Ben's 1961 Chevy Apache C20 4x4 stepside longbed with a 454/700R4

[61Chevy454]

Hey guys, I'm a Ford guy but two days ago, bought this running, driving 1961 Chevy C20 4x4 with a built 454 and a 700R4 that blew up on the way home. I had to limp it 150 miles going 30 miles an hour, almost running out of gas, starving and having to pee because no gas stations on the way and when I finally got to them, they had the store part closed because it was like 2AM.

I'm ordering a new trans for it as we speak, and the motor runs good and the interior is great also. It does have a few issues, but I expected nothing less. I got it for $3000 and people are saying it was worth the money.








Let me know what y'all think. I'll update this as I go.

[Captainfab]

Welcome to the forum

Unless it is built right a 700R4 will not hold up behind a big block. Also you need to be absolutely sure that the TV cable is connected correctly with the correct geometry and that the link pressures are correct. Otherwise you will burn up another trans shortly.

By the way, it may say Apache 20 on the hood, but your truck has K10 running gear. There is a good chance that the cab VIN and frame VIN do not match.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Welcome to the forum

Unless it is built right a 700R4 will not hold up behind a big block. Also you need to be absolutely sure that the TV cable is connected correctly with the correct geometry and that the link pressures are correct. Otherwise you will burn up another trans shortly.

By the way, it may say Apache 20 on the hood, but your truck has K10 running gear. There is a good chance that the cab VIN and frame VIN do not match.

Thank you! I decided I'm just going to swap in a Turbo 400 as I know that will hold up to the BB power.

I'm pretty sure it was a body swap, as the truck has a power steering gearbox mounted to the left side of the frame under the fender, a... Either way, it's a 61 Apache 20 to me!

Now my question is... If I have a married T-Case hooked up to the 700R, is it easier for me to find a T-Case that would hook right up to my TH400 or to buy a junkyard TCase and just bolt it on.

[Chevy Fleetside]

I have a built 700R4 in my truck behind a BB. Still going strong. It has been about 9000 miles since I did that and it ran about 10000 in my 4x4 before that. I put an output shaft in it and now use it for a 2wd.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I have a built 700R4 in my truck behind a BB. Still going strong. It has been about 9000 miles since I did that and it ran about 10000 in my 4x4 before that. I put an output shaft in it and now use it for a 2wd.

I really don't like the thought of a 700R4. I hear they're not built well, they're more expensive, hold less power, and the whole TV cable thing worries me. I rather deal with a vacuum modulator.

I think I'm gonna start pulling driveshafts tomorrow.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

I have a built 700R4 in my truck behind a BB. Still going strong. It has been about 9000 miles since I did that and it ran about 10000 in my 4x4 before that. I put an output shaft in it and now use it for a 2wd.

I decided I'm just either going to have my transmission rebuilt, or buy a rebuilt one. This is my first transmission pull and I would prefer to keep it as simple as possible. How built would it have to be to be behind a 454 with an Edelbrock carb, Edelbrock intake, headers and maybe Edelbrock heads and a cam. I don't know if it has a cam or aftermarket heads. I'm also going to buy a new TV cable because I refuse to have that kill my new tranny. How do I figure out which bracket I need to keep the stock geometry? Have any recommendations for where to buy one from? I don't want to spend more than $1500.

Also,im pretty sure it's the stock frame because it doesn't have the holes drilled to move the transmission pad at all.

[Chevy Fleetside]

Bowtie overdrive should be able to help you with the TV cable bracket. If you can send a picture of what you have I am sure someone on here can tell you if you have the right one. You can also ask them which stage trans you will need. Or a rebuild kit.
Also before rebuilding your trans, find out what year model it is. You want one between the years of 88 and 92.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

Bowtie overdrive should be able to help you with the TV cable bracket. If you can send a picture of what you have I am sure someone on here can tell you if you have the right one. You can also ask them which stage trans you will need. Or a rebuild kit.
Also before rebuilding your trans, find out what year model it is. You want one between the years of 88 and 92.

I found a guy willing to swap out the whole trans and cross member for around $500, + the driveshaft modification. I found an NP205 and a TH400 for $600 that was working when it was pulled.

I'm gonna do that, I don't need to worry about a Turbo 400 breaking.

[Chevy Fleetside]

There you go. Let us know how it goes.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

There you go. Let us know how it goes.

Thank you! I realized the suspension on this truck is SKETCHY AT best. It has lift blocks in the front, and I obviously don't feel comfortable driving it. I'm pretty sure the truck is on a 1982+ frame, as the axles weren't made until 1979 and the tranny wasn't made until 1982, is this a safe assumption? I'm gonna buy some stock springs and maybe throw on a 4 inch lift kit... Does that sound safe? Would I need driveshaft modifications?

[61Chevy454]

Did some research on the VIN. Based on the VIN tag, it is a Factory 1961 K25 truck. It was the 1,053rd truck to be built that year.

After doing a lot of research today, I think we may have determined that it is not a body swap and that it is the original frame.

[Captainfab]

So does the front differential have disc brakes?

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

So does the front differential have disc brakes?

Just checked. It's a Corporate 10-bolt, 6-lug front differential with disc brakes. I guess that may help narrow down which year it is.

[Captainfab]

I am surprised the truck stops with using that original master cylinder. You may want to think about upgrading to a correct master cylinder and a power booster. I make the bracket to make it a bolt on deal.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I am surprised the truck stops with using that original master cylinder. You may want to think about upgrading to a correct master cylinder and a power booster. I make the bracket to make it a bolt on deal.

The truck stops really well, actually. The brakes are really responsive and I had no issues driving it. What could happen if I keep the brakes as is?

Also, is this thing kind of an oddity? Because it has power steering but doesn't have power brakes, and has axles that weren't the original... It seems really weird.

[Magic Bus]

I'm also new to this forum. Hope to learn a LOT from everyone. I found a "maybe one of a kind" 1965 C30 panel, converted to a bus by Novelty Carriage Works out of Spokane Wa. It now sits in my shop.
It has 292, 4sp, factory PS & PB, but I plan on updating everything anyway. First: is to replace the 10 bolt with a newly rebuilt 14 bolt out of my 74 C20. The 10 bolt has leaky seals and needs brakes. I plan on doing a flip kit at the same time.
If anyone has done this swap, any input would be appreciated.

[61Chevy454]

Got the TH350 and NP205 in today. Guy gave it to me for $500 delivered. Said something about how I'll have to replace the torque converter seal or front pump seal or pump seal, something like that. The front input shaft seal and shaft looks brand new.

Mechanic comes to get the truck tomorrow.

[Captainfab]

I am surprised that it does stop sell with that original master cylinder. I would at the very least convert to a manual dual reservoir master cylinder, if for no other reason than a safety issue. Of course power brakes are not that much more work especially with my booster bracket.

That truck did not come from the factory with power steering. It was not available in 1961 in a K series truck. Someone has added that at likely the same time the axles were installed.

Originally Posted by 61Chevy454

The truck stops really well, actually. The brakes are really responsive and I had no issues driving it. What could happen if I keep the brakes as is?

Also, is this thing kind of an oddity? Because it has power steering but doesn't have power brakes, and has axles that weren't the original... It seems really weird.

[61Chevy454]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I am surprised that it does stop sell with that original master cylinder. I would at the very least convert to a manual dual reservoir master cylinder, if for no other reason than a safety issue. Of course power brakes are not that much more work especially with my booster bracket.

That truck did not come from the factory with power steering. It was not available in 1961 in a K series truck. Someone has added that at likely the same time the axles were installed.

Does changing to power brakes mean I have to bleed my brakes? I'd assume so