700r4, how much $$?

[GMC Guy]

i really want to put a 700r4 in my 79. i'm wondering how much it might cost (parts, installation...?) any advice would be great....

would it be cheaper to find a used one and have it rebuilt? or just buy one new.
also would the rear-end gears need to be changed? i think i just have the stock 2.73.

i know a lot of guys run these transmissions, so some feedback would be greatly appreciated too.

[Prong]

You'll want to regear the diff to at least a 3.42 if you put a 700 in there.

[piecesparts]

I definitely recommend a regearing of the rear end. A 700 R4 and 2.73 gears is a very bad match. The gas mileage and performance will suffer so bad.

[GMC Guy]

ok so...

1. bolt up trans w/ modified cross-member
2. shorten drive shaft
3. re-gear to 3.73
4. have trans shop adjust TV cable

am i on the right track?

[D-Day]

I have a 700R4 and a 400 engine, 3.73 gears in a '73 crew cab. If there's no wind, I can get 14-15 mpg on the highway.

I had mine installed by a shop back in 2006, and they rebuilt one. Some modifications had to be done to the cross member, all in all I think it totalled around $1400. Finding and making the lockup switch (my end of the job) was a trial and error process from hell.

But if you do install one, make sure you have a lockup. You can run 'em without the lockup, but they don't last as long, the RPM's will be slightly higher, and you won't get as much of the mileage benefits.

In the end, they are very worth it.

[Srubydo1986]

well for me i got a well rebuilt trans for 100 bucks but here is a list for 350 to 700r4

cross member is the same,
drive shaft it the same,
steering column is the same,
linkages are the same

what you ill need
transmission ,P
a kit for the lock up I'm get this http://bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/...php?ITEMID=332

here is there web site full of info http://700r4.com/faq/faq.shtml

and you will need to move your cross member backwards other then that i think your set

doing this in a 1986 c10 now

[HOGDADDY]

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

ok so...

1. bolt up trans w/ modified cross-member
2. shorten drive shaft
3. re-gear to 3.73
4. have trans shop adjust TV cable

am i on the right track?

You do not need to modify the crossmember at all just move it back a scosh and you can use 2 original holes just have drill 2 more new holes.

The drive shaft does not have to be shortened or lengthened for that matter it is a direct swap.

Get a TV cable and correct geometry corrector for your carb is all.
While your at it grab a late model locking dipstick out of a 97 Silverado if needed.

The stock trans lines will also work but be sure and remove both lines from radiator and connect them up at the trans first then tweak em to match at the radiator.

[jitteryguy]

Hogdaddy is right on track ! you can get a TV cable corection bracket from Jeg's or Summit ( bout $30.00 I believe) I bought a used 700R4 a while back and had it rebuilt for bout $600.00, my brother had his rebiult and they charged him $1400.00, so it vary's how how much. I recently got one from a Pull-a-Part out CFC '91 Suburban for just over a $100.00 . I am confadent bout this CFC tran's see'ns that it come from a trade in, not a junk car ! go'n froma long tail shaft T350 it is practicly a bolt in swap, mabey tweek the cross member hole's .

[GMC Guy]

thanks for the replies.

so when lookng for a used 700r4, what do i look for specifically?
what years will fit a 79 shortbed 2wd?
price?

i found this one, i don't know much about it though...
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/pts/1625428021.html

[HotRod73]

Didn't know it was this simple... I figured a lot of modification was needed but this all seems right... going to start lookin for a 700r for my 73 c20!

[jklonowski]

make sure you get a 89-92 700r4 for the updated pump they work a lot better and have a little better internals if you are going to hook it up to much power like me. cost me 50 dollars for a 91 core then 1300 for the rebuild. that came with all new red alto clutches updated sun shell heavy duty sprad etc. alltogether i spent around 1500. i bought a carb adapter kit the the guy who rebuilt it told me i didn't need one. i have a have a edlebrock 600. good luck

[GMC Guy]

found this company, and watched some youtube videos on them. looks like a solid tranny kit. ideas?

http://racetransmissions.com/store/p...roducts_id/309

[staggerd86c-10]

i did a conversion on my caprice, very simple, best thing to do is buy new. I paid $2500 shipped for a 700r4, with a converter with the balloning plate and the tranny is built to hold 850hp. Go to eatmyshift.com this company (monster transmissions) is where i got mine. Give them a call and they will answer all of your questions.

[silvereagle07]

Try http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/index.shtml or http://www.gearstar.net/transmissions/gm/700R4/. These are just a few I have looked at.