700R4 Swap

[DBinWW]

I have a 79 sierra classic 1/2 T body on an 83 3/4 T chassis. I recently purchased an 89 Chevy Suburban 4WD with a failing 700R4 transmission. I will put my rebuilt TH350 into the Suburban.

My question pertains to the shift linkage. Do I need to swap out the entire steering column? Is there an easier way to swap the three speed in four speed indicators in linkages?

 

[Turbo4whl]

The 700R4 shift linkage will work fine. Only the dash indicator is different, and you don't have to change that. The 700R4 has a TV cable, the TH350 needs a kick down cable.

The TH350 is out of 4 wheel drive, correct? Transfer case mount may be different.

 

[AuroraGirl]

The 700R4 shift linkage will work fine. Only the dash indicator is different, and you don't have to change that. The 700R4 has a TV cable, the TH350 needs a kick down cable.

The TH350 is out of 4 wheel drive, correct? Transfer case mount may be different.

isnty the column shift gate need to be changed to allow the 1st gear selection?

 

[Turbo4whl]

isnty the column shift gate need to be changed to allow the 1st gear selection?

No, the only "gate" is for park. All the other detents are in the trans.

 

[AuroraGirl]

No, the only "gate" is for park. All the other detents are in the trans.

Weird I just feel like I remember something about there being a plate. maybe that was console shifters from GM?

 

[Matt69olds]

I believe there is a gate in the column that’s different between 3 and 4 speed transmissions.

If I remember correctly, the gate isn’t for each gear, it’s the detent for reverse. I think the spacing between park and neutral is different with a 4 speed trans verses 3 speed, which also moves where the shifter would be for reverse.

I have a tote full of old steering column parts at home, if I remember tomorrow I’ll dig thru them and compare the detent gates.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I believe there is a gate in the column that’s different between 3 and 4 speed transmissions.

If I remember correctly, the gate isn’t for each gear, it’s the detent for reverse. I think the spacing between park and neutral is different with a 4 speed trans verses 3 speed, which also moves where the shifter would be for reverse.

I have a tote full of old steering column parts at home, if I remember tomorrow I’ll dig thru them and compare the detent gates.

I know if you are all the way to the right and push the lever forward , I think the shifter will be unable to shift into reverse unless you allow off a bit, then it would disallow park I think? for the same

 

[DBinWW]

I appreciate this conversation. Not sure of the outcome. Regardless, if I do want to swap the shift indicator, is it a hassle?

 

[CalSgt]

I appreciate this conversation. Not sure of the outcome. Regardless, if I do want to swap the shift indicator, is it a hassle?

IIRC the indicator is simple, if you're comfortable with tools just jump in and get it done.

Pull the instrument bezel, I cant remember if the clear plastic that covers the gauges needs to be removed or if you can slip the indicator in with it in place. Then there are two screws on the indicator, and a third screw on the column that attaches a cable that drives the indicator needle.