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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#2 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: 700r4 install
if you are actually topping out at that low of a speed, your truck has other issues needing addressed first.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Kaufman TX
Posts: 160
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Re: 700r4 install
Why not just change out the rearend gears to 308's and save about $2000.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: chattanooga tn.
Posts: 27
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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.
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: chattanooga tn.
Posts: 27
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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.
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#8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Valley Center KS
Posts: 3,525
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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+ |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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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!
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas
Posts: 992
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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??
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05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd |
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#11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Terrell, TX
Posts: 1,967
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Re: 700r4 install
The right builder will be able to set the tranny up for towing easily.
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Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps. |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas
Posts: 992
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Re: 700r4 install
Who do you use in Terrell?
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05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd |
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#13 |
To The Levy
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: california
Posts: 391
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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 |
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#14 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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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.)
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Kaufman TX
Posts: 160
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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.
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#18 | |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: 700r4 install
Quote:
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.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 11-17-2007 at 09:35 PM. |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Redway, Ca
Posts: 97
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Re: 700r4 install
Quote:
Do they make special coolers for that application? I don't think an ordinary tranny cooler would suffice. Albie |
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#20 |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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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!
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#21 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Ben Wheeler,Texas
Posts: 992
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Re: 700r4 install
Quote:
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. ![]()
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05 2500HD 6.0 excab 69 LWB-Gone but not forgotten! 68 Dodge Charger 383/727 69 Dodge Charger-440/4spd |
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#22 |
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Delran, NJ
Posts: 458
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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? |
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#23 | |
Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: 700r4 install
Quote:
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72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Fort Hood, TX
Posts: 7
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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 |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 210
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Re: 700r4 install
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72 C2500 LWB 402 Sierra Grande 05 Odyssey 08 Tundra |
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