New Transmission?

[TomTom]

So my transmission finally gave out on me the other day, and now I don't know what to do. Do i replace it with a new(rebuilt) 5-speed, or put in an auto (700r4)? how difficult would the switch to auto be? keep in mind its not something that I myself would do, but rather have a shop do...Remember, I also have the 4.3, does anybody have this combo? Is it a complete dog? I like the idea because my fiance would be able to drive it, and here in the traffic-infested streets of Southern Cali, driving a 5-speed isn't the best of times.. Thanks everyone. TomTom out.

[Hit Man X]

What happened to kill it off?

[TomTom]

I'm not quite sure, but it had been rattling in gear at low RPM's for a while, and i knew it probably wasn't good, but didn't put too much thought to it, because it's been doing that for about 3,000 miles. Then, the other day after putting it into 1st and 2nd, it wouldn't go. truck only has 130,000 miles, and has not been driven hard, just a work truck that sees 90% highway. Thanks guys.

[TxStVanWilder]

could it be that jon boat your pulling in your signature??

[TomTom]

I've only tried to pull it once, I swear! But seriously, what do i do? SOMEBODY here has switched from manual to auto, right? please chime in.

[RedHeartbeat]

I highly recommend the switch to the 700r4. Stick shift is fun but sucks in traffic and its a real bitch if you need the gal to go do something for you in the truck and she can't drive it because it's a stick.

You'll need either a radiator from an automatic truck or the largest tranny cooler you can find, the transmission, convertor, floor shifter, cable from the trans to the throttle body, flex plate, bolts for the crankshaft and convertor. The crossmember should still be able to be used. The driveshaft will need to be converted to the 350 yoke from the TH400/5speed yoke and maybe shortened a bit. You'll have to supply 12v to the lockup clutch for the convertor off of the brake switch, it has 12v while driving and cuts the power off when you press the brake pedal so that the lockup clutch releases. Oh yeah, cooler lines from the transmission to the radiator, also.

If you get the 5 speed rebuilt, make sure you get the model that has the cast-iron front housing. There are two styles of 5 speeds, one is great and the other is a POS. I had the POS model rebuilt twice in 200K. You can identify the POS model by three ball looking objects along the transmission body behind where the shifter bolts to it. They are all three in a row. The three ball looking items are part of the shift rails.

[TomTom]

Redheartbeat,

Thanks for all the info, now I can begin the switch.. Is this gonna be a total dog? I'm not too concerned, but just curious. Do you think I'll be able to pull my boat? hehe jk Thanks for all the help.


Tom

[RedHeartbeat]

The 4.3L v6 is a torque monster. I pulled my 73 Searay 20' I/O behind mine all the time. No problem with power, just not enough clutch. Remember to never tow in overdrive.