T350 Trans Questions

[BurgerMan]

Hey guys, I know there are some differences in the turbo 350 trans when talking about 2WD and 4WD. I have a great working T350 in my 4x4 K20 and was wondering if I can use that in my 59 for 2WD. Im finding a lot of information about 2WD to 4WD, but not the other way around.

What would I have to do to make this work?
If it won't work without major modification, what should i look for when searching for a replacement T350?

[mr48chev]

You would have to swap the output shafts and install a matching extension housing.

Meaning you have to pull all of the pieces out of the trans, swap the back piece and put it all back together. It's a good idea to get a gasket and seal package when you do it and replace the gaskets and seals you disturbed. It isn't a hard job but you have to pay attention to what you are dong and get everything back in the right place.

[BurgerMan]

Is the 350 easier to take apart/rebuild than the 400? Took one of those apart in an attempt to rebuild, and it was a mess.

[Speedbumpauto]

They're about the same. If anything, the 350 is more annoying because you have to fit the same amount of stuff in a shorter case. Where I live, the 4x4 trans with the T-case adapter is a LOT more valuable that a standard 350. The cores go for $50-$75 here. Seems you might horse trade that 4x4 setup for a built car 350 if you find the right trans guy. Just thinking.....

[BurgerMan]

I have a feeler on CL now for my k20 with or without engine. Ill change it up to include the 350 trans Trade. We will see what kind of hits I get. That sounds like a great idea.

What sorts of things should I look for that are a dead giveaway that it is a 2WD?

Found this on another thread "The 4x4 transmission has a shorter output shaft and no "tail housing". It bolts directly to the transfercase adapter." No pictures of anything however, and I haven't taken mine off the transfer case to get a baseline.

[Speedbumpauto]

You're dead on. The standard 350 will have a tail shaft housing around 6-8" long that has the four bolt holes in the big end to attach to the trans case and narrow down to a round hole about 2" in diameter usually with a seal in the end for a driveshaft yoke. I'd think anyone selling one would absolutely know if it was the 4x4 one because of the difference in price. There are a couple of long tailshaft units out there but it shouldn't matter since you're doing some fab work anyway and make sure it's a chevy bolt pattern and not a BOP(buick,olds, pontiac) because the bolt pattern is slightly different.

[vht]

Older model 350 turbo, I'd rebuild it before I put it in. They're not that expensive to rebuild.

[Speedbumpauto]

Just a thought. You're going to be doing a fair amount of work to convert to the auto trans. Considering money and time spent, you might consider looking for a 700R4 overdrive trans. To me, it makes a crazy good swap for all around and you're doing a lot of work anyway. JMO.

[BurgerMan]

I'm not totally deadset on the transmission. Part of me still wants to use the old 3 on the tree, but I like the idea of just cruising around without worry.

Originally Posted by Speedbumpauto

Just a thought. You're going to be doing a fair amount of work to convert to the auto trans. Considering money and time spent, you might consider looking for a 700R4 overdrive trans. To me, it makes a crazy good swap for all around and you're doing a lot of work anyway. JMO.

Well with that being said, were all the 700R4's only for 2WD? Or would I have the same issues with the output shafts. What do you guys think of these links, price, and what should I look for or ask about?

http://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/cto/4239520400.html
http://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/pts/4155502697.html

Adam

[Speedbumpauto]

The 200R4 core could be great. They're slightly better than the 700. They're both a little pricier to rebuild than a 350 and you'll need the specific converter. I've never had any luck with used automatics so whatever I would put in would be rebuilt. All of the ones on the list were 2WD. The overdrive makes for great cruising and the lower first gear wakes up the small block from a stoplight too......just in case there's some devil left in you.

[_Ogre]

i'd sell the 4x4 and pick up a 700r4 plus change.
you'll need to modify the motor mounts, cut out the trans x-member, new trans x-member and modify the drive shaft with either one
well maybe not the ds on the 350

[BurgerMan]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

i'd sell the 4x4 and pick up a 700r4 plus change.
you'll need to modify the motor mounts, cut out the trans x-member, new trans x-member and modify the drive shaft with either one
well maybe not the ds on the 350

Just got done talking about that in another thread. Someone just emailed me about a trade for my k20 without the motor for an air compressor, air tools and a 2WD 700R4. We would be pulling it out of his truck so i could see it working as well. We will see what happens!

[OrrieG]

Here is a photo of a 4wd next to 2wd. The 2wd come in two tail shaft lengths, most I have seen are in the 6" range. I am to tired to look up the other length. Might also be output spline differences to consider.