desperate for YOUR ideas!

[speeder]

My tranny went out. I have an 84 ext cab, 4X4 that I am takign to 2wd. I have been running 170 shot, but i want to go higher, to 200 on a 355. The motor can handle it. I bought a TCI TH350 truckmaster 7000 miles ago to ensure no tranny problems. It is supposed to handle 500Hp. Desktop Dyno says my motor makes right now, around 496HP and 700lbft. The tranny has metal shavings all in the pan and it lost 3rd gear. I have 3 questions

1. What can I do to make this one take the beating and still be able to drive it to the track?

2. What transmission will take it and be able to drive to the track?

3. Can I get a stock tranny and can I build the new and improved monster myself? I am pretty good at learning and following instruction (books, movies) but have never done one myself. I know some people that can help if I get stuck. Thanks.

[smittie1984]

You\'ve got some Major hp. Sound\'s like you want a transmission that\'ll let you hit the tenneesse mountains but cruise at low rpm\'s to Florida. Grab the latest copy of GM high tech performance. They are doing a rebuild of a 4L60e that can handle 10 second ETs. And this is designed for heavy cars that run 10\'s. Though you may not be wanting to have an auto tranny. it goes through a complete rebuild of a transmission and can give you an idea of weak and strong points of any trans. Or you can go with the classic th400. My buddy has a 1980 jeep wagoneer with a rebuilt chevy350 with a th400. It is a heavy beast and has been through hell. It is still flawless.

[speeder]

Do you know if the stock TH400 will stand up, or do I need to upgrade it some?

[rudedogg]

if you dont mind not having OD the next solution is a th400 yes it will hold the power especially if it is built with the good parts and a shift kit big trans cooler modify your x-member and shorten driveshaft

[speeder]

Thanks for the replies. I have bought a TH400 from a 1980 3/4 ton PU. It needs a rebuild but I paid $80.

Please tell me if you have a preference on the repair parts. I was going to go with Red Eagle, or similar stuff.

[smittie1984]

A stock 400 is a excellent choice. Since you have so much torque you Definitely need to upgrade with strong parts. I have been having a big tranny dilemma myself. Since i plan to build a 450hp motor that will handle slicks for friday nights at atl dragway, I have to bullet proof everything from the flywheel down to the axles. Before you do anything go to a book store and grab every car mag you can get. Read. You will have to make over a million decisions. Do you want a 5 pinion planetary or keep the stock 4. Do you want a stronger forward clutch springs. Do you want to go home that night or do you want to spend possibly days or 100\'s of dollars getting your friends or a tow truck to pull you out of the woods because your tranny broke. Also do you plan to rebuild it yourself. But anyways good luck with your transmission project.

[speeder]

I have been getting many magazines and I did all my own research for the original build. I also built the motor from the shortblock up and have done many custom mods. Aling with clearancing the valves/pistons for the cam.

I am going to try and not put too much money in the tranny, since I did that with the first one ($1200 for the TCI tranny) and look where I am now. I have looked at Car craft and other magazines and they say that the TH400 is very strong (and inefficient) from factory. They did not mention any hard part of the tranny that was weak. This is what I was going to do:

1. get a rebuild kit with as HIPO soft parts as I can for around $100+

2. Get an ATSG manual and a rebuild video from somewhere.

3. DO the work myself and see how it comes out.

If you all have good expriences with tranny parts, please let me know the manufacturer. Also if you think that I am doing something crazy, I would love to hear that, too.

thanks

Oh and Hot Rod or or CarCraft is doing the same rebuild on a 700R4-4L60E, so I have seen it, too.

[remmi]

700 ft lb of torque. I\'m not surprised that something is breaking.you must be hooking up good too. I\'m interested in if your weighting down your truck for traction and what ratio your running in your rear, Is it back half?

Transmission TH400 But have it built by someone who builds racing trans.

[speeder]

Thanks for all the input! I guess that I will collect some parts for a few weeks and then I will take them to someone that know their stuff.

I have not been hooking up at all, since the torque is sick down low! I have 373 gears with a factory posi out of a 88 4X4 (mine was a 4X4 now converting to 2wd). I have slapper bars and they work OK. I just got slicks right the the damned thing gave out. I also jave a 280lb ballast weight that I can put in, but I have not been using it.

I ran 13.9 at 102 with 2.4-2.7 60ft.