TH350 or 700R4 ??? opinions and info wanted please.

[cherokeejohn]

Well the used TH350 I installed in march didn't make it very long ( BIG SURPRISE!!! ). It started making a chattering noise while driving it home, so when I got home, I dropped the pan and found bunches of small pieces of the steel bands. So,( another one bites the dust! ). My question,s for y'all is; I am looking for threads on the process and parts needed to change over to a 700R4. I've tried searching the thread search bar but cant seem to find what I'm looking for. Awhile back, (b4 my last trans. swap) I posted on here for info on the same thing and for the 200-4R, but I didn't save the thread. I drive the truck as a daily driver. some highway, some towing (nothing too heavy), an average of 400 miles a week. The TH350 is sufficient but when on the highway, I really want an overdrive. the thing is on the weekends I travel a 140 mile round trip to my campsite either towing our small camper (less than 4,000 lbs, or our small utility trailer with motorcycles, or kayaks ( also under4,000 lbs ). My concern is, will the 700 R4 hold up to this use. I have decided to go with "Bowtie Overdrives" this time so I know i am getting a quality, well built trans, that wont quit on me in 3 months, and if anything unfortunate does happen, It's under a warranty. I'm just un sure of what trans to go with. My budget is limited, and I will be doing the labor part myself. I am trying to get a list of what is needed to do the swap to the 700 R4 so I can work up how much it will cost, and determine if it's even within my budget. Any Tips, Info, Suggestions, Etc... is welcome and will be greatly appreciated. I know there is NO BETTER place than this board to find the info and answer i seek. I love this site

[oldchevynut]

Well, I have not switched my '67 C10 to a 700R4 yet, but I did my '67 Chevelle about a year ago and I love it. I just used a 700R4 out of a junk Pontiac, but I used Bowtie Overdrives wiring harnesses and various other components. I found them to be easy to deal with and very knowlegable. They seem to have a very good reputation and I am certain one of their 700R4's would work out well in your truck, probably one of their upgraded level ones. But be aware their warranty applies only if it is installed by a professional in accordance with their very strict instructions. I downloaded their instructions from their website for my install and it worked out flawlessly even for a first timer like me. They cover every aspect in minute detail. My C10 will be getting one as soon as I can do it.
Randy

[PowerdbyChevy79]

im subscribing to this.. imma need this info very soon also...

[leftybass209]

Well I think you answered your own question as to which one when you said you really want overdrive when you're on the highway. That being said, the 700r4 is a great transmission when set up properly. The difference between the 2004r and the 700r4 is the gear ratios and the 700r4 in stock form is slightly stronger. As far as your towing references you should consult an 80 ' s Chevy silverado for some general info. I'm pleased with mine. It's an unknown mileage 700 with bowtie overdrives tv made ez throttle valve plate for edelbrock. Of course the drive shaft will need to be shortened slightly and rebalanced.

[cherokeejohn]

You hit the nail on the head leftybass209, lol. I pretty much have made up my mind on the 700R4 mainly for the highway/towing reasons. Did you re-use the original cross=member and just relocate it, or do I have to purchases a different one. I've looked around Bowtie Overdrives at their conversion parts, I'm searching for any other manufactures, or distributors (maybe affiliated with this site, as it is "The Spot" for chevy truck info and parts. I love this site, Great People, great info, and links to some awesome parts and vendors.

[davischevy]

Just slide the original cross member back. We have a 700R behind a built 454 in an El Camino and a 377 stroker in a 65 chevelle. I've put over 45,000 miles on the El Camino with no problems. If it has a weak link, I will find it.

You will need an adapter on the carburetor to get the right geometry on the detent cable. Jegs among others has them. The detent cable setting is very important. You can fry a 700R in seconds with the wrong setting. I speak from expensive experience.

You will have to have the driveshaft cut off about an inch. I'm lucky, in that I have two local guys that build and install these tranny's, and I take the driveshaft's down to the local truck shop and they cut and balance them.

This is absolutely one of the most satisfying modifications I have made. I plan to put one in the longhorn.

[leftybass209]

Yes you can use the original crossmember but you can't drop the oil pan with it. I already tried when I was removing my motor. It will need to be notched to clear the pan, or you can pick up one of the aftermarket crossmembers (tubular or square) and go that route. The throttle valve cable angle is important and while I did use the bowtie overdrives setup, they aren't the end all be all for the 700r4's. Mainly I chose the design because I can switch to and from the stock cables and Lokar braided style cables without removing the mounting plate. (I wasn't sure which style I wanted at the time). Monster transmission and TCI are very knowledgeable about these transmissions. If you are looking at purchasing a complete package I'd call all three, plus any others and pick their brains on prices and what they suggest regarding the TV cable for your carb and intake. I don't like the arrogance of some transmission companies that use a lot of "must" and "imperative" demands without a lot of knowledge behind it, which is the way bowtie overdrives came across the first time I stumbled upon it. It makes it sound like their product is the only one on the planet that will function without fault. Also, I like the 700r4 because it uses both the old style speedo cable or the electronic unit and the swap is literally 10 min or less, and they are more plentiful in junkyards. Not that I'm opposed to the 2004r, or 4l60e. Really you should let your gear ratios and torque determine which is better for your application.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I've been running a 700R since 2002. I didn't set it up properly and burned it up in 2004 (was a used trans as well.) I redid the truck in 2005/6 and installed a rebuilt 700R with the bowtie overdrives TVmadeEZ and TC lock up kit (with brake switch unlock). Put over 40K on it. Still shifts great. I also bought a cheap pressure gauge with a really long line and set up the TV cable based on pressure readings. I ran the line under the truck, and through the DS window and watched the shift pressures at low and hard shifts and fine tuned it.

[gonnuts]

Did you re-use the original cross=member and just relocate it, or do I have to purchases a different one.

I would put an aftermarket one in. Mine had the original slid back when I got it & it was a pain in the a$$. When I took the tranny out I replaced it with a tubular one, gives you way more room & looks better.

[jnd]

My Dad's 69 C20 has had a 700r4 in it since we restored it 9 yrs ago (was originally equipped with a TH400). The original cross member was used, and it does create a "challenge" with the access to and removal of the tranny pan. However, we have been able to remove the pan for filter replacement by loosening the trans mtg bolts and lifting the transmission off the mount slightly.

[GuyO]

700r4 is a great, heavy duty transmission. I replaced a TH 350 from a 72 Blazer with a 700r4. Direct bolt up on block side, had to change the output shaft to mate to the NP205 transfer case. Never a question, except if my TH350 was not in need of overhaul, the payback was too long to worry about the overdrive cost savings.

[mrweld]

I went with the 2004R from a Buick Grand National. My tranny man swears by them, loves them way better than a 700. I have a 67 was a 3 speed on the tree, did the complete swap in 3 hours, didnt have to modify the drive shaft. My truck has a 411 in the rear and by the final drive ratio chart I have a 273 final drive ratio. Lock up switch kit is less than 50 bucks and a breeze to install. Actually the 200 trannys are getting very hard to find in my area, I would love to score a couple more...

[jocko]

concur on the 2004R approach - haven't made the leap yet, but all my research points me to a beefed 2004R. And with the right tailshaft hsg, no driveshaft shortening required. Gear ratios are comparable, 2004R even has a few extra % reduction in overdrive. If you post your tire diameter and rear end ratio, I can give you a good depiction of rpm at different speeds for all 3 options.

[Katrina/10]

700R4 is great if you can find a good used one.

[myoldmetal]

Call Bowtie overdrives in Victorville, CA. they have a stage 1, 2 or 3 700R4 depending on your horsepower and usage. Best $$$ you will ever spend

[MARKDTN]

Originally Posted by mrweld

I went with the 2004R from a Buick Grand National. My tranny man swears by them, loves them way better than a 700. I have a 67 was a 3 speed on the tree, did the complete swap in 3 hours, didnt have to modify the drive shaft. My truck has a 411 in the rear and by the final drive ratio chart I have a 273 final drive ratio. Lock up switch kit is less than 50 bucks and a breeze to install. Actually the 200 trannys are getting very hard to find in my area, I would love to score a couple more...

200r4 is fine as long as it is rebuilt with the latest and greatest parts and mods. In stock form they do not hold up to much power (Largest stock engine was a 307 Olds-NO 350, NO 454). I would use a 700R4