Automatic Overdrive Kits Out There???

[HOOKEDon1]

Have a 71 Custom 10 (4wd -- manual trans) .... I would like to convert it over to an automatic transmission... but would also like to upgrade to an overdrive transmission... any thoughts on kits out there? Anyone tried it? Ideas?

I know the shift columms are available out there... would like input on the rest. Thanks

[gmcnulty]

You can use a 700r4. Look for an 1987 and up as internals are stronger. Depending on power I would upgrade servos. Also Trans go shift kits come with a lock up solinoid to retain convertor lockup

[nightmare]

i'd go with the 700r4 tranny. several have tried it, and works great (do a search). i'm saving up to do the swap myself. like gmcnulty said, get one from an '87 - up application. if you don't get one from a reputable place, make sure you get it rebuilt, or have it gone through.

you'll need an automatic crossmember, the kickdown cable, shortening your driveshaft, and an automatic column (unless you go with a floor shifter for it). not a difficult swap, just time consuming.

BTW, you don't have to have a kit to do the torque converter lock up. a 4th gear pressure switch, and a 1 wire plug from a TH350 will work just fine.

[HOOKEDon1]

Man...

Really appreciate the input so far guys... a/t crossmember probably something I'll have to modify... I'll begin parts scrounging this winter for next summers fun...

Anything else that comes to mind... feel free to let me know. No sense in recreating the wheel if its been done out there. Thanks guys!

Anybody make a custom cross member for the older chevys?

[nightmare]

They sure do. I know CPP makes one, tubular. looks pretty good to. Here is a link to an ebay listing for one that they sell: CPP

[Longhorn Man]

you need to do a lotta research on the TV cable adjustment, and understand why it is so crutial. bowtieoverdrives.com have the best set up for the aplication. It ain't cheap, but it's cheaper than doing it again.
Also, you may discover your MPG drops after the overdrive.
What size tires and what gearing do you have?

[cparman]

I did this in my 69 swb. It was a 3 on the tree.

LOnghorn is correct about the TV cable adjustment. I used a lokar TV cable, and their bracket to connect it to my 600 Holley. from the bracket to the carb it NEEDS TO BE LEVEL!!!
The nice thing about the Lokar stuff is the ease of adjustment. When I was all finished I went for a ride, with the allen wrench, and a couple of 1/2 inch wrenches, and would drive a bit, make a small adjustment and then check my work. My 69 has 3.73 gears, and a 255/70r15 rear tire. I wil go into 4th about 40 mph, and lock up the converte shortly thereafter. I love it!

[HOOKEDon1]

Really... REALLY appreciate all the feedback gang. Its been busy at the shop so I haven't logged on in a couple weeks... WOW... best tech information pool I've had...

Can't wait to tear into it this spring!

[cparman]

did a bit more research, I think you will need to find a transmission AND transfer case out of a later model chevy 4X4. The fact that the 700 is about 3 inches longer will necessitate having both driveshafts lengthend. I talked to a friend about this, and he says it is a bit of work, and money but I would do it in a heartbeat. Depending on what size tire you could run 3.73s or 4.11s in both diffs, and still get the engine rpm down 750 to 1000.

[HOOKEDon1]

Had already thought I might update to a newer t/c with the newer trans... good to hear I was on the right track