700R4. Love it or hate it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pmpski_1 · 02-17-2009, 12:13 AM

Do you regret your 700R4 swap? Do you love your 700R4 swap?

I'm thinking hard about it. I don't want recommendations on what tranny to keep or buy or rebuild, there are plenty of threads with lots of good info about transmissions. I'm just interested in whether you love or hate your 700R4 and why.

**leddzepp** · 02-17-2009, 12:17 AM

Love it. Shifts great, low first gear, better mileage on the freeway.

Indyuke · 02-17-2009, 12:26 AM

Love it too. I don't think I like the low first gear so much... or rather the big jump between 1st and second since I don't do a lot of heavy hauling. But the overdrive is wonderful, as it makes the truck into a very friendly highway cruiser.

70clone · 02-17-2009, 01:03 AM

I love my 700r4 wouldnt trade it for nothin in the world

big_al_71 · 02-17-2009, 01:06 AM

Hated it!! when I had my 89 gmc with a "355" I went thru two of them in less than 5k miles,,,never again.

67ChevyRedneck · 02-17-2009, 01:09 AM

Yes, I regret it, but ONLY because I wish I had done a 5 speed swap more (I like driving manuals) but now that it's in I love it.

I installed an old junkyard one from an '83 firebird with high miles and didn't have the TV cable set up right and it burned up after 7K. The "new one" has about 8K on it and going strong still.

**passthebuck** · 02-17-2009, 01:10 AM

Love it. Once the 700r4 has been rebuilt with good guts, you can drive it hard & it will last for a long time. I drove mine for 11 years daily for about 80000kms & I drove it hard, grabbing rubber in the first 2 gears all the time. It makes a buzzy highway drive a pleasure. The low 1st gear can be coupled with a 3.08 rear gear that still gets ya moving fast & then at the other end, get those highway rpms down close to a gas-sipping 1500rpm. The caveat, it can’t be stock or it wont live very long – it needs to be rebuilt! It can be built to withstand 700hp I'm told...

lowrollin70gmc · 02-17-2009, 01:10 AM

I love mine in my chevelle. Low first gear makes my 3.08s reasonable and the OD lets me get 20mpg at 75 (turning 2300 rpms).

Great tranny, just not sure how much it can be beefed up for loads of power.

67_C-30 · 02-17-2009, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indyuke

Love it too. I don't think I like the low first gear so much... or rather the big jump between 1st and second since I don't do a lot of heavy hauling. But the overdrive is wonderful, as it makes the truck into a very friendly highway cruiser.

I totally agree with this post. I know you said you don't want tranny recomendations, but its hard to accurately answer your question without saying this. To answer your question, I have done 700 swaps and they are OK. However, I'd much rather have a 200-4R. The 200-4R is just as strong (and can be built way stronger if needed) but is basically geared like a TH350 with an OD. As Indyuke said, the massive jump in ratio between 1st and 2nd in a 700 is annoying to me. The 200 is the same length as the TH350 so the driveshaft doesn't have to changed, and it uses the same lockup wiring as a 700. I've done them both and in short, the 700-R4 swaps were just OK - the 200-4R swaps were great!

sierra4x4 · 02-17-2009, 02:08 AM

I hato agree with 67 C30, I have had experience with both the 700R4 and 200-4R and I must say that the 200-4R is a way nicer trans in every way
1. better gear spacing
2. direct swap (uses TH350 driveshaft and TH400 mount location)
3. Multi-fit case
4. a little more OD .67 compared to .70
5. you can usually find them at a wrecker in a non abused oldsmobile from the 80's with a wimpy 307 in front of it.

jbristo67 · 02-17-2009, 03:02 AM

Love that Overdrive

**leddzepp** · 02-17-2009, 03:16 AM

Lots of good points here, both positive and negative. It works for me cause I like the low first gear combined with my 3.08 gears. I do mostly in town driving, so I smoke the rice burners light to light, and still get the benefits of road trips on the freeway. 2200 rpm at 70 mph

I do have to add that they are tempermental and require a precise set-up, or they will fry in a heartbeat.

jbristo67 · 02-17-2009, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Lots of good points here, both positive and negative. It works for me cause I like the low first gear combined with my 3.08 gears. I do mostly in town driving, so I smoke the rice burners light to light, and still get the benefits of road trips on the freeway. 2200 rpm at 70 mph

I do have to add that they are tempermental and require a precise set-up, or they will fry in a heartbeat.

What do you mean Precise set up? What do you need to get set up besides your lock up?

67_C-30 · 02-17-2009, 07:48 AM

He means the position of the TV cable. It controls shifting on them, and if it is not set properly, you'll lunch one in a hurry.

cparman · 02-17-2009, 08:19 AM

I had one in my 500hp Chevelle, have one in my 72 Blazer, and am headed towards one in my C-10. The only way to go. You do need to get the TV cable adjusted correctly or you can burn them up. A little patience and the RPM and noise reduction is GREAT

texanidiot25 · 02-17-2009, 08:31 AM

It out lasted the motor in my Firebird at 275k miles. Still no slipping after I sold it, and i beat the hell out of that car.

see ten · 02-17-2009, 08:34 AM

I agree with 67 C-30. The 200 has a lot less lag from first to second and seem to be the way people are leaning these days instead of the 700.

Kinghat · 02-17-2009, 09:16 AM

I have one in my 65 Chevy II and I love it. I have 3.08 gears in it and I really like the low first gear. The difference between 1st and 2nd doesn't seem like much to me, maybe because of the 3.08s.

Andy4639 · 02-17-2009, 11:09 AM

Put a good rebuilt 700-R4 in a truck with 4:11 gears and decide for your self.
Enough said!
I LOVE IT!
Anybody who likes auto's and say they didn't like the 700's didn't have it done right in my opinion.

MrC1 · 02-17-2009, 11:11 AM

I've got one in my C20 with the factory Dana 3.54s out back, but I've got some fairly tall tires. I've reduced the diameter from stock a bit, but they're still pretty tall. I'm running 285/60-17s and they look really tough.

I love the low 1st gear for towing, although I rarely do any of it. At least I'm ready for it!

Dropping it into OD with the converter locked up is a treat. It drops the RPMs by a huge amount. I'm not sure how much since I don't have a tach, but it's very significant.

70onB.A.D.'s · 02-17-2009, 11:17 AM

what is a reasonable price that you guys have paid for a 700r4 rebuild, also what type of vehicle do the 200-r4's come in!!

Skirkpat · 02-17-2009, 12:03 PM

I agree with the previous posts, and definately disagree with anyone who toasted two...Built and Installed correctly that would not have happened...I pull a 16 foot Gooseneck dump trailer with mine almost everyday in a 95 2500, loaded weight of 8,000 Lbs., through mud in 4wd and have only rebuilt once in 180,000 miles, Love it & can't hurt em if you know how to drive. My $.02

6772owner · 02-17-2009, 12:27 PM

Also love mine, made a huge difference in drivability and highway comfort. I have not had any issues at all, but TV Cable set-up is critical, and mine has been rebuild. I would contact Bow-Tie overdrives for all info, parts or a complete trans. Awesome people and product.

Kinghat · 02-17-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70onB.A.D.'s

what is a reasonable price that you guys have paid for a 700r4 rebuild, also what type of vehicle do the 200-r4's come in!!

I got mine for handling the selling of my bosses car, but he paid $1100 for a built 700R4 with a mild converter.

468BIGBLOCK · 02-17-2009, 02:26 PM

im my opinion the 700r4 is the WORST PIECE OF JUNK that g.m. has ever concieved!!!!!!!!

02-17-2009, 12:13 AM	#1
pmpski_1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 505	700R4. Love it or hate it? Do you regret your 700R4 swap? Do you love your 700R4 swap? I'm thinking hard about it. I don't want recommendations on what tranny to keep or buy or rebuild, there are plenty of threads with lots of good info about transmissions. I'm just interested in whether you love or hate your 700R4 and why. __________________ Curry in a Hurry: SB rebuild for my 71 C20

02-17-2009, 12:17 AM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,006	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Love it. Shifts great, low first gear, better mileage on the freeway.

02-17-2009, 12:26 AM	#3
Indyuke Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 623	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Love it too. I don't think I like the low first gear so much... or rather the big jump between 1st and second since I don't do a lot of heavy hauling. But the overdrive is wonderful, as it makes the truck into a very friendly highway cruiser.

02-17-2009, 01:03 AM	#4
70clone Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: JACKSONVILLE FL Posts: 200	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I love my 700r4 wouldnt trade it for nothin in the world

02-17-2009, 01:06 AM	#5
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Hated it!! when I had my 89 gmc with a "355" I went thru two of them in less than 5k miles,,,never again. __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-17-2009, 01:09 AM	#6
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Yes, I regret it, but ONLY because I wish I had done a 5 speed swap more (I like driving manuals) but now that it's in I love it. I installed an old junkyard one from an '83 firebird with high miles and didn't have the TV cable set up right and it burned up after 7K. The "new one" has about 8K on it and going strong still. __________________ 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; 02-17-2009 at 01:09 AM.

02-17-2009, 01:10 AM	#7
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Love it. Once the 700r4 has been rebuilt with good guts, you can drive it hard & it will last for a long time. I drove mine for 11 years daily for about 80000kms & I drove it hard, grabbing rubber in the first 2 gears all the time. It makes a buzzy highway drive a pleasure. The low 1st gear can be coupled with a 3.08 rear gear that still gets ya moving fast & then at the other end, get those highway rpms down close to a gas-sipping 1500rpm. The caveat, it can’t be stock or it wont live very long – it needs to be rebuilt! It can be built to withstand 700hp I'm told... __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car Last edited by passthebuck; 02-17-2009 at 01:12 AM. Reason: Spelling

02-17-2009, 01:10 AM	#8
lowrollin70gmc Too many projects Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fargo, ND land of the flat hills Posts: 1,147	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I love mine in my chevelle. Low first gear makes my 3.08s reasonable and the OD lets me get 20mpg at 75 (turning 2300 rpms). Great tranny, just not sure how much it can be beefed up for loads of power. __________________ Andrew 84 GMC C1500 SWB 6.2 Diesel/700R4/3.42 "Grandpa's odd duck" 70 GMC C1500 LWB My first truck: shaved, bagged, and more: the lowrollin70gmc 68 K20 Suburban 12V Cummins/NV5600/NP205/D60/11.5AAM 3.73s "Dakota Cadillac" 63 Chevy II Nova Coupe 250 I6/T56/4.56s "Economy car" 53 Willys Wagon 350/NV4500/BW4401/HP D44/9inch “Winter Wagon” 30 Model A 16 Focus ST

02-17-2009, 02:08 AM	#10
sierra4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 308	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I hato agree with 67 C30, I have had experience with both the 700R4 and 200-4R and I must say that the 200-4R is a way nicer trans in every way 1. better gear spacing 2. direct swap (uses TH350 driveshaft and TH400 mount location) 3. Multi-fit case 4. a little more OD .67 compared to .70 5. you can usually find them at a wrecker in a non abused oldsmobile from the 80's with a wimpy 307 in front of it.

02-17-2009, 03:02 AM	#11
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Love that Overdrive __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

02-17-2009, 03:16 AM	#12
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,006	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Lots of good points here, both positive and negative. It works for me cause I like the low first gear combined with my 3.08 gears. I do mostly in town driving, so I smoke the rice burners light to light, and still get the benefits of road trips on the freeway. 2200 rpm at 70 mph I do have to add that they are tempermental and require a precise set-up, or they will fry in a heartbeat. Last edited by leddzepp; 02-17-2009 at 03:18 AM.

02-17-2009, 07:48 AM	#14
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? He means the position of the TV cable. It controls shifting on them, and if it is not set properly, you'll lunch one in a hurry. __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!

02-17-2009, 08:19 AM	#15
cparman sharp as a marble Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: atlantic beach,florida Posts: 1,082	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I had one in my 500hp Chevelle, have one in my 72 Blazer, and am headed towards one in my C-10. The only way to go. You do need to get the TV cable adjusted correctly or you can burn them up. A little patience and the RPM and noise reduction is GREAT

02-17-2009, 08:31 AM	#16
texanidiot25 Eat My Rust Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cypress, Texas Posts: 3,362	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? It out lasted the motor in my Firebird at 275k miles. Still no slipping after I sold it, and i beat the hell out of that car.

02-17-2009, 08:34 AM	#17
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,074	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I agree with 67 C-30. The 200 has a lot less lag from first to second and seem to be the way people are leaning these days instead of the 700.



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02-17-2009, 09:16 AM	#18
Kinghat Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texarkana, AR Posts: 79	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I have one in my 65 Chevy II and I love it. I have 3.08 gears in it and I really like the low first gear. The difference between 1st and 2nd doesn't seem like much to me, maybe because of the 3.08s. __________________ Hail to the King, baby.

02-17-2009, 11:09 AM	#19
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Put a good rebuilt 700-R4 in a truck with 4:11 gears and decide for your self. Enough said! I LOVE IT! Anybody who likes auto's and say they didn't like the 700's didn't have it done right in my opinion. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

02-17-2009, 11:11 AM	#20
MrC1 Dork For Days Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Dallas Posts: 407	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I've got one in my C20 with the factory Dana 3.54s out back, but I've got some fairly tall tires. I've reduced the diameter from stock a bit, but they're still pretty tall. I'm running 285/60-17s and they look really tough. I love the low 1st gear for towing, although I rarely do any of it. At least I'm ready for it! Dropping it into OD with the converter locked up is a treat. It drops the RPMs by a huge amount. I'm not sure how much since I don't have a tach, but it's very significant. __________________ 1972 C20, 402/700R4 - My first classic truck, bought in September 2005. 85% transformed from "Farm" to "Cool" status! 1970 Dodge Challenger 440, 4sp (my other toy) 12.67 @ 117 MPH, with a pathetic 2.022 60' 2007 Dodge Charger SRT-8 2008 Cadillac CTS All-American garage, baby!

02-17-2009, 11:17 AM	#21
70onB.A.D.'s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Fort Gibson, Ok Posts: 84	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? what is a reasonable price that you guys have paid for a 700r4 rebuild, also what type of vehicle do the 200-r4's come in!!

02-17-2009, 12:03 PM	#22
Skirkpat Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: K.C. Missouri Posts: 1,024	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? I agree with the previous posts, and definately disagree with anyone who toasted two...Built and Installed correctly that would not have happened...I pull a 16 foot Gooseneck dump trailer with mine almost everyday in a 95 2500, loaded weight of 8,000 Lbs., through mud in 4wd and have only rebuilt once in 180,000 miles, Love it & can't hurt em if you know how to drive. My $.02

02-17-2009, 12:27 PM	#23
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? Also love mine, made a huge difference in drivability and highway comfort. I have not had any issues at all, but TV Cable set-up is critical, and mine has been rebuild. I would contact Bow-Tie overdrives for all info, parts or a complete trans. Awesome people and product. __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

02-17-2009, 02:26 PM	#25
468BIGBLOCK MEMBER OF THE JUNK MAN CLUB Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: paragould arkansas 72450 Posts: 425	Re: 700R4. Love it or hate it? im my opinion the 700r4 is the WORST PIECE OF JUNK that g.m. has ever concieved!!!!!!!! __________________ I LIKE 67-72 CHEVYS, I HAVE OWNED OVER 150 OF THEM IN THE LAST 25 YEARS..

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