1987 tranny + transfer case to a 1978 easy swap?

[Skull Leader]

I haven't been around since my 87 Blazer was smashed from the front in mid February. I found a great condition 1978 K5 with a barely working 3 speed TH350 and 203 transfer case. So, I have a perfectly good TH700 and 208 sitting around. Would this swap be something I can do in a few hours or a weekend, or would it be a major pain? Seems like a nuts and bolts, hand tools and jacks job. I just want to know if I would run into any wiring or shifting problems. The 78 is 300 miles away and I'd like to know if the it would be worth it to tow it back. Any help would be great.

 

[smalltowncowboy]

i put the whole drivtrain from a 87 truck into an older blazer (dont remember the exact year) and i had no problems at all fit wise. my only problems were rusted bolts.

 

[Mudstud]

As long as the tranny doesn't have some computer controlled dealio I see no probs swapping it out. You'll have the whole parts truck sitting next to the new (old) one so you aughta be in good shape.

 

[Skull Leader]

Excellent!!! It's still not etched in stone, but for $800, I say why not? Is this something I can do myself with a jack and transmission adapter? I'd like to know if there's anything special I should do that I might be forgetting. Thanks.

 

[Mudstud]

I'd suggest taking the 203 out separately from the th-350 as the whole thing will be easier to deal with. Might have to disconnect the exhaust pipes. I used an actual tranny jack and it helped emensly. I guess give it a try with your jack adaptor and if it no workie go rent one. Strap that sucker down to the jack so it can't just fall off. That 203 is a heavy and awkward sum b!tch. I don't know how the speedo cable connects to the 700 so there may be a slight issue there. Bout all the tips I can think of.