Trans swap

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AnthonyB97OBS

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I'm sure it's been asked but haven't found it yet. I have a 97 5spd k1500 Silverado with a nv3500 wanting to know which is best to swap with little mods
 

Nad_Yvalhosert

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With "little mods"?
The one you already have.

Which is best?
With the "no info" about what you're gonna use the truck for (rock crawling, snow plowing, towing a boat, drag racing)... who knows?

I apologize for not being a psychic and reading your mind regarding your intended wishes...
 

TCBRacer77

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The swap to an nv3500 is not “difficult” but it does require time, and a bit of money to do it the right way, for a no issues result. I only did it because I was tired of pulling out the 4l60e for a 3rd time for bad rebuilds or the reman not lasting. I don’t regret doing the swap, in fact I just pulled of a cross country move, towing all my stuff up multiple grades in the middle of summer, I’m pretty sure I would have lost my 4l60e, but the “new” nv3500 from zumbrota handled it like a champ if you know how to tow, and I got really good gas mileage
 

PlayingWithTBI

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My 89 has a TH 400 (wierd) and I would like to swap in a 700R4. Has anyone done this?
Which ECM do you have, a 1228747? I'm guessing you have either a 2500HD+ or a 7.4L? You can just swap the 700R4 in but, if you want the TCC to lock up, you'll need a 1227747 ECM or even an EBL Flash-II and the wiring harness for the 700R4.

Edit: you'll also want the shift column with 1-2-D-OD.
 

stutaeng

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My 89 has a TH 400 (wierd) and I would like to swap in a 700R4. Has anyone done this? Thanks.
Your '89 must be a 2500/3500...yes, that swap is possible, but if you do any kind of heavy work, I'd leave the more robust transmission in there.

I don't think the 700 is going to like being in a big, heavy truck, much less doing any towing or hauling.
 
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Schurkey

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If GM installed a TH400, you'll be playing Pop Goes The Transmission if you cram a '700 in there and then work the truck.

Might as well leave the TH400; the 4L80E would be sufficiently strong, but it'll need an expensive control box to operate it, or a computer swap with programming and wire harness updates, or you shift it manually, and throw a switch to engage the converter clutch.
 
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