700R4 Conversion Help

['68 Short Step]

I have searched the forum for a while now and found a lot of answers but still need some help. I took out my th350 the other day and I am in search for a 700r4 to install. I found a good one local on craigslist that is from a 1991 suburban and has the electric speedo. I found a lock up kit from monster transmission but the 700r4 housing on their youtube install video looks different from the one im looking at. Here is the trans I am looking at and also the link to the monster trans video.
here are my questions.....

is it difficult to convert it to work with my mechanical cable speedo?

what is a good priced lock up kit that will work with this trans?

what year model trans are they using in the monster trans video to make the install work with 4th gear oil port?

LINKY

How to Install a Lock-Up Kit 700R4 | Curt's...

[truckdude239]

Used 700r4 are a gamlbe cause you know nothing about them. If the tv was set wrong its could be damaged. Ive gambled on sevetal trans of the years but theu where a th350 and 2 ford trans for my f150 but a used 700r4 i cant drive and feel is only a core to me

[truckdude239]

Btw there are great write ups in the faq section on 700r4s and how to set up the tv cables and how to set up the lock up

['68 Short Step]

yeah I know the history on this trans so i'm really trying to find out the conversion specs. I have read a lot of threads but still need a few more details to help me.

[hugger6933]

The electric back to mech speedo is not a problem. The tailshaft is most likely the same, [it has been in several cases that I have needed to change ] The reluctor wheel is in the same spot where the drive gear for the speedo goes and you will need the little retainer clip that locks the plastic gear into place. The tail housing unit where the sensor is can unbolt then be replaced with the speedo driven gear and housing. It is very simple and most stright forward. I would rate it a 1.5 out of 10 on a meter of difficulty, pretty easy. The TV cable is the life of the 700R4 and it MUST be adjusted properly or it will not stay working in your truck. If you have a Edelbrock carb there is a different throttle bracket end for the carb that will help. Jim

[Longhorn 70]

the biggest problems I have seen when converting to a 700r4 have been around cutting the drive shaft. if you're not putting a lot of horsepower to the ground 200 4R are may be a better choice. you do not have to cut a drive shaft and transmission mount is really close.

['68 Short Step]

I have a mildly built 350. I think the 700r4 is best for me because it will be mostly driven highway. If the rear speedo can be changed out easliy then I may go for this trans. How about the lock up kit for this style trans housing? Just a brake wired kit? Or is there something better?

[WIDESIDE72]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

the biggest problems I have seen when converting to a 700r4 have been around cutting the drive shaft. if you're not putting a lot of horsepower to the ground 200 4R are may be a better choice. you do not have to cut a drive shaft and transmission mount is really close.

I have swapped three 700 r4 trans into 71/72 trucks over years and used the one piece driveshaft that came out of the donor truck. Bolt in swap

[Rod Run]

Watching this tread for my own conversion down the road

[Chvy2NV]

Painless Wiring makes a true lock up kit for the 700.. get that and your problems are solved.. no extra switches to worry about.

[hugger6933]

The early S-10's used a switch that was screwed to the left [driver side] fender. It was vac operated and had a couple of wires that ran and tied into the brake lamp switch much as a the secondary switch for the cruise control did. It looks very similar to some of the aftermarket switches I have seen offered by some companies to put in that position. Jim
PS when I meant the early S trucks I am talking like the 83 to maybe 86?

[Z10]

Originally Posted by Longhorn 70

the biggest problems I have seen when converting to a 700r4 have been around cutting the drive shaft. if you're not putting a lot of horsepower to the ground 200 4R are may be a better choice. you do not have to cut a drive shaft and transmission mount is really close.

I'm in the middle of doing this conversion now. I had my drive shaft shortend last week with new heavy duty ujoints installed for $165.00 The shop had it done and painted in 2 hours.

I'm using a GM rebuilt 700r4 from a 91 Corvette. Cost was $1450.

[Dan Wales]

Doing the same setup like Z 10 is right now. Unless something really out of the ordinary happens I should be good to go.

The trans was rebuilt by a local trans man that does them for us daily drivers using vintage cars and trucks. He likes to see the vehicles driven. He's got over 30 years trans experience and the 700r4 is his pet. Our locals run his units and rarely have they had a failure, he will be the first to tell you though anything electro mechanical or mechanical is going to break. Mine is a 92. He brought me the parts and showed me several upgrades over the years that GM made as well as a couple he has found on his own to make it a little more reliable.

Correct TV alignment and adjustment is the most critical, also on installation I was reminded that if the torque converter doesn't pull about a 1/8 inch toward the flex plate on installtion somethings not right. That is after it is pushed all the way in of course.

About to call driveshaft folks for the setup to go with single.

For sure lots of leads and parts to run down and massage during one of the rehabs but i thinks it's going to turn out great.

Dan

[Longhorn 70]

I have a 700R4 but have done a few 200s. The 200s don't need to have the drive shaft cut or mount modified. They can now be built to handle 400+ hp with no problems. If they could have handled my BB Olds the 200 would have gone in my truck.

[profe56]

This is a great addition from WIDESIDE72
have swapped three 700 r4 trans into 71/72 trucks over years and used the one piece driveshaft that came out of the donor truck. Bolt in swap

I'll keep in mind for the next swap.

[Lees68GMC]

Hey Profe56, what were the "Donor" Trucks? Pick-ups, Suburban, Tahoe? 87-93?
Thanks for the info!

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by '68 Short Step

I have searched the forum for a while now and found a lot of answers but still need some help. I took out my th350 the other day and I am in search for a 700r4 to install. I found a good one local on craigslist that is from a 1991 suburban and has the electric speedo. I found a lock up kit from monster transmission but the 700r4 housing on their youtube install video looks different from the one im looking at. Here is the trans I am looking at and also the link to the monster trans video.
here are my questions.....

is it difficult to convert it to work with my mechanical cable speedo?

what is a good priced lock up kit that will work with this trans?

what year model trans are they using in the monster trans video to make the install work with 4th gear oil port?

LINKY How to Install a Lock-Up Kit 700R4 | Curt's Corner at Monster Transmission - YouTube

Please believe me when I tell you that you should read/study the electricals and pressures involved in the lockup torque convertor system until you are able to wire up your own control with simple wiring and one pressure switch. Yes, a couple pieces of wire and one pressure switch that you screw into the 4th gear pressure test port. Once you know how to do this--and why you do what you do--you are ready to do it yourself for a few dollars. Under $50. Under $40. Under $30. Under $25...?

Or, stay uninformed and spend $150-$250 needlessly. (And, I'd never done 'much' to a tranny other than change fluid/filter.) Google is your friend!
Sam

[profe56]

Sorry: I said that WIDESIDE72 did a good addition with:
I have swapped three 700 r4 trans into 71/72 trucks over years and used the one piece driveshaft that came out of the donor truck. Bolt in swap.
But I'm curios and I'll take measurements next time I go the junkyard.
Mine, the donnor was Chevy Van 20.

[Smitty]

Click on 700r4 in left hand column they have information on hooking up the TV cable etc. Bought mine from them years ago. It is behind a pretty stock .060 over 350. Not one bit of trouble.

http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...SUBCAT&CATID=B