700R4 to 4 or 5 Speed Swap...TV Cable Bugs

[timl1978]

I am thinking of going to a 4 or 5 speed in my 85K-10.  Has anyone done it?  Is it worth all the work to change it over?  Can it be changed over?  Do I go to a SM465 or NV3500 or NV4500?

[VileZambonie]

I would rather drive my truck into a brick wall then swap a 700r4 for an SM465 but that's just me. I hate that trans unless it's for dirty work. Some guys love it. Why exactly do you want to make the swap?

[timl1978]

Not sure really...but maybe to make towing easier or because it's more fun.

[VileZambonie]

Towing what easier? And what's more fun to you? Do you just like to shift? What kind of driving do you do? I prefer automatics myself and you can do a lot with an automatic but if you're gonna do the swap I would at the very least have some good reasons why so you're happy with the outcome.

[zieg85]

Here is my take on it.  I prefer stick shifts.  I have several reasons, but mostly just preference.  1) my wife can't drive stick and won't even try.  2)better control in bad weather.  3) economy over automatics, at least the way I drive. 4) I understand the inner workings on a manual transmission and the SM465 is bulletproof tried and true. 5) I can fix em if they break.  6) I have had a break line fail and at least you have engine braking to get home safer.  I don't run anything hard and the SM465 is not something you can or even want to shift fast.  The older I get the more I am leaning toward automatics.  Towing is easier with an automatic if the gearing is proper for the load.  The SM465 with the granny gets it moving easier with less wear and tear but does take time to shift through the gears.  I had the 700R4 in my 95 and didn't like it because of the short first gear and have driven the 5 speeds in the newer trucks.  A very few late 1987 trucks were fitted with 5 speeds as experimental units.  I have only heard of one but have not seen it first hand.  The NV4500 is a nice swap and if I were going to do one that would be my pick, but an easier swap is a 4 speed meant for your truck connected to a parts truck that gave you everything needed for the conversion.  Good luck with your decision.  My $.06

[VileZambonie]

Zieg, #1 is probably your best reason! lol

I'd have to disagree with better control in bad weather. You don't have to disconnect the engine from the transmission for abrupt changes with an auto and when you have large gaps in ratio's like some of these manuals do it's not a very smooth transition. You have engine braking with an automatic too, just move the shift lever down. As far as economy the major efficiency loss is in the heat energy in the torque converter. Most people drive their vehicles with a manual trans unlike they should on paper (including me) I always find myself in a lower ratio too long and there goes efficiency. Ever drive a vehicle with a factory shift light? lol Try shifting when you're supposed to and see if you like it. I'm not knocking manuals here just understand there are a lot of reasons to love automatics too.

[timl1978]

Really I don't like how the 700 shifts.  Since i've installed the new motor it just shifts way too quick and won't downshift, ever.  I've adjusted the TV cable per the spec but no luck.  I also have the correct brackets for the holley carb.  If I get the 700 shifting correct i'll be happy.

[zieg85]

I think a trans guy with the proper know how can get it right.  I have read on the 700R4 and there seems to be some other internal adjustments that are required to get it right.  Vile is an expert on these trucks.  I wish I could help you on this one.

[VileZambonie]

Have you done any modifications to the 700R4 or is it stock? There are many simple upgrades you can do to get nice shifts. In the meantime, tighten the tv cable up one more click at a time and see what it does.

[timl1978]

It's completely stock with about 90K miles on it.  I will messy around with the TV cable.  It shifts good with easy normal throttle but when you floor it it won't downshift.  Also when you floor it from a stop it will shift through the gears very quickly and never allow the engine to rev out.  Do you know what may be causing that?

[eventhorizon66]

First, at the time of my 350 install, I tried Bowtie Overdrive's TV Made EZ kit and hated it.  I could never get it to shift smoothly at low throttle AND firmly at high throttle.  So I removed it and reinstalled my stock set up.

After this, my trans was upshifting WAY too early under light or heavy throttle, and 3-4 shift was way too soft and slow (slippage).  I replaced the TV plunger spring with a Sonnax replacement spring (slightly longer, slightly more pressure than the stocker).  After readjusting my TV cable, the result was a night and day difference.  Shifts much better now.

[timl1978]

Have you done any modifications to the 700R4 or is it stock? There are many simple upgrades you can do to get nice shifts. In the meantime, tighten the tv cable up one more click at a time and see what it does.

I tightened it (move back towards firewall) and the shifting get worse, the more I move it back the quicker and softer it shifts.

[VileZambonie]

Is there tension on the cable?

[timl1978]

Is there tension on the cable?

There is always some slack, no matter what position the adjuster is at.  At WOT I can pull the cable by hand about a 1/4" further than the carb WOT.

[VileZambonie]

Is it hooked up to the tv valve correctly in the valve body? You might want to check and if ok install the correct tv cable.