Just found a cheap OD tranny

[curtis]

Just found a cheap automatic to put in my 76. Currently has 4 speed and I'm sick to death of replacing growling throwout bearings. The new (used) tranny is either a 700r4 or 4L60. It has 15 bolts in the pan. Resides in an 87 coversion van. It has about 5000 miles on complete overhaul. I would like to hear from all of you regarding installing . FYI am putting this in so my wife can drive (she can't drive a clutch) and for better fuel mileage and better 1/4 mile performance. OK now tell me the good the bad and the ugly.

 

[bossvette]

trans is most likely a 700R4 should fit OK you will need a flexplate instead of your flywheel and you may have to shorten driveshaft.

 

[patsnitrovette]

yep like bossvette said most likely a 700r4 and i had to cut my driveshaft to make it fit,i love the 700r4,the low first gear is great especially with 3.70 gears.

 

[Robin7TFour]

why o' why are all the folks who want to get rid of 4-speeds live so far away from the guy who WANTS a manual?


bubba --me wantsa shiftah

 

[norvalwilhelm]

The automatic will fit fine but you need a way to lock the converter. It is simpley done with a smart relay and a push button but you want to lock the converter for a further drop in rpm of about 1-200. I did the installation years ago without a problem but you will have to cut the crossmember and make it removable.
The transmission has a fantastic 1st gear 3.06 which is alot better then stock and a .68 overdrive.
If you are running the stock 308 rear gears your motor might have problems pulling the gearing. 1600 at 60, 1900 at 70 with 308 gears. 50 is the hardest for me, the motor is just above an idle and you are chugging along at 50.
The drive shaft shortening is no big deal. A small extension on the front of the crossmember is needed and once again the cross member must be the removable kind.

 

[Robin7TFour]

Curtis what is the tranny costing you ?

 

[curtis]

the whole darn van

The whole darn van is $300. My son wants the engine and the scrap yard will get the rest, so my actual out of pocket after selling motor and junk is 0.

 

[Jack]

to Curtis ... his oughta be a lesson to those planning to pick up an old motor or trans to use as a core or to rebuild or install ... Curtis has it figured out.

Pretty sure '87 will be a 700r4 ... what the heck ... put it in ... even if it goes to slippin' you've got a core to use for another.
JACK:gap

 

[1978L48jafo]

Curtis I am in the process of putting an 6 speed in place of my TH350 automatic Let me know if you want the pedal assembly & flex plate for your conversion. I have the shifter and such too but I would imagion you will need the OD shifter.
John

Just found a cheap automatic to put in my 76. Currently has 4 speed and I'm sick to death of replacing growling throwout bearings. The new (used) tranny is either a 700r4 or 4L60. It has 15 bolts in the pan. Resides in an 87 coversion van. It has about 5000 miles on complete overhaul. I would like to hear from all of you regarding installing . FYI am putting this in so my wife can drive (she can't drive a clutch) and for better fuel mileage and better 1/4 mile performance. OK now tell me the good the bad and the ugly.

 

[Robin7TFour]

howdy, if i remeber right, you can use the factory shifter and buy the AOD lens that fits the original console. give me a day i am sure i can find the back issue with the vender.

Robin

 

[curtis]

I think I will use the flexplate and starter from the van, just to be sure all works together properly as it does inthe van. Not sure wha to do about the shifter. Thought about getting an original shifter plate and put the new lens in it. Probably have to save some money up to buy that stuff. I found shifter cable that is supposed to work with stock shifter. I really haven't seen any after market shifters that look good. I prefer stock looking.


Thanks for the input guys. Keep it coming.

 

[patsnitrovette]

i used my stock shifter and cable,i just filed the detent on the shifter so i can get first gear,works fine.

 

[curtis]

Hey patsnitrovet.............. if you file the detent does the indicator show the correct gear selection your tranny is in?

 

[4 webers]

I have a shifter , indicator assy , and a starter with about 10 cruise in trips on it for sale !

All for a 700r out of my 82 ,,,,,,,,,,,

geo

make me an offer