1000 rpm early or so, then I can manually shift 2nd on up.

I was reading this link http://www.hotrodlane.cc/77chevytruck/77chevy.htm on installing a LS1/4L60 into a 77 and they mention not being able to pull the trans into low. I've been told I can adjust the linkage so that it is possible to manually shift all the gears. Wondering if anyone knows if this is correct. I'm thinking if it was, S&P would have figured this out and adjusted it.

Or are there separate linkages for factory OD trucks?

Also, is there a repair kit to fix the shift indicator? That little cable sawed through the plastic years ago.

**N2TRUX** · 07-16-2009, 10:13 PM

Anyone?

**LEEVON** · 07-17-2009, 12:04 AM

I have this problem in my '87 with a 700R4 swap. I can get it into 1st but it's a chore and then it throws the little indicator off. I used the stock linkage and haven't experimented with any others BUT I'm going to try this adjustable one in my '71 swap soon:

http://ruttersparts.com/i-158749-kug...nkage-kit.html

The price is right and it eliminates the crappy loose and binding frame pivot/attachment and it's completely adjustable.

olblue81 · 07-17-2009, 08:55 AM

One thing I've never been sure of is whether the issue is in the linkage or in the column. I wouldn't think that there would be a difference in columns between non-OD trucks and OD trucks from the factory, but it has crossed my mind.

**LEEVON** · 07-17-2009, 09:28 AM

nah, once you unhook the linkage there is free travel in either direction and I don't believe the columns are any different. The only constraint is the indicator becuase of that funny wire/clip/spring arrangement. The overdrive linkage is different, that's where the problem is...

I just remembered I removed my pivot bracket from the frame and moved it up one position, there were already holes. It helped, maybe you could try that or find a junkyard o/d linkage?

Jonboy · 07-17-2009, 10:12 AM

There is a bolt that determines the length of the linkage. Where the pin attaches to the column on the linkage, there is a bolt there that acts as a set screw. You can lengthen the linkage there.

glock35ipsc · 07-17-2009, 10:35 AM

You can swap out the indicator from an 87 with a OD indicator. That is what is in my 85, although the TH350C is still installed. Swap that out and adjust or change out the linkage rod and you should be fine.

07-16-2009, 11:49 AM	#1
olblue81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 189	700R4 swap Background - I've had my 700r4 for several years now. Don't know a pile of details on the swap since a shop did the build and install for me. I do know they used the same crossmember and driveshaft and since my 81 had a lockup converter from the factory it was an easy swap parts wise. One thing that has bugged me since is the fact that I can't force the trans into 1st gear. I pull the column shifter all the way down and it goes to second. So when you get on it hard, the tranny shifts 1st gear 1000 rpm early or so, then I can manually shift 2nd on up. I was reading this link http://www.hotrodlane.cc/77chevytruck/77chevy.htm on installing a LS1/4L60 into a 77 and they mention not being able to pull the trans into low. I've been told I can adjust the linkage so that it is possible to manually shift all the gears. Wondering if anyone knows if this is correct. I'm thinking if it was, S&P would have figured this out and adjusted it. Or are there separate linkages for factory OD trucks? Also, is there a repair kit to fix the shift indicator? That little cable sawed through the plastic years ago. __________________ Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.

07-16-2009, 10:13 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: 700R4 swap Anyone? __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

07-17-2009, 12:04 AM	#3
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 700R4 swap I have this problem in my '87 with a 700R4 swap. I can get it into 1st but it's a chore and then it throws the little indicator off. I used the stock linkage and haven't experimented with any others BUT I'm going to try this adjustable one in my '71 swap soon: http://ruttersparts.com/i-158749-kug...nkage-kit.html The price is right and it eliminates the crappy loose and binding frame pivot/attachment and it's completely adjustable. __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 07-17-2009 at 12:05 AM.

07-17-2009, 08:55 AM	#4
olblue81 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Saskatchewan Posts: 189	Re: 700R4 swap One thing I've never been sure of is whether the issue is in the linkage or in the column. I wouldn't think that there would be a difference in columns between non-OD trucks and OD trucks from the factory, but it has crossed my mind. __________________ Stu- 1981 GMC Sierra Classic LWB 355- original 2 bolt block, 10.2:1, vortec heads, Comp XE268 cam, built by self in 1992 700R4-2000 stall with lockup, shift kit, Corvette servo 3.07 open diff- I need a 3.73 posi! 2nd owner since 1986 - 388,000 km and counting. 100k by the first owner and the rest by me.

07-17-2009, 09:28 AM	#5
LEEVON Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 4,888	Re: 700R4 swap nah, once you unhook the linkage there is free travel in either direction and I don't believe the columns are any different. The only constraint is the indicator becuase of that funny wire/clip/spring arrangement. The overdrive linkage is different, that's where the problem is... I just remembered I removed my pivot bracket from the frame and moved it up one position, there were already holes. It helped, maybe you could try that or find a junkyard o/d linkage? __________________ '20 Silverado Trail Boss ~ '17 Tahoe ~ '79 K15 Sierra Grande ~ '76 Blazer 2wd ~ '71 Cheyenne swb ~ '55 Pontiac Safari ~'50 3100 bagged ~ '80 Wife ~ Late model kids Last edited by LEEVON; 07-17-2009 at 09:28 AM.

07-17-2009, 10:12 AM	#6
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: 700R4 swap There is a bolt that determines the length of the linkage. Where the pin attaches to the column on the linkage, there is a bolt there that acts as a set screw. You can lengthen the linkage there.

07-17-2009, 10:35 AM	#7
glock35ipsc Next project: 1970 K10 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fort Collins, Colo 80524 Posts: 6,685	Re: 700R4 swap You can swap out the indicator from an 87 with a OD indicator. That is what is in my 85, although the TH350C is still installed. Swap that out and adjust or change out the linkage rod and you should be fine. __________________ *Bob* 1970 Chevy K10 LWB "Goldie" 350/TH350 *next project!!* 1981 Chevy C10 LWB 355/TH350 - My son's truck LS SWAP FORUM! Tons of LS swap info here! PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE GREATEST BOARD ON THE NET! CLICK HERE FOR THE FAQ INDEX by KRUE



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