Swapping to auto

[HotRodScottsdale]

I got a 1984 k2500 Silverado with a 360, a sm465 and a np205. Looking to swap in an automatic trans so the wife can drive the truck. Had a old 76 with the 700R4 and it was great except kept blowing up because I drove the truck like a 18 yr old trying to get ladys. would like overdrive so I can keep the truck quiet driving threw the neighborhood but dont know much about transmissions. What's a good option?

[1976gmc20]

What's a good option?

Keep the four speed manual

I would love to have a pickup like yours. You want a 1991 4wd Suburban 1500 with a 700R4 ???

[HotRodScottsdale]

I do enjoy the stick shift and the wife is willing to learn but she goes into full blown panic attacks when on hills or any bad situation. I am willing to trade my sm465 for another transmission but I want it too be a straight swap and direct bolt on.

[74CustomK20]

Nothing will be straight swap, except for a 709 unless you Wana get into wiring. They can be made into some stout transmissions if wanted. You'll just have the TV cable to worry about and driveshaft legnths the main thing

[rpmerf]

Sounds like the 700R4 is the way to go. The main thing here is you need to have the TV cable set correctly.

Automatic options:
TH350 and TH400 are 3 speeds, no overdrive.
200R4 and 700R4 are hydraulically shifted 4 speeds. 700 is stronger than the 200. I've heard the 200 can be built up, but I don't know how worth it that would be.
4L60E and 4L80E are electronically shifted 4 speed automatics. They require a computer and wiring to work. The 4L80E is popular is high powered applications.

[HotRodScottsdale]

Originally Posted by rpmerf

Sounds like the 700R4 is the way to go. The main thing here is you need to have the TV cable set correctly.

Automatic options:
TH350 and TH400 are 3 speeds, no overdrive.
200R4 and 700R4 are hydraulically shifted 4 speeds. 700 is stronger than the 200. I've heard the 200 can be built up, but I don't know how worth it that would be.
4L60E and 4L80E are electronically shifted 4 speed automatics. They require a computer and wiring to work. The 4L80E is popular is high powered applications.

Awesome thank you!! Guess I'm on the hunt for a 700!

[mongocanfly]

keep in mind driveshafts will have to be shortened and lengthened,crossmember may not work but will need moved , trans cooler..shifters and linkage also needed and steering column with 700 selector..700 trans needs to be for 4wd and fit your t-case....
also your tire size and gear ratios need to be taken into account before adding a od trans
like 74k20 says above ,,,nothing is a direct replacement

[smokehouse]

I was thinking the same thing with my burb from a manual to an auto for my wife but i'm just having to much fun with my 465 to just give it up so my wife can drive it. One of the best trannies ever made to put in an auto that going to crap out at some time. i just couldn't do it. i'm just going to add a gear vendor to mine and be down with it. i'll just have to teach my wife and be more adamant about it. i love having a stick and leaving the doors unlocked because nobody knows how to drive it. lol there's just something so kool as driving a stick in a burb and people are surprised that it's a burb with a manual. lots of funny looks.

[HotRodScottsdale]

Yes I figured moving the crossmember would be a factor and linkage and shafts but bow another question. Is it possible to do a floor shift option with the 700 or do I HAVE to do column shift?

[rpmerf]

There are floor shift kits. Linkage or cable.

[SunSoaked]

Originally Posted by HotRodScottsdale

Is it possible to do a floor shift option with the 700 or do I HAVE to do column shift?

I swapped to a Lokar floor shifter to get rid of all the column linkage that was in the way of my headers and future nv4500 swap. I've used them on 700r's and th400.