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Investigating Auto Trans Swap For Wagon

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by FinoCJ, Jun 22, 2020.

  1. Jun 22, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Just thinking about what all would be involved in swapping the wagon T90 for an automatic transmission, and what expense it might be....None of this would happen in the near future, but more food for thought. IMO, to make it worth the effort, the AT needs to have an overdrive, so that rules out the standard TH350/400 options...Would a 700r4 match up nicely with the current sbc283 and D18? Is there a better option to research? I wonder how much floorpan, cross-member support and shifter linkage modification would be required? Thinking what the ballpark cost would be? Again, more of a long-term thought experiment than any rush to work - heck, not sure I am even keeping it - but this seems like a good application for a automatic and worth a bit of dreaming research.
     
  2. Jun 22, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
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    The 3:1 first gear of 700r4 will help the torque of the 283 a lot. Be sure to go with the updated 1-R drum. Off topic, do you have a build thread for your cj5? Ron
     
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  3. Jun 22, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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  4. Jun 22, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
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    I have the same problem staying on task.Thanks, Ron
     
  5. Jun 22, 2020
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    I can't see it being terribly involved. Driveshaft length won't be an issue. Myself I'd use the 700r4 but upgrade to a D300 ( quieter and better low range)with a clocking ring. Scope creep but a centered wide D44 shouldn't be a hard or expensive source. Once in crawl underneath with a tape and call Tom Woods for driveshafts.
     
  6. Jun 22, 2020
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    I thought the 700r4 needed a computer making it worthwhile to take engine and Transmission from the donor.

    Edit: 4l60 is computer
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2020
  7. Jun 22, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    A 700r4 can be use without a computer. It does require special throttle linkage and a different servo inside the tranny if I remember correctly. You also need a newer style brake light switch that unlocks the converter when you depress the brake. The most expensive component would be the adapter between tranny and transfer case. The 700r4 was plentiful and cheap at junkyards but you need one from a 4WD Chevy vehicle which has a longer output shaft.
    I agree with Rich M, the 700r4 and Dana 300 transfer case is a very popular combo.
     
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  8. Jun 23, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
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    700r4's didn't require a computer. 4l60e's needed a computer and were electrically shifted. Depending on what trans application you start with you'll need to change the output shaft. It's a good time to rebuild, the shaft is the last piece pulled and the first one put back in. The lockup torque can be wired through the brake switch and a pressure switch added to the 4th gear pressure tap. hope this helps, Ron
     
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  9. Jun 23, 2020
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
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    Could you get a 700R4 & transfer case out of a Chevy 4x4?
     
  10. Jun 23, 2020
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    If the frame rails are wide enough that would be easy.
     
  11. Jun 23, 2020
    Dphillip

    Dphillip Member

    Omaha NE
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    A Chevy truck, Blazer, ect, with a 700r4 would have driver side drop transfer case.
     
  12. Jun 23, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
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    up to 91 square body should have a passenger side drop, Ron
     
  13. Jun 23, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
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    The newer the truck you'll run into 4l60e's and 4l80e's. The last time I checked the stand alone controllers cost more than the conversion. Ron
     
  14. Jun 24, 2020
    Muzikp

    Muzikp Active Member

    Sacramento Ca.
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    I have a centered D44 out of an older Wagoneer you can have. Drag it home with you after the Rubicon trip :sneak::sneak::sneak:

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Jun 24, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I have a 4L60e/NP241 (if I remember) that came out of a solid axle Suburban, that will be going in one of my Wagons. I'm using the mid-90s Caprice 4.3 V8 (small version of the 5.7 LT1), so my ecu runs both the engine and transmission. The transfer case is a passenger drop, and I'm using Scout ll D44's, front and rear.
    I may use the stock Wagon chassis, or may use a coil sprung Land Rover Disco chassis, stretched 4 1/2". I'm favoring the LR setup to make a modern ride with better articulation offroad.
    -Donny
     
  16. Jun 24, 2020
    RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Central MN
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    I have no pics of the job I did for a guy years ago. But wanted to modernize his axles in his wagon and add power steering. He had already swapped in a complete square body Chevy 350/700R4/208 setup and it fit really nice. On a side note I used a 74-79 narrow track wag front with Ford outers and a Scout II rear.
     
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