Help with 700R and Steering Column

[NicoSlam]

Can anyone tell me what it will take to use the stock steering column with a 700r trans. From what I have read, it will require modern linkage but I'm not sure of the pointer/indicator and the affects on the mechanism located at the bottom of the SC. Although it would be easier with a floor shift, I personally trying to stay away and utilize the stock SC. Thanks for any advice

[nightmare]

I didn't have to adjust the steering column at all when I switched to a 700r4. But I was going from a TH400 to a 700r4. If you could provide more information about your setup (i.e. what you had previously and what you are going to) we would be able to help a little more.

[NicoSlam]

I have a stock automatic column having (PRND21) and a TH350 with original shift linkage. Does the 700R require (PRND321) indicator?? If so, doesn't the mechanism on the SC have to be modified to accomodate the additional position? Can I use the stock TH350 linkage? Can I use the stock crossmember and just change the mount?

[BP68]

I am using a 700R4 with a 72 tilt column and shift rod from a donor truck. No issues. I think I used the frame pivot point from the 89 suburban I got the trans out of. So 72 column and shift rod, down to 89 pivot bracket mounted to 71 frame.

fyi

[cparman]

I have stock linkage in my Blazer. You might not be able to pull it to 1st gear with this. I cannot. BUT, how many times are you going to do this? I had a 700, and a 200 in my 69 SWB, and used a simple kit from LOKAR. worked perfect! I also bought a shift indicator to show that I had OD trans.

[NicoSlam]

Thanks for the replys. You have a point regarding the need to manually shift to 1. Bowtie has the indicator and acrylic but they want $125. I'm trying to stay on budget as much as possible. I am planing to purchase the TVcable and lock up from Bowtie OD. Does the 350 crossmember work for the 700R? I believe I may have to move back a little but is height OK?

thanks

[low'n slow]

I have a 4L60E behind an LT1 and use the stock linkage. I am able to shift to all gears. The PRND all line up, the 2 and 1 don't line up with the trans 3,2,1, but it doesn't bother me. My engine is in the 6 cyl location.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

I believe a vendor on here has the acrylic indicators for less..

[Murphy IRE]

If you want to save money, you can hook up a manual switch to lock up the torque converter for less than $10. Make sure you fuse the feed line. I went with a lighted switch that shows it's lockeded up. It works fine! Throw it on when you get to cruising speed and your RPM's will drop. One of these days, I"ll spend the extra for the upgade package!

I'm not trying to steal the thread, my 71 is a working 4x4 in the Mtns and I need to get into 1st manually. I got my lense and linkage from CPP (On sale). Obviously, the OE doesn't work with the 700r4. I will be installing the after market items after the new year.

[WFAPS]

I also have a PRND321 and all I did was relocate where the rod coming from the column goes into the OEM transmission bracket. I welded up the original hole and redrilled a new hole closer to the center of rotation. This makes it where there is less movement of the shifter between gears. I don't remember how much I moved it but I think it was less than a 1/4 inch.

[cparman]

I have done this several times. If you get the connector that plugs into the transmission, and connect the A terminal. A purple wire to a key on hot source, you can lock up the converter thru a toggle switch. I will replace the OE stop light switch with one from a late 70's early 80's gm car with cruise control. This switch is a 4 terminal switch. The stop light side of this switch is normally open, and the cruise side of the switch is normally closed. If you connect the brake light side as it is, and then run your purple wire thru the cruise side, when you apply the brake it will unlock the converter. I also run a toggle switch thru the purple wire so I can manually turn on and off the converter. HTH

Originally Posted by Murphy IRE

If you want to save money, you can hook up a manual switch to lock up the torque converter for less than $10. Make sure you fuse the feed line. I went with a lighted switch that shows it's lockeded up. It works fine! Throw it on when you get to cruising speed and your RPM's will drop. One of these days, I"ll spend the extra for the upgade package!

I'm not trying to steal the thread, my 71 is a working 4x4 in the Mtns and I need to get into 1st manually. I got my lense and linkage from CPP (On sale). Obviously, the OE doesn't work with the 700r4. I will be installing the after market items after the new year.

[Murphy IRE]

The long linkage from CPP wasn't long enough. The way they mounted the 400, it moved everything a little further back. So, I had to add a piece of high grade SS. The kit was good to 27 inches, but I needed almost 30".
P, D & 1st line up perfectly with the new indicator lense. I need to tweek the reverse neutral safety switch now. But she drops into 1st and thats what I needed !!!

[falconizer_62]

Strange... I can't get mine into 3rd. It does 1st and 2nd and those line up with the indicator. The D on the column is all 4 gears and I can't make it shift into 3rd (OD off) no matter how hard I try to control the shifter. I need this so I don't fly down a steep grade towing a trailer, or rely on the brakes constantly. Does anyone have a pic of how they did it? There may be different linkages around. I am trying to figure this out now while the motor is out and all that stuff is easy to get to.