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Opinions! 700r4 or TH400?

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Gunny65

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I was having a conversation with a friend. He told me to swap out the 700r4 with a TH400 (since I already have it). I had a little bit of a discussion in another thread in here but this is to directly to the point. No picking through the original posts main points first and all that. Anyway.....

The 700r4 has OD so gas mileage will be better but gas mileage isn't a big issue. If it was I would be driving a 4 banger. However, it is one part of the equation. Strength is the other part. The TH400 being stronger.

Then you got the 241 with a lower bottom gear then the TH400. I figured there is much more experience here to help make a determination.

Okay. So what would you all suggest...those of you who have used both, hopefully.

I have or will have when I am done "K5, 454tbi, 6" lift, 38s or 40s on H1s, NP241 (could use a 205), D60/D70 DRW with 4.88 gears"
 
I hate TH400's as i've had my fair share of failed 400's in my past (not 4wd 400's). I'll stick to my built 700R4 which has a lower 1st gear than a 400, and also has A 30% OD as well.
 
4X4HIGH said:
I hate TH400's as i've had my fair share of failed 400's in my past (not 4wd 400's). I'll stick to my built 700R4 which has a lower 1st gear than a 400, and also has A 30% OD as well.
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this is exactly what I agree with! Plus a 700r4 mated with a 208 is an even LOWER 4L! The 208 just isn't as strong as the 205.......

the later model 700R4s were stronger and a nice B&M kit is what I'm running now and I'm liking everything about it!
 
JPOutfitters said:
this is exactly what I agree with! Plus a 700r4 mated with a 208 is an even LOWER 4L! The 208 just isn't as strong as the 205.......

the later model 700R4s were stronger and a nice B&M kit is what I'm running now and I'm liking everything about it!
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or a 241 is even slightly lower.... and bolts right up in the same place as the 208.. :wink1:
 
Both are very good transmissions. However, 700R4's do not fair the best behind big blocks. They can handle hefty HP, as long as the motor isn't overly torquey. I would go with a TH400 for two reasons, you will be using a 454, and you will be geared very high anyway with 4.88's and 40's.
 
4X4HIGH said:
I hate TH400's as i've had my fair share of failed 400's in my past (not 4wd 400's). I'll stick to my built 700R4 which has a lower 1st gear than a 400, and also has A 30% OD as well.
Click to expand...

bingo...a late model 700 can be built to tow in OD a little too. just keep it cool.
 
Well, so far most of you like the 700r4 but it seems torn on the Tcase.

I don't have a 208, but I do have a 205. The 241 is already mated to the 700r4.

I was planning on buying a kit for the 700r4 that beefs it up, clutches, band and so forth. Looks like I might want a aftermarket trans cooler?

I heard and read that the TH400 was a good street racer trans. That seems like it would take a bunch of torque. Not the case?

Meh, I will keep the 205 out of it and use it for a doubler down the road. Still not totally sold on the 700r4 due to the torque I will have in the 454. I have been told a kit to strengthen it will help a lot.

Anyone run a 700r4 behind a BBC with lots a torque...and it lived?
 
I'm running a 355 chevy that I built that makes 500+ tq and I haven't had any issues with my built 700R4.
 
Gunny65 said:
Well, so far most of you like the 700r4 but it seems torn on the Tcase.

I don't have a 208, but I do have a 205. The 241 is already mated to the 700r4.

I was planning on buying a kit for the 700r4 that beefs it up, clutches, band and so forth. Looks like I might want a aftermarket trans cooler?

I heard and read that the TH400 was a good street racer trans. That seems like it would take a bunch of torque. Not the case?

Meh, I will keep the 205 out of it and use it for a doubler down the road. Still not totally sold on the 700r4 due to the torque I will have in the 454. I have been told a kit to strengthen it will help a lot.

Anyone run a 700r4 behind a BBC with lots a torque...and it lived?
Click to expand...

It depends what your right foot is made of:
Lead? then no. :whistle:
And if you already have the 241, don't even blink, just use it, it's a great tcase.
 
I just went and put numbers in a driveline calculator. The 700 and 241 win both high and low against; 700 & 205; 400 & 241; and 400 & 205. That's based on my whole setup though. It may be different for someone with different gears tires and engine.

Okay then. I will beef up the 700r4, use the 241, AND hope my foot can stay a little kite on the pedal.

Anyone know of a 241 beef kit that is worth the money spent?
 
Gunny65 said:
I just went and put numbers in a driveline calculator. The 700 and 241 win both high and low against; 700 & 205; 400 & 241; and 400 & 205. That's based on my whole setup though. It may be different for someone with different gears tires and engine.

Okay then. I will beef up the 700r4, use the 241, AND hope my foot can stay a little kite on the pedal.

Anyone know of a 241 beef kit that is worth the money spent?
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The only upgrade you need for it is a slip yoke eliminator kit. There are a few companies that sell it, look for SYE
 
Yep. Thanks on that. I had read in here that the SYE was the way to go.

Is there a beefier chain though? I saw several different types. But they were for Dodges and other p/n Tcases. I remember reading about a bigger chain for one of the Tcases but can't remember if it was the 241.
 
TH400 to a 241/205 doubler :waytogo: Slip yoke eliminated, Chain eliminated and 3 low ranges to choose from. The money saved fom not having to beef up the trans will go towards the cases. A stock TH400 should be fine behind a TBI 454.

If you are mechanically inclined you can build most of it yourself and save $$ or you can buy the kit from D&D.

Sell off the 700/241 and search craigslist for a driver drop 241. They are cheap and easy to find. The 205 you need is the 86 up I believe, but you didnt mention what yr the case was from.

Just my .02
 
MTBLAZER89 said:
TH400 to a 241/205 doubler :waytogo: Slip yoke eliminated, Chain eliminated and 3 low ranges to choose from. The money saved fom not having to beef up the trans will go towards the cases. A stock TH400 should be fine behind a TBI 454.

If you are mechanically inclined you can build most of it yourself and save $$ or you can buy the kit from D&D.

Sell off the 700/241 and search craigslist for a driver drop 241. They are cheap and easy to find. The 205 you need is the 86 up I believe, but you didnt mention what yr the case was from.

Just my .02
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True, but, won't I lose all my higher gear ratio for freeway driving? I mean, I don't mind spending some money on gas but wouldn't this just cause higher rpms and more wear on the engine? I have to drive to where ever I plan on wheeling.

I don't know if what I just typed is correct. It seemed to point in that direction when I used the calculator to determine rpms, mph, and so forth. The rpms with the 400 were high 3K at 65 using 205. The 241 was better but not by much.

The 700 and 241 gave me better numbers on both ends. Again, BUT, numbers don't matter if I blow the trans a couple months into it because of the 454 torque.

I am not a serious lead foot but when I am wheeling, in mud, rpms get really high but there is very little heavy torque in that scenario. It would be on pavement that I worry about it...and there usually am pretty moderate. My kids give me crap about my "grandad" driving all the time.

If I ever start doing a lot of rock crawling then I plan on a doubler...but then I won't be using the K5 I will build a buggy and it will be trailered.

Does my reasoning sound okay or am I off by a lot?
 
Hmmm, with 38-40s what kind of highway speeds you expect to be running? enough to justify the expence of building a super strong th700? Th400s are cheaper to build and hella stout. just my .02
 
Gunny65 said:
True, but, won't I lose all my higher gear ratio for freeway driving? I mean, I don't mind spending some money on gas but wouldn't this just cause higher rpms and more wear on the engine? I have to drive to where ever I plan on wheeling.

I don't know if what I just typed is correct. It seemed to point in that direction when I used the calculator to determine rpms, mph, and so forth. The rpms with the 400 were high 3K at 65 using 205. The 241 was better but not by much.

The 700 and 241 gave me better numbers on both ends. Again, BUT, numbers don't matter if I blow the trans a couple months into it because of the 454 torque.

I am not a serious lead foot but when I am wheeling, in mud, rpms get really high but there is very little heavy torque in that scenario. It would be on pavement that I worry about it...and there usually am pretty moderate. My kids give me crap about my "grandad" driving all the time.

If I ever start doing a lot of rock crawling then I plan on a doubler...but then I won't be using the K5 I will build a buggy and it will be trailered.

Does my reasoning sound okay or am I off by a lot?
Click to expand...

Your final drive ratio will only be different between the 400 and 700. Both cases have a 1:1 high range output. The TH400 is a 1:1 output and the 700 is a .70:1 overdrive. I think with 40's and 4.88's you would be ok without overdrive really. I ran 37's with a TH350 and 4.56's and it ran 65 no problem :waytogo:

The 241/205 doubler will give you a 2:1 (205), 2.7:1 (241), and a 5.4:1 (both) low ranges.
 
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