[scouthead]

I'm still trying to decide if I should put my 700r4 in a trail truck...
Any issues? Complaints? Regrets? Lack of compression Braking?

[missipboy]

i think this is covered pretty well if you try the search function. but i'll tell you, it's hard to shift, f*#k with the radio and watch where you're going without spilling your beer. if you go manual, find some good drink holders.

[tucker74]

I love it in my 80, you never get in those to-much-clutch (foot slips) or to-little-clutch (dies) situations which always seem to happen at the most inopportune moment. I do like being able to lug the 2F down to ~200 rpms with the manual in my 40, but that can be accomplished with a little brake work.

Tucker

[shelfboy1]

been a while for me had 1 years ago turbo 400 auto 501 caddy it made a good dd, and on the trail you gave it just the amount of gas to make it go. a manual lockup converer would have been nice in the end do what fits your driving style and likes good luck

[Franky40]

That's what I have in mine. I would never go back to a standard. Low range first gear it crawls down stuff. You do need good brakes though, with my old drum brakes it was all I could do to hold it still when stopped on a downhill slope, course that is with a v-8, not sure what it would be like with a stock engine.

[scouthead]

Originally Posted by missipboy

i think this is covered pretty well if you try the search function. but i'll tell you, it's hard to shift, f*#k with the radio and watch where you're going without spilling your beer. if you go manual, find some good drink holders.

Hmmm....don't have a radio....and have previously managed with beverage and cigar, although a little tricky...drink holders would be nice.

[scouthead]

Originally Posted by Franky40

That's what I have in mine. I would never go back to a standard. Low range first gear it crawls down stuff. You do need good brakes though, with my old drum brakes it was all I could do to hold it still when stopped on a downhill slope, course that is with a v-8, not sure what it would be like with a stock engine.

Alright I guess I'll count this as +1 for my 700...and yes it's going behind an 8cyl. Do you think being able to turn the idle down a couple hundred rpm would help with the stopping on downhills? or is it just something with the torque converter that I would have to deal with?
Thanks.

[numtel]

Do it!! You have so much more control.

[1973Guppie]

yes, hands down, automatic, I have a manual and am going to switch to an auto later, if I could redo it I would have gone auto......

Noah

[scouthead]

I guess that's +2 and +3 for auto...starting to look like my pig is going to be auto-tastic...

[fyresq]

I've been pondering over the same questions and am getting ready to throw a 700r4 in my LC. I keep being told it shouldn't be done but I see lots of guys out there running them. I have a TBI SBC with matching 700r4 from an 89 truck so the choice is easier for me.

The positives....

better braking control over obstacles
no roll backwards down the hill trying to engage clutches on a steep angle
crawl ratio effectively doubles
overdrive
the wife can drive it (wait a minute....is this still the positive part)
700r4 parts are easy to get
plenty of adapters
700r4 trannys are a dime a dozen (nv4500's have become pricey, especially for 95 and earlier wih the lower gearing)

Negatives.......

The biggest problem is length
front driveline clearance - probably have to use two-piece
should lengthen wheelbase due to long tranny and short rear driveline
can't drive sideways 90 deg(blow the pump with no fluid)
have to pay close attention to overheating issues
need a tranny cooler

[FJFOOL]

I have a 350 SBC and TH400, love it !! Having 4WDB does help going downhill, tranny cooler is a MUST ! Enjoy your build.