new transmission question

[jdw]

Hey guys. Recently lost my garage and before I pull the trigger on renting a new space, I'm slowly acquiring a bunch of stuff. Currently I have a short box 1972 c10 with a zz4 355hp/405 lbs torgue mated to a th350c with a 3.08 rear end. Eventually, I'd like to bring the rear up to 3.73, but that's something else. The trans has to go, it's pretty tired and not worth it for me to rebuild. I've been looking at bowtie overdrives and want your opinion on which transmission you'd put in (keeping it under $1,800) and why. I've seen a lot of threads on this, just looking for an across the board recommendation. I like the ease of the 2004r, but how do the handle for light towing and payload? I'm willing to look at both the 700r4 and the 4l60/65e (which generation?). Or maybe I should just pick up a "rebuilt" th350/400 for $400 on craigslist... This is a driver.
Thanks.

[tomshortwide69]

my 85 had 3.73 with 700r4 tranny cruised real nice

[LockDoc]

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That is probably going to be a personal preference type thing. I have all of the above in different vehicles (except the 4l60/65) and I like them all. I have the 2004r in my '69 Suburban and I tow my trailer with it. For the 2004r I would go with "Bowtie Overdrives" or "California Performance Transmissions." either one should give you good service. I'm sure there are other good builders out there also.

LockDoc

[jdw]

Forgot to mention, I'll probably be going with Bowtie overdrives.

[MARKDTN]

700R4 has a deep first so you can keep your 3.08 and still have a lot of takeoff power. That is the direction I would go. I had a car with 3.73 and 700R4 and first gear was useless, I think 3.42 or so is optimum for all around useage, but 3.08 is not bad combined with the low first in a 700R4.

[tinsoldier]

My 700r4 with 3.08 is just fine. Not to mention great gas mileage. I don't tow anything except so I am not concerned. I do haul light loads every once in a while though but doesn't really notice.

[LockDoc]

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Here is a good thread on automatic transmissions. It covers a lot of stuff...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=390542

LockDoc

[cool68]

yep, read other threads on this subject. the 200R4 is almost a exact replacement for 350. 3:08 gears too high for a overdrive trans 3:55-3:73 best.

[slikside]

subscribed

[Z10]

I'm about to complete my build using a ZZ4 and a 700r4. Pretty easy swap. Had to shorten the drive shaft about 3". Didn't even have to drill holes when I moved the trans cross member. I purchased mine from the local Cadillac dealership. It's a GM certified from a 91 Corvette, which is one of the later 700r4 with improvements and a 2200 stall converter. I believe I gave about $1500 for it last summer.

Pics available on my build thread. Click on my signature.

[heathbirkendahl]

I have a ZZ4 with a 700r4 from Bowtie Overdrives and 373's. Great match up. Kicks ass light to light and is not rev'd out on the freeway.

[1972SUPERSB]

I had a ZZ4 in a short bed 84 truck. I got my 700R4 from Phoenix transmission in Texas. Loved it! Won't by another one from anywhere else. I also had 3.73. Which I think are perfect for the overdrive trans. That truck scooted let me tell you. Nice engine and trans combo.

[jdw]

Great information, everyone. LockDoc that link is packed full of good stuff. I admit I get impatient with the "must wait 60 seconds" rule on the search page. It makes my brain hurt.
Looks like most of you all are running 700r4, I'd still like to hear more from those with 2004r, especially since they were never put in trucks. I'm not hauling gravel or anything, but it's still a truck and who knows what will end up in the bed down the road.
All the overdrives have deeper firsts than the th350c that's in there now. Is the 3.08 a bad rear end because of the RPMs in 4th? I checked some online calculators and they looked fine.