700R4 - Van vs. Truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bluec10 · 12-29-2004, 10:28 PM

My local wrecker has a 700r4 from a mid 80's van. Worth looking at? Are there differences between truck and van transmissions?

68gmcdually · 12-29-2004, 11:13 PM

The only obvious difference I know of is the length of the dipstick and housing which is easily fixed.

Tx Firefighter · 12-29-2004, 11:23 PM

The vans used the cable driven speedometer much later than pickups did. Trucks went to the electronic VSS in the late 80's, which makes retrofit into these older trucks much more difficult.

The cable ones are direct swap as the original old truck speedometer cable will screw right onto the 700R4.

The best 700R4's are from 87 and newer. GM updated internals to better quality in the later years.

bagged91 · 12-29-2004, 11:44 PM

TxFF beat me to it but here it is in a little more detail...

I had the "unfortunate" pleasure of learning about the 700R4/4L60 transmissions recently with my 92 Caprice so I will give you some pointers...

1)First off, Stay with the 87 & up trans. They are stronger. The early ones(especially 83 or so were grenades). Also, there is a 4L60E. You don't want that trans, it is full electronic/computer controlled.

2)There are 3 basic types of VSS (vehicle speed sensors) on the 700R4/4L60 tranny. We will call the first one "Type A".

Type A)
This is a FULL ELECTRONIC VSS. It has a reluctor ring on the mainshaft in the tailshaft housing with an electronic sensor on the VSS.

Type B)
This is a HYBRID VSS. It has a changable gear on the mainshaft in the tailshaft and a changable gear on the VSS. The VSS will convert the revolutions into a pulse rate which will then be sent to your speedometer.

Type C)
This is a GEAR DRIVEN/CABLE OUTPUT VSS. This trans has a VSS that instead of sending an electronic pulse directly from the tailshaft, it sends it to the rear of the speedometer into a VSS BUFFER via a speedometer cable.

Choosing your tranny will boil down to what kind of speedometer are you running in your truck. If you are running the stock cabledriven speedometer then either Type B or C will work but you will need the VSS from a Type C trans.

If you are using an aftermarket electronic or digital speedo, then the Type A, B or C will work along with using a Dakota Digital SGI-5b signal converter box. You will need the VSS from a Type B trans to use the Type C though.

Some vehicles to look for:
Type A trans are 88-93 C/K series pickups.
Type B trans are 87-93 Astro vans, 87 only fullsize Pickups, 87-93 Vans, 91-3 Caprice,Roadmaster,Fleetwood.
Type C trans are 87-92 F bodies and Corvettes.

There are a few different ways to hookup the lockup converter. Some places offer a plugnplay harness, otherwise you can splice & tap with a toggle switch.

One last piece of advise. The biggest enemy to the 700R4/4L60 is HEAT. Buy a nice transmission cooler. You can also supplement it with a finned pan.

Good Luck!
Joe

*Gee_Emm* · 12-29-2004, 11:50 PM

Another option is a 200-4r, you won't have to change driveshafts and you will have overdrive.

68w/sbc406 · 12-29-2004, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bagged91

Type C trans are 87-92 F bodies and Corvettes.

Good Luck!
Joe

are F bodys cameros

Tx Firefighter · 12-29-2004, 11:57 PM

Camaros and Firebirds

68w/sbc406 · 12-30-2004, 12:01 AM

thats what i thought

ABHaulR · 12-30-2004, 12:21 AM

I have a 2004r in my sub. its worked great for me. the only thing is if your
running 4wd it wont hook up the adapter for the transfer case. the tail cone
is not removable. Dwayne

busterwivell · 12-30-2004, 07:52 AM

The 700 in my truck is from a 90 Camaro. I had the tranny shop build it specifically for towing. They put some later model stuff (L65E, I think) in it. I've had it in for over 2 years now, pull a 5500 lb trailer load uphill several times a week, and I've never had a problem with it. I thought I shouldn't pull that load in overdrive, but when I said that to them, they said "Why not? It knows when to downshift" So far, they are right.

Martin64 · 12-30-2004, 08:02 AM

What should a person expect to pay for a used 700R4, "Type C" (as explained in bagged 91's post)? I know it's going to vary by location and source, but what is a fair hi and low price?

busterwivell · 12-30-2004, 08:09 AM

I gave 100 for mine, as a core, and had it built.

1978steven · 12-30-2004, 09:04 AM

What did it cost to have it redone?

Quote:

Originally Posted by busterwivell

I gave 100 for mine, as a core, and had it built.

busterwivell · 12-30-2004, 09:12 AM

My truck was a 4 speed. I got a column from Meathead 95 and took it and the trans to the tranny shop. They rebuilt it, installed it, installed the column, made a crossmember, and shortened the driveshaft. I think I paid them 1500.00 for everything........or maybe that was including the parts, I don't remember for sure.

bluec10 · 12-30-2004, 07:45 PM

I don't want to end the conversation, but thanks for all your input. I didn't know anything about the different speedo types so this is very useful info. The guy at the wrecker's was really discouraged the 700r4 calling it "smaller" and "lighter" than the th350. It struck me as odd since so many guys are going with the 700.

On a related note, when people have the 700 "built" what kinds of things are done to them? Are there kits?

Super Duck · 12-30-2004, 09:53 PM

find your local trans parts supplyer. like Trans Star they have nice kits that are what the pros use. the big thing on the internals is a set of quality clutches and steels, a good pump with upgraded springs, a good torque converter, and the updated sprag. the other thing is the corvette servos

12-29-2004, 10:28 PM	#1
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	700R4 - Van vs. Truck My local wrecker has a 700r4 from a mid 80's van. Worth looking at? Are there differences between truck and van transmissions? __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

12-29-2004, 11:13 PM	#2
68gmcdually Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fenelon Falls, ON Canada Posts: 1,455	The only obvious difference I know of is the length of the dipstick and housing which is easily fixed. __________________ James Bellwood 1968 930 Extend-A-Cab Dually 5.7l, 5 speed,

12-29-2004, 11:23 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	The vans used the cable driven speedometer much later than pickups did. Trucks went to the electronic VSS in the late 80's, which makes retrofit into these older trucks much more difficult. The cable ones are direct swap as the original old truck speedometer cable will screw right onto the 700R4. The best 700R4's are from 87 and newer. GM updated internals to better quality in the later years. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-29-2004, 11:44 PM	#4
bagged91 Out draggin' Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Pitman,NJ Posts: 1,574	TxFF beat me to it but here it is in a little more detail... I had the "unfortunate" pleasure of learning about the 700R4/4L60 transmissions recently with my 92 Caprice so I will give you some pointers... 1)First off, Stay with the 87 & up trans. They are stronger. The early ones(especially 83 or so were grenades). Also, there is a 4L60E. You don't want that trans, it is full electronic/computer controlled. 2)There are 3 basic types of VSS (vehicle speed sensors) on the 700R4/4L60 tranny. We will call the first one "Type A". Type A) This is a FULL ELECTRONIC VSS. It has a reluctor ring on the mainshaft in the tailshaft housing with an electronic sensor on the VSS. Type B) This is a HYBRID VSS. It has a changable gear on the mainshaft in the tailshaft and a changable gear on the VSS. The VSS will convert the revolutions into a pulse rate which will then be sent to your speedometer. Type C) This is a GEAR DRIVEN/CABLE OUTPUT VSS. This trans has a VSS that instead of sending an electronic pulse directly from the tailshaft, it sends it to the rear of the speedometer into a VSS BUFFER via a speedometer cable. Choosing your tranny will boil down to what kind of speedometer are you running in your truck. If you are running the stock cabledriven speedometer then either Type B or C will work but you will need the VSS from a Type C trans. If you are using an aftermarket electronic or digital speedo, then the Type A, B or C will work along with using a Dakota Digital SGI-5b signal converter box. You will need the VSS from a Type B trans to use the Type C though. Some vehicles to look for: Type A trans are 88-93 C/K series pickups. Type B trans are 87-93 Astro vans, 87 only fullsize Pickups, 87-93 Vans, 91-3 Caprice,Roadmaster,Fleetwood. Type C trans are 87-92 F bodies and Corvettes. There are a few different ways to hookup the lockup converter. Some places offer a plugnplay harness, otherwise you can splice & tap with a toggle switch. One last piece of advise. The biggest enemy to the 700R4/4L60 is HEAT. Buy a nice transmission cooler. You can also supplement it with a finned pan. Good Luck! Joe __________________ 91 GMC Xcab LB-Bags/bd/caddy clip SOLD 72 C10 Cheyenne Super LWB SOLD 92 GMC K1500 Burb 72 C10 Burb (ex. Cheesewagon)SOLD 72 C20 Burb parts truck 71 C10 Burb "project" Last edited by bagged91; 12-29-2004 at 11:51 PM.

12-29-2004, 11:57 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Camaros and Firebirds __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-29-2004, 11:50 PM	#5
Gee_Emm Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2000 Posts: 4,002	Another option is a 200-4r, you won't have to change driveshafts and you will have overdrive.

12-30-2004, 12:01 AM	#8
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	thats what i thought __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

12-30-2004, 12:21 AM	#9
ABHaulR Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: West Valley City, Ut Posts: 311	trans I have a 2004r in my sub. its worked great for me. the only thing is if your running 4wd it wont hook up the adapter for the transfer case. the tail cone is not removable. Dwayne __________________ 72' GMC Suburban 10 1/2" of Lift, 40" Tires! Waiting for restoration 67' Chevy, What to do??? And Bad Ass American Bulldogs!

12-30-2004, 07:52 AM	#10
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	The 700 in my truck is from a 90 Camaro. I had the tranny shop build it specifically for towing. They put some later model stuff (L65E, I think) in it. I've had it in for over 2 years now, pull a 5500 lb trailer load uphill several times a week, and I've never had a problem with it. I thought I shouldn't pull that load in overdrive, but when I said that to them, they said "Why not? It knows when to downshift" So far, they are right. __________________ 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

12-30-2004, 08:02 AM	#11
Martin64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Yuma, Az Posts: 477	What should a person expect to pay for a used 700R4, "Type C" (as explained in bagged 91's post)? I know it's going to vary by location and source, but what is a fair hi and low price? __________________ Martin Gibson USAF Retired 1964(-ish) C10

12-30-2004, 08:09 AM	#12
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I gave 100 for mine, as a core, and had it built. __________________ 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

12-30-2004, 09:12 AM	#14
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	My truck was a 4 speed. I got a column from Meathead 95 and took it and the trans to the tranny shop. They rebuilt it, installed it, installed the column, made a crossmember, and shortened the driveshaft. I think I paid them 1500.00 for everything........or maybe that was including the parts, I don't remember for sure. __________________ 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

12-30-2004, 07:45 PM	#15
bluec10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Manitoba, Canada Posts: 663	I don't want to end the conversation, but thanks for all your input. I didn't know anything about the different speedo types so this is very useful info. The guy at the wrecker's was really discouraged the 700r4 calling it "smaller" and "lighter" than the th350. It struck me as odd since so many guys are going with the 700. On a related note, when people have the 700 "built" what kinds of things are done to them? Are there kits? __________________ Present: 2015 Tacoma. Yeah, not a GM, but I love it. 1969 GMC 32,000 - fix, drive, relax, fix... 2019 BMW R1250 GSA - Yahoooooooo 1979 Honda GL 1000 - retro touring at its best. Past: '05 Sierra 4x4 - Had 270,000 KM and running well when it was written-off by a stop sign runner. '94 F-150 from the "F word" company. I'll admit it...good truck. Sold what was left of it for $800 to a guy who came to pick it up at 11:00 PM with cash in hand. Hmm. '79 Sierra Grande (Black) organ donor - perfect rebuildable 4-bolt 350 and a good TH350. '76 Sierra Grande (Orange) - hate isn't too strong a word. Kid who bought it turned it into a hot rod. '68 C-10 R.I.P. - Dad's old truck...too far gone to resurrect. '59 C-50 - with hoist. Truck is gone, wife isn't. Nuff said.

12-30-2004, 09:53 PM	#16
Super Duck Chevy Nuttttt Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Santa Maria Ca. Posts: 568	find your local trans parts supplyer. like Trans Star they have nice kits that are what the pros use. the big thing on the internals is a set of quality clutches and steels, a good pump with upgraded springs, a good torque converter, and the updated sprag. the other thing is the corvette servos __________________ 67' Chev swb step side 69' SS elky 03' Chev ext cab 4X4 hey who lernt me to spell is there anything else?

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