700R4 questions: shifts and overdrive

[6wt]

84 C10 silverado / new, used 350 crate engine / stock, original 700R4 transmission

Questions:

1.  How many times does the transmission shift to get into Overdrive; utilizing level straight road with light gas pedal?

2.  My transmission shifts three (3) times in the above situation.  It shifts 1st to 2nd at 15-18mph.  It shifts 2nd to 3rd at 25-30mph.  It shifts 3rd to 4th at 45-50mph.  Am I now in Overdrive?  Or, is there one more shift from 4th into Overdrive?

3.  I removed the computer under the dash.  I removed the cruise control unit on the manifold.  I have the pressure switch located on drivers side firewall hooked up to manifold pressure.  Is my transmission converter lock up controlled by this vacuum switch?  Or, are there other switches and/or the under dash computer required?  I have not touched any brake switches unless they were part of the cruise control i removed.

Thank you in advance.

[6wt]

I spent an additional several hours yesterday researching this topic and trying to answer my own questions.  There are many threads on the subject, and, more can be found by searching, "lock up", "tcc", etc.  And, there is a technical document in the faq section.

Unfortunately, i do not have time right now to attempt the faq document.  So i had a long conversation with a transmission shop and purchased a lock-up control kit.  here is a link to what i purchased.

http://bowlertransmissions.com/p/103/700-r4-lock-up-control-module

For when i am towing and/or do not want the automated lock-up function, i can move the transmission selector from O-Overdrive to D-Drive which will override and eliminate the control module control.

Thanks.

ps. i look forward to the day of learning enough to progress past being a newbie...

[TerryY]

I have an 83 diesel van with a 700R4.

There is a single wire to the transmission from the throttle position sensor that provides power for the torque converter lockup. I put a dash mounted switch in that wire to lock out the lock up. Works great.

Not sure where the power wire comes from on the gasser but switching it will still work. I think 84 or 85 was the last all mechanical before they started getting fancier on the 700R4 controls.

[Irish_Alley]

i may be wrong but most times you start in 2nd unless you manually shift into 1st. lock up is electric and and work off pressure activated switches on the valve body, you can bypass this switch with a toggle switch. i have never done it so i cant tell you how its done but from what terry posted sounds about right

[Captkaos]

This is how you setup a lockup switch:
http://73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/lockup.htm

You can also setup a toggle switch...