Converting to automatic - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

atcavage · 03-13-2006, 10:32 AM

So I am tired of my column shifter and want to convert it to an automatic. I don't want to turn it into a floor shifter either. Has anyone done this to a 3-on the tree? I gather I'll need a new column and transmission, but is this something that someone who is slightly more mechanically inclined that I am will be able to do? And would it be cost-prohibitive? I would really like a new paintjob with some body work, but things related to the truck actually moving seem more important. Thanks.

jsbgump · 03-13-2006, 10:51 AM

You will need a tranny/flywheel/auto crossmember/tranny cooler/tranny lines/auto column/vacum line for tranny. The swap is fairly easy. i did it years ago. Look in the faq section. i think there is a topic on this in there.

farside847 · 03-13-2006, 12:27 PM

I have thought about this also.. But have not done it. Yet.

Auto Trans
- 200-4r (33% OD) or 700r4 (30% OD)
- need tv cable, and lockout kit
- LOKAR linkage suggested, long version
- new auto column
Flaming River $300 FR20003
Ididit $$$$
Rebuilt Stock unit $400 from Brothers
Used One $50
- new auto crossmember from TH400 does fit. need new rubber mount
- Shorten/new driveshaft?
length of 2004r tranny is the same as 3sp
yoke? 350/400/700r4/2004r use 27 spline,I think the 3sp did too
- Replace flywheel, Auto flexplate, ringgear, starter
- transmission cooler and lines

Let us know if you do it and post pics!!!

davidh · 03-13-2006, 02:51 PM

I've even seen people get by using the 3speed column with the automatic.

72armyswbtruck · 03-13-2006, 07:19 PM

wow, talk about some money that can add up quick

project1971 · 03-13-2006, 08:43 PM

Farside you said the 200r4 is same length as the 3 speed how much differance is the 700r4? i am doing the same conversion when i do the tpi set up and was wondering the same questions.

farside847 · 03-13-2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project1971

Farside you said the 200r4 is same length as the 3 speed how much differance is the 700r4? i am doing the same conversion when i do the tpi set up and was wondering the same questions.

I think its like 3 inches off. You would need your driveshaft shortened... But any driveshaft place can do that.

atcavage · 03-13-2006, 09:38 PM

Wow, I am so paying someone to do this. I think that instead of buying a new car, I may just spend the money and get my truck into as perfect mechanical shape I can.

I think I'm gonna try and skip getting a new column if I can (tilt would be nice though) and save the cash. If I convert it, 75% of my problems would be gone. Of course the only question left is, do I add power steering too?

And then there is getting a new bumper, a new grille, fixing the window, the wipers, new lenses and chrome, a new antenna, a new seat, new dash cluster, a new paint job... The list just goes on and on.

I really love my truck.

project1971 · 03-13-2006, 11:02 PM

so can i use a 1 piece shaft from burb or late model and get cut to length? was a 2 piece shaft on a long bed

03-13-2006, 10:32 AM	#1
atcavage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 79	Converting to automatic So I am tired of my column shifter and want to convert it to an automatic. I don't want to turn it into a floor shifter either. Has anyone done this to a 3-on the tree? I gather I'll need a new column and transmission, but is this something that someone who is slightly more mechanically inclined that I am will be able to do? And would it be cost-prohibitive? I would really like a new paintjob with some body work, but things related to the truck actually moving seem more important. Thanks. __________________ 1972 1/2 ton Chevy C10 V-8 350, crate engine, with Flomaster dual exhaust. She's Old Blue the Truckinator (no relation to Arnold )

03-13-2006, 10:51 AM	#2
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: Converting to automatic You will need a tranny/flywheel/auto crossmember/tranny cooler/tranny lines/auto column/vacum line for tranny. The swap is fairly easy. i did it years ago. Look in the faq section. i think there is a topic on this in there. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

03-13-2006, 12:27 PM	#3
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	Re: Converting to automatic I have thought about this also.. But have not done it. Yet. Auto Trans - 200-4r (33% OD) or 700r4 (30% OD) - need tv cable, and lockout kit - LOKAR linkage suggested, long version - new auto column Flaming River $300 FR20003 Ididit $$$$ Rebuilt Stock unit $400 from Brothers Used One $50 - new auto crossmember from TH400 does fit. need new rubber mount - Shorten/new driveshaft? length of 2004r tranny is the same as 3sp yoke? 350/400/700r4/2004r use 27 spline,I think the 3sp did too - Replace flywheel, Auto flexplate, ringgear, starter - transmission cooler and lines Let us know if you do it and post pics!!! __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

03-13-2006, 02:51 PM	#4
davidh Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Ponca city now kingfisher Oklahoma Posts: 1,221	Re: Converting to automatic I've even seen people get by using the 3speed column with the automatic.

03-13-2006, 07:19 PM	#5
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Converting to automatic wow, talk about some money that can add up quick __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

03-13-2006, 08:43 PM	#6
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	Re: Converting to automatic Farside you said the 200r4 is same length as the 3 speed how much differance is the 700r4? i am doing the same conversion when i do the tpi set up and was wondering the same questions. __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)

03-13-2006, 09:38 PM	#8
atcavage Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Camarillo, Ca Posts: 79	Re: Converting to automatic Wow, I am so paying someone to do this. I think that instead of buying a new car, I may just spend the money and get my truck into as perfect mechanical shape I can. I think I'm gonna try and skip getting a new column if I can (tilt would be nice though) and save the cash. If I convert it, 75% of my problems would be gone. Of course the only question left is, do I add power steering too? And then there is getting a new bumper, a new grille, fixing the window, the wipers, new lenses and chrome, a new antenna, a new seat, new dash cluster, a new paint job... The list just goes on and on. I really love my truck. __________________ 1972 1/2 ton Chevy C10 V-8 350, crate engine, with Flomaster dual exhaust. She's Old Blue the Truckinator (no relation to Arnold )

03-13-2006, 11:02 PM	#9
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	Re: Converting to automatic so can i use a 1 piece shaft from burb or late model and get cut to length? was a 2 piece shaft on a long bed __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)



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