So, I'm gonna need a new tranny, Gonna do a 700R4 to SM465 swap

[rgilmartin]

Well, I wasn't planning on this as part of this phase of the build. But, it seems as though I've burnt out the reverse band in my 700R4. I live in denver, and If I keep it will most likely have someone rebuild it...

I'm going to start searching and reading, but anything you'd like to add would be greatly appreciated.

I've got an 87 burb, and have acquired a 14bff and D60, with 4.56 gears, which I plan on keeping.

The intended vehicle will be a mix of highway driving and off-roading in the colorado mountains, with the occasional trip to work in the snow, and when the beater car breaks down! This may see some duty in the far future as a tow vehicle for a smaller trail-only rig. But mostly this will be my do-all outdoor rig.

I am open to considering other tranny options, especially if it will reduce the cost!!

I have not decided on tire size, but want to go as big as will work with the tranny I get and the 4.56 gears.

I was planning on keeping the 208 t-case, but am open to sugg on that as well. a 205 is stronger, but the 208 is lighter w/ taller gearing?

 

[496truck]

Have the 700R4 rebuilt, with new torque converter, any good internal updates (stronger parts), and add a good trans cooler, maybe even add a shift improver kit. This will be the easiest and best solution in the long run for the trucks intended purpose.

Going to a TH350, no overdrive, no real strength gain, will need new driveshafts.
Going to a TH400, no overdrive, much stronger, will need a new t-case, will need new d-shafts.
Going to a 4L80E, has overdrive, much stronger, will need new t-case, will need new d-shafts, will need stand alone controller, usually expensive for a good used one almost as much as rebuilding the 700R4

 

[sweetk30]

th350 can be done with few mods and NO driveshaft rework if you use a fitzall spacer kit designed just for this.

but todays gas prices just go reman 700r4. www.bowtieoverdrives.com is a real good place and lots of guys here have used them.

 

[Blue85]

A 700 does not have a reverse band.

4.56 gears work well with 35s.

 

[isaac]

he probaby ment he had a burnt clutch on his reverse. the same thing happend to my 700r4. i ended up having my rebuilt. problem solved no mods.

 

[nsxxtreme]

I'd look for someone local. I had mine rebuilt for about $800 included all new stronger parts and a heavy duty torque convertor.

The parts for these things aren't expensive and it's not rocket science to rebuild one. The most difficult part is really just locating and purchasing the special tools required.

 

[gonefishin]

i don't know if you ever go to swap meets but i there is a guy around me that i have been seeing for years at the swap meets selling transmissions i talked to him and he rebuilt my 700r4 for 650 built right with a shift kit and converter

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I've know many people that have dealt with rebuilt 700R4's. IME, they don't last long. That doesn't mean they can't be rebuilt to last, they certainly can, but many shops don't do them right. Sure, it may have a warranty. I've seen that with friends/relatives etc many times, the shop will fix it well enough to make it out of warranty. Big chain shops, local shops, etc. Make REAL sure that the trans shop you're dealing with has a great reputation for 700R4's, that lowest price might seem cheap but it isn't so cheap 14 months from now after your 1 year warranty expires

My closest personal experience is that the GM reman's are really good but they aren't the cheapest. I'm sure there are good aftermarket rebuilders out there too.

 

[63chevyll]

I have a real good guy down here in the springs who builds 700s good. Let me know if you wanna know more. But I'm sure there's someone up there who can do good

 

[rgilmartin]

I would love to hear of people who rebuild them in Denver,,,I have a friend who's brother in law rebuilds transmissions, but I don't really know much about the work he's done.

I may take you up on that guy in the springs if I can't find someone w/ a decent reputation up here.

I've been thinking about a manual, (sm465) I am planning on keeping an eye out at the junkyards, and for a donor truck, All the while looking for someone to rebuild the 700r4.

I'm not in a huge hurry to get it done..I've got quite a bit of work to do on the truck, and plan on it taking at least a couple of months.

 

[63chevyll]

Look up transmission clinic. They have done anything from diesel trans to Honda trans for me. He builds many race car trans for all the local short tracks.

 

[rgilmartin]

Thanks for all the info on the 700R4 guys.

I don't know what is wrong with it exactly, it doesn't have reverse, after the tough truck, and I don't know if it goes forward or not. It didn't seem quite right before either.

It seems as though rebuilding it will run around 500 +

I've found a guy parting out the same year, 1987 with s SM465 / NP208 combo.

I'm going to grab the tranny / xfer case, shifters, pedal assembly, clutch, flywheel, rear drive shaft, for less than that...

Is there anything else I should get while I'm there?

 

[1BEATK5]

Thanks for all the info on the 700R4 guys.

I don't know what is wrong with it exactly, it doesn't have reverse, after the tough truck, and I don't know if it goes forward or not. It didn't seem quite right before either.

It seems as though rebuilding it will run around 500 +

I've found a guy parting out the same year, 1987 with s SM465 / NP208 combo.

I'm going to grab the tranny / xfer case, shifters, pedal assembly, clutch, flywheel, rear drive shaft, for less than that...

Is there anything else I should get while I'm there?

make sure and grab the hydraulics. or atleast the hard line and the resivoir. (87 has a hydraulic clutch)