4 or 5 speed auto Tranny Swap from manual 3spd, but all analog, is 700r4 it?

[Photog]

My 73 C10 2wd longbed got a fresh engine, and it really shows the poor drive-ability of the Muncie 330 (HD 5 bolt bell-housing, 3spd column shift). There is a real stickiness to the tranny and NO WAY to shift quickly or smoothly.
This truck is going to be a weekend driver and occasional work truck, and I'd like a modern 4 or 5 speed transmission that has overdrive. I built the engine for max low RPM torque, and it pulls great from idle (650rpm).
What AUTO transmission will bolt onto the SBC and works without electronics? This truck is all stock and completely analog, non-computerized and I would like to keep it that way if possible.
Is the 700R4 the only thing to look at?

[JohnnyPopper]

Q: how many miles are on the Muncie? Fluid old and sludge like? Connecting bushings on the shifter rods corroded, dry, and stiff?

Just asking since this is going to be a process, you may as well increase your joy by cleaning and lubing the old girl up.

Regarding bolting up, the SBC bell housing has been the same since 1955-(I don't know if or when it ever changed)

I have seen kits that allow an analog truck to be fitted with a 700r4. I'd explore that first.

Also there is a year range when they were/are better than earlier gens.

Finally I have read of mods that increase strength and longevity.

Please post what you find, for some of us too lazy to look ourselves.

I'm waiting for my TH350 to go and will pry go with the 700r4.

[Swampyankee74]

Not saying this is the way to go but My 1985 c10 had a th350c with a self contained overdrive box on it. It worked pretty good. I was 16 when I bought it, Didn't give it much thought about being factory or after market.

[JohnnyPopper]

Wow I've never seen one...

Most likely aftermarket, or it seems we would have seen more.

Does it still work? How was/is it controlled?

The 3 speed manual OD had a cable, and solenoid to engage/disengage. Kinda clunky as I recall

[Swampyankee74]

I sold that truck about 2004 for $500. Connecticut reinstated emissions and there was no way that thing would pass the way it was. Wish I still had it. Looking back I would definitely say aftermarket. I beleave it was solenoid actuated. Had a toggle switch for on and off. I'm guessing it would detect the rpm coming out of the tranny and engage when needed. I remember you could cruise down the highway at some pretty low rpms.

[Captkaos]

overdrive non computer controlled: your only options are the 700R4 (pre-1993 4L60) or a 200-4R

The TH350C had a lock up converter that many people put a toggle switch on to control the lock up.  Unless something was mounted to the back of it that was overdrive unit, it didn't have overdrive.

[JohnnyPopper]

Might have been a Gear Vendor product.

[Swampyankee74]

I don't know if that was the company. I didn't install it. But it was definitely a unit bolted to the transmission

[Photog]

Thanks for the replies. I've had the Muncie out twice to figure out why it's so sticky. If I'm going to upgrade, I want an automatic for ease of driving. While I love manuals for performance driving, this is not that kind of truck. I'll keep reading about the 700r4 and see if if that is the way to go for me.

[JohnnyPopper]

Funny that a deep dive into a manual trans would be so fruitless. Sometime the counter shaft wear that goes unnoticed.

Well you're off to the races so to speak, please post your progress. It's enjoyable to hear of the journeys these thing take us on.