Auto transmission swap

That's where I was confused, one Van was done this way, another that way, and it was b/c of those differences between the two Gens. I'm learnin'.......

Speaking of overdrives, I picked one up years back out of an early El Camino. Had it gone through by a pro and after a few things were replaced (bearings) I was told it is fine. My question to you in the know is how difficult for a beginner to do the swap. I know will need a support bracket, for that I have a Toyota truck trans support that looks like it will work, but the linkage and electrical seems like it may be tricky. Any tips?

Kakster wrote:Speaking of overdrives, I picked one up years back out of an early El Camino. Had it gone through by a pro and after a few things were replaced (bearings) I was told it is fine. My question to you in the know is how difficult for a beginner to do the swap. I know will need a support bracket, for that I have a Toyota truck trans support that looks like it will work, but the linkage and electrical seems like it may be tricky. Any tips?

Beware of the old GM overdrives with the sprag clutch they don't lockup they freewheel when coasting or downhill. They are not hard to hookup just need a cable pull for the lockout and a switch for the kickdown. The factory had a switch mounted on the carb. linkage, I had one of these in a 55 Chevy.

Don't mean to throw more fuel to the fire,but...Linkage.GM has about as many linkage set ups as they do water pump,alt.,and crank pulley set ups.One of those out of whack and your in for a nightmare.I'm sure in these cross-overs you have to do like the street rodder boys...improvise.
Maybe I should have made that as a question.

What I got is the trans seen in the photo and the bell housing. All the other parts you show Don are still on the van attached to the current 3 speed. Since the van isn't a driver I can tinker a lot to make the over drive fit. Seems to be the same length as the current tranny so I won't need to monkey with the drive shaft, just linkage and wiring.
Gotavan, when you say "freewheel" I think you mean I can't slow using the engin? If you disengage the overdrive while coasting do you get back the ability to use the motor to slow the vehicle? Appreciate the advice/info from all you guys.
Kakster

Hey did I see a four speed aotomatic with the centre hanger attached in dons pics or are my eyes that bad!!!...

I've got a stock hoop hanger & bolts I can let go if anyone's interested.

$200 + shipping

PB are you talking the stock 350 turbo mount?I need one Email me at grimmettbs@aol.com Thanks or call me at 503 931 1899 Bill

Oh if it is I'll take it ! Bill

The mount question...I had an old suburban------ 92 i think,,,,the trans crossmember looked like the one under the red van.... I am sure it could be cut down to fit... Any fab shop that does off road axels and drive lines can do your drive shaft up....

700 R installed - -'67 - 108'

Thanks - -actually installed the crossmemeber 25 years ago. Heres the latest - -http://www.angelfire.com/wv/joyrde/vanstuff/67gmc.htm

Don't forget about the 200R4. Similar to 700R4 but its overdrive has a slightly better ratio but the main thing is you don't need to shorten the driveshaft. I think the 200R4s are harder to find but not if you buy one from an outfit that rebuilds them.

Transmission Ratios	1st Gear	2nd Gear	3rd Gear	4th Gear OD
Turbo 350	2.52	1.52	1	N/A
Turbo 400	2.48	1.48	1	N/A
200- 4R	2.74	1.57	1	0.67
700R4 / 4L60	3.06	1.63	1	0.7

Great job Joyride!

I had an 86 Cutlass with a 200R4 in it. At least I think that's what was in it.

200's are great for these van's but like VANagain said, you got to find one first...

Within the next week or so I will have a 200-4R trans installed in my van. It's out of a Monte Carlo and has been professionally rebuilt. Thanks to this site and posts I think we have almost everything figured out. The only problem I have so far is I can't decide on a shifter. Going for floor shifter and have it narrowed down to the a cable operated Lokar or B&M Sport Shifter. My main issues are shifter arm height, reachability, and distance the shifter travels from 1st to park - I want to make sure the knob doesn't hit the dash or doghouse. I may end up building a console whichever way I decide. Any thoughts/suggestions?

I saw this universal bracket for the 700R4 (and probably 200R4). You can attach it to the shifter shaft at any angle. Then the long slot lets you test out different throws. Billski, maybe the right throw will keep your shifter from hitting your dash.



I haven't found a source for this yet. My notes say it's a Lokar aca-1800 shifter arm. I'll probably just weld up a similar arm with a slot so I can work out the proper throw to match up with my van's stock automatic column shifter. With any luck I'll be able to match it up with the stock Powerglide detents. ("D" would be overdrive, "L" would be drive. I don't care if I can't get to 1st or 2nd gear. When would you ever need to shift into them?)

Cool, Thanks for the scoop. I think I'm one step closer to figuring this out.

Got my LOKAR cable operated shifter via UPS today! Really excited! One step closer to installing the 200-4R trans! Should be completed by May 1st. Then comes the stereo. And then...heads...cam...who knows???

I will need a longer cable. Haven't determined what length yet. I will let you know. Do you have a special source?