m1008 and the 700r4!!need opinions.

[asg13]

well I'm pretty certain my t h 400 is fried, so now I guess I have 2 options. Rebuild my t h 400 or upgrade for change to a 700 r 4.with that being said,those of you who have converted over to the 700what are the positives and negatives. the truck will be used for more of general use occasionally towing a u t v.. the tranny shop wasnt very excited about the 700

 

[Warthog]

Many members have done this swap. I think all have liked it.

It is not a direct swap. The hardest part is finding the TV (throttle valve) bracket. Very rare and sometimes cost $125 on fleabay.

A properly built 700r4 can more than handle anything the 6.2L can throw at it.

Someone was selling all the required parts except the tranny for $300. Look in the classifieds.

 

[doghead]

Do not eliminate parts! You need the TPV connected and correctly adjusted.

 

[Recovry4x4]

Here comes a whole bunch of info, hopefully digestable. Firstly the site rules urge you to use capitalization and puncuation. While we are not the grammar police, and honest effort helps a bunch. Capitals at the beginning of sentences etc.

Tranny. It's a wonderful upgrade but soon there will be a faction of internet tranny experts that will come along and tell you it's not an upgrade, the tranny is a half ton tranny and a whole bunch of other bunk. Mind you, not one of them has done the install so take their internet expertise with a grain of salt.

The 700R4 can be built to handle 1000 HP so dealing with the 6.2 is nothing. The 4.56 gears and the 700 are a match from heaven. The 3.06 first gear helps the anemic but dependable 6.2 get the load going and the .70 overdrive makes driving fun and a whole lot more quiet. If you drive sensibly, at around 65 you will see a decent increase in mileage as well.

As far as the tranny shop, if they aren't too keen on the 700, move to another shop.

Good luck on your truck. One more thing, make sure those offering advice have done the swap. Real world experience is worth much more than armchair experience!

 

[asg13]

Thanks for the advice. I will continue to search and come up with a "must have" list. I am going to really consider a push for a 700r4 as long as the expense associated is not a ton more then just a rebuild of my th400. From what I have read, the 700 just seems to fit my driving style and use the best.

anyone have a thread link or parts list minus the 700 please post if you would like. Thanks

 

[asg13]

Many members have done this swap. I think all have liked it.

It is not a direct swap. The hardest part is finding the TV (throttle valve) bracket. Very rare and sometimes cost $125 on fleabay.

A properly built 700r4 can more than handle anything the 6.2L can throw at it.

Someone was selling all the required parts except the tranny for $300. Look in the classifieds.

Found the thread! Does that seem to be all that is needed? I will contact my local shop and see what they have to say..thanks again

 

[Warthog]

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/showth...-ton-Chevy-4-speed-auto-conversion-kit-300-00

You will also need a low stall speed torque converter.

 

[Iceman3005]

I have done several of these for customers, and I did one of my m1008's, I burnt up the one in my truck so the spare I had for the other m1008 I have went into my truck. A rebuild is usually about 300 for parts and labor, but I will be doing some upgrades since it is out and will be torn down. My rebuild will probably cost about 700 for the parts (no labor I am the mechanic). The 700r4 is a inexpensive trans to purchase (usually), and inexpensive to maintain and rebuild, plus like noted by others first gear is a wonderful thing for the underpowered 6.2 and the overdrive is nice, I don't have to worry about getting run over on the freeway for only doing 55, now I can do 70-75. As for mileage mine went up to about 16-20 depending on how I drive, if I do a lot of 70mph driving it will get about 17 and if I keep it about 55mph than I can get 20. I got 21.5 once but I drove like a grampa. The first gear is amazing, I pulled a 10,000 lb load with it. If I would have had the turbo 400 I am not sure it would have got going.

 

[Iceman3005]

As for parts it is pretty simple:

New flex plate (the 700r4 uses a smaller torque convertor) $65

New torque convertor 1200 to 1600 stall (1200 is the best, I have used both a 1600 and 1200) $350

New front seal on trans, trans is out my as well do it kinda like an insurance policy $10

TV cable napa has them for $35

TV cable rod, it connects tv cable to IP. Go to chevy dealer and tell them you have a 6.2 diesel and you need the TV cable rod it will be in there classic vehicles warehouse $25

TV cable bracket $75-150

700r4 trans from an 87-93 chevy full size blazer, s-10 pickup or blazer. Make sure it is a "K" case it will be stamped on the left front outside of the bell housing about 4 inchs long. $100-500 depending on condition.

Transfer case: NP208 or NP241 from a 700r4 it is a 27 spline output shaft, the np241 is same as an np208 but the np241 is a little stronger. $100-250 An np205 will also work $300-500, just need a 2 inch spacer between transfer case adapter and transmission $100, then cut off about 2 inches of output shaft off.

Front and Rear drive shafts: If you use the np208 or NP241 NO driveshafts modifications are necessary Transfer case crossmember will use same frame bolt holes as before. If you use the NP205 the front drive shaft will have to be lengthed $150, and the rear will have to be reworked to make an actuall slip driveshaft with a fixed yoke $150. The crossmember will need new holes drilled in frame.

Torque convertor lockup kit, should include all new wires for valve body along with new TC lock up solenoid, wires, relay (TC unlock when you press on brake pedal), and manual lockup switch to lock TC in 2nd and 3rd gear for towing. $100

That should be all you need!

 

[Skinny]

Here comes a whole bunch of info, hopefully digestable. Firstly the site rules urge you to use capitalization and puncuation. While we are not the grammar police, and honest effort helps a bunch. Capitals at the beginning of sentences etc.

Tranny. It's a wonderful upgrade but soon there will be a faction of internet tranny experts that will come along and tell you it's not an upgrade, the tranny is a half ton tranny and a whole bunch of other bunk. Mind you, not one of them has done the install so take their internet expertise with a grain of salt.

The 700R4 can be built to handle 1000 HP so dealing with the 6.2 is nothing. The 4.56 gears and the 700 are a match from heaven. The 3.06 first gear helps the anemic but dependable 6.2 get the load going and the .70 overdrive makes driving fun and a whole lot more quiet. If you drive sensibly, at around 65 you will see a decent increase in mileage as well.

As far as the tranny shop, if they aren't too keen on the 700, move to another shop.

Good luck on your truck. One more thing, make sure those offering advice have done the swap. Real world experience is worth much more than armchair experience!

Agree 100%

Yes they sucked back in 1984, now they are one of the best non-electronic light duty transmissions. Light duty meaning not the ideal choice for a Cummins swap. With increased highway speeds the TH400 sucks in every way for the driver but they are simple and bulletproof.

Most 700R4's die early because of incorrect TV adjustment the best way being with the pan off or with a pressure gauge. Too loose and every shift slips, too tight and every shift bangs.