Overdrive for 1981 dually 700r4? NV4500?

[frito-bandito]

I have a 1981 Chevy dually with a 350 engine and currently a 4 spd manual trans. I would like to get overdrive in the truck. I would love to do the NV4500 swap, but then again an automatic trans would be cool too. Any thoughts anyone?

[Captkaos]

not exactly sure what you are asking but both are viable options.

[frito-bandito]

Would a 700R4 be strong enough for a 1 ton that does occasional towing, and would I need a lock up torque converter. I would really like to do a NV4500 swap, but i'd do a 700R4 if its easier. Thanks

[frito-bandito]

I have a 1981 Chevy 1 ton single cab dually with a 350 engine. Is a 700R4 strong enough for this truck? I do moderate towing (mostly cars/trucks on a 16ft lowboy) but oits mostly a daily driver. I heard there is a difference in the earlier 700R4s and the later ones, is this true? Thanks everyone.

[Layne]

There's a difference between the older and the newer ones. I think 86 is the turning year for the good trans. My opinion- I'm no expert- a good 700 will handle a 1 ton.

[frito-bandito]

I am hoping that it would be strong enough, I want overdrive, and a NV4500 would be a tougher and more expensive swap, so maybe 700R4 is the way to go.

[VileZambonie]

The only other affordable option is the 4L80E but I've built several 700R4's and put em behind big blocks without issue. A later 700R4/4L60 is a better buildable core. You will need upgrades however.

[frito-bandito]

Ok thanks, that's what I needed to know.