Okay now that I have determined that the previous owner took out the 700R4 and replaced it with a turbo 350, (Assuming a 2wd version given the speedo socket) I am stuck as to whats next... The 350 works fine but I really like OEM stuff. Advance sells a 700R4 for 1200.00 bucks and change or I can get one online for 850.00 plus s/h so about the same price. I am thinking staying with the 350 till it fails. Saving up for the 700, I like the idea of overdrive and having a tv/detent cable -vs- nothing.. which is what I have now.

"87 K5 350 4 bolt

any thoughts guys?

 

if they left the wiring (square plug in etc) then just find a good used 700r4 and swap em out. If the 350 trans you have now has the 9" tailshaft then you can reuse your driveshaft. Also,the detent cable on the 700r4 is not there to adjust for shift points (if thats what you are referring too as liking the idea) its there to control line pressure for the whole transmission. Its made to be set and left alone.

 

TY Chris I understand the function of the cable and it controlling the pressures and shift points. I have a brand new cable because the old one was cut. (Now I know why) My old '82 chevy pick-up had a cable too it was a 350. No such beast on this 350, just a square plug with one orange wire that has been cut. That tail shaft? I am familiar with is not there. just a transfer case. I really hate it when a butcher works on a vehicle. I am going to spend some more time under this guy and see what else they cut, removed or deleted.. Having a sawzal and a pair of channel locks does not qualify one as being a mechanic. lol

 

Oh you have 4wd? then forget the tailshaft thing. 2wd has a tailshaft,which if its a 350 trans with 9" a 700r4 is a direct fit with the old driveshaft. look along the sides of the frame and see if you have the extra wiring for a 700r4. a 1500 truck i had,had wiring for both 3 speed,and 4 speed autos. you'll be looking for a square plug with i think 3-4 wires going into it. If its not there. then your trucks not equipped for a 700r4. BUT they do make lock up kits for the 700r4 (aka to lock in overdrive). I dont like them. only one i ever messed with was a tci brand kit,and hated it. ive heard there are better ones out there. 700r4 is totally mechanical besides the little bit of wiring for the speedo (if not cable driven) and the lock up.

 

Like A Boss thanks for replying. It's been a while since I have been able to get on here. Still rolling on the old tranny. Found out it is actually a 400 turbo. Still not happy about that and it won't shift into third until I hit 45/50, that is annoying. I do have the o/d on the shift indicator and the guy that did the swap actually tied the old wire up under the frame so it is there.. Now all I have to do is find a reasonable 700R4 to put in or rebuild and put in... thanks again for your help.

 

for the shifting,you could play with the governor gear. if you look towards the rear passenger side of the tranny,you'll see a square cover with 4 bolts. remove it,slide the governor out. There is no adjustment but they make spring kits to help change shift points. insteading of typing it out look at reply #2 on this link. TH400 vacuum modulator adjustment