The Stovebolt.com Forums Home | Tech Tips | Gallery | FAQ | Events | Features | Search
Fixing the old truck

BUSY BOLTERS
Are you one?

Where is it?? The Shop Area

continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.

Searching the Site - a click away
click here to search
New here ??? Where to start?
Click on image for the lowdown. Where do I go around here?
====
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 510 guests, and 1 robot.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics126,777
Posts1,039,267
Members48,100
Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025
Step-by-step instructions for pictures in the forums
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#1054632 09/07/2014 5:57 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
I am trying to educate myself on the th350 that I have in my 46/7. Through google images I have identified the vacuum modulator just below the cooler outlet lines but I have yet to find the kickdown connection. I have looked at lots of pictures of th350's and have yet to find one exactly the same as mine. Am I missing something here? I would like to post a picture but I don't have one at this time. By the way this is all in pieces and not an operational truck, I will have to assemble everything. Dave


1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
The kick down cable on a TH350 is next to the filler tube. Are you sure you have a TH350? A TH400 does not use a kick down cable.

Also, the modulator on a TH350 is mounted at the rear of the transmission, the TH400 has it on the passenger side below or close to the cooler lines.

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
Also, the TH350 pan is angled on the right rear rather than square. A TH400 pan is not square at all. And the vacuum modulator is below the cooler lines on the passenger side.

Last edited by Roy Rodgers; 09/07/2014 7:14 PM.
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
I will have to get the numbers, I don't know for sure what I have, but the vac mod.is below the cooler lines on the passenger side. Dave

Last edited by homer52; 09/07/2014 7:15 PM.

1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
If the pan has an oddball shape with a bulge on one side and the modulator is 2/3 of the way back on the passenger's side, it's a TH 400. 350's have a basically square pan with one corner nipped off. A TH 400 has an electric kickdown with a single wire connector going through the transmission housing just above and slightly to the rear of the shift linkage.

Pan #3 is a TH 350. #4 is a TH 400:
https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AqpwxKaHukfMZnszqduwQjqbvZx4?p=transmission+oil+pan+shapes&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8&fr=yfp-t-442&fp=1

Jerry



"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
Square'ish with a chamfered corner TH350, shape of Texas TH400

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
R
'Bolter
'Bolter
R Offline
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,629
Sure sounds like you have the TH400.

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 413
J
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
J Offline
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 413
Originally Posted by bartamos
Square'ish with a chamfered corner TH350, shape of Texas TH400

Bartomos, you hit the nail on the head on that one,
that's what I always called the TH400.
The 350 a square with one corner cut off.

The TH400 doesnt use a cable, it has a switch at the accelerator pedal.

Last edited by JeffL; 09/07/2014 11:14 PM.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
B
Sir Searchalot
Sir Searchalot
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,988
I was just saying what already was said, basically. I just leaned it that way. Thanks.

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
Well, the jury is IN. According to all of the hints you gave me it has been identified as a th400. The guy I bought the truck from said the PO told him it was 350. With all this said how should it work for me, 46/7 on s10 frame with 350 sbc. Unless others say no, I'm still going with it. Dave


1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
H
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
H Offline
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
TH400.. most excellent. What ratio rear axle gear do you have and what diameter tires on the rear?


In the Stovebolt Gallery ~~ "The Orange Crate" 1965 C10 SWB Step Side Build Thread

Inspired to be different. Different in a way of my own, not in a way that others strive.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
4
'Bolter
'Bolter
4 Offline
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
Originally Posted by Hot Rod John
TH400.. most excellent. What ratio rear axle gear do you have and what diameter tires on the rear?


Not sure why that matters as it's still 1:1 in high gear whether it's a TH400 or TH350.

Dave,

The TH400 uses an electronic switch that basically operates a dump valve for the kickdown. They can be very hard to adjust and finicky, so many guys don't both hooking it up (me included).

The TH400 is actually a more stout transmission and there's no reason not to run it.


1946 GMC Pickup - S-10 Frame, 455 Buick, TH400, original patina.

My 46 GMC on Photobucket
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
I think I have a rear ratio in the 370 range, not possitve on this, I did check but don't remember. It has 15" tires on it but will have to measure diameter. My 350 came out of a 1980 truck according to the numbers, it has a quadrajet on it. Dave


1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
H
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer)
H Offline
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 28,674
The 400 is a much tougher transmission than the 350, which is a good thing. You'll need a momentary-contact switch at the carburetor for a kickdown if you choose to run one. Otherwise, just drop the shift selector down one notch to D2 for a forced downshift. Downsides- - - -the 400 is considerably heavier than a 350, and it consumes a little more HP to keep the gears turning. On a vehicle the size of yours, the power loss won't be noticeable at all. The 4L80E is the overdrive version of a 400, but it needs a dedicated computer and a bunch of electronic inputs to make it work. Big $$$$$ for the privilege of having an overdrive!
Jerry


"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
Thanks everyone for the inputs on this, I'm getting schooled on this. I appreciate the teachers for putting up with me! Dave


1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 149
J
Wrench Fetcher
Wrench Fetcher
J Offline
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 149
not to mess up anyones mind,noone ever mentions the turbo 375.looks identical to the turbo350.i had one in a 1972 impala.ckeck it out.

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
H
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
H Offline
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
Originally Posted by 46gmcpu
Originally Posted by Hot Rod John
TH400.. most excellent. What ratio rear axle gear do you have and what diameter tires on the rear?


Not sure why that matters as it's still 1:1 in high gear whether it's a TH400 or TH350.
Dave stated in his first post:
Originally Posted by homer52
.... this is all in pieces and not an operational truck, I will have to assemble everything. Dave
I mentioned the ratio because now would be an ideal time for Dave to look at what rpm's his truck engine will be turning at cruising speed, in the event he wants or needs to make some proactive changes now (different rear gears or an overdrive transmission).

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/...lculators/GearRatioChart_zps0c03ad74.jpg

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/...alculators/GearRatioData_zps0ccd1738.jpg

Always good to know this up front, as opposed to being disappointed once the truck is all put together.

Hope this helps. thumbs_up

John

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
H
'Bolter
'Bolter
H Offline
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,501
The wheel/tire diameter is about 27 1/2 "


1941 Chevy stock complete
1941 GMC resting peacefully
1946/1947 Chevy Street rod on s10 frame complete
1945 GMC panel truck in line for restoration
1941 Plymouth stock complete
1941 GMC COE in restoration process
1941 Chevy Coe uncertain future resting now
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
H
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
H Offline
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,262
Dave:

Here's engine rpm data based on your combination:

3.73 Rear End Gear Ratio
27.5 Effective Tire Diameter
1.0 Transmission High Gear Ratio

55 mph = 2500 RPM
60 mph = 2750 RPM
65 mph = 2950 RPM
70 mph = 3200 RPM
75 mph = 3400 RPM

Note that actual rpm's will be slightly higher due to torque converter slippage.

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
Originally Posted by johnhull
not to mess up anyones mind,noone ever mentions the turbo 375.looks identical to the turbo350.i had one in a 1972 impala.ckeck it out.

Or the TH350C which preceded the 700R4. I've got one in my '50,just haven't hooked up the lock-up function.

B&M do a kit to do away with the need for all the factory vacuum gubbins...


1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in Scotland
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Flickr.
I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings
"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 215
W
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
W Offline
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 215
Here's Novak's article on the 400.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/th400.htm

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,544
D
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
D Offline
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,544
Not to hijack the thread, a TH375 is a TH400 transmission that has a TH350 type tailshaft(uses the TH350 size tailshaft).

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
Originally Posted by don stocker
Not to hijack the thread, a TH375 is a TH400 transmission that has a TH350 type tailshaft(uses the TH350 size tailshaft).

I think we should be ok on the hijack situation Don,afaik Dave (Homer) has the info he needs and the thread title does ask for TH350 education. grin

I assume then that the TH375 was just a packaging excercise in order to get it to fit a particular vehicle?

Last edited by jockbolter50; 09/13/2014 7:39 AM.

1950 Chevy Advance Design 3100 in Scotland
In the Stovebolt Gallery
More pix on Flickr.
I've definately got this truck thing in my blood ... my DNA sequence has torque settings
"Of all the small nations of this earth,perhaps only the ancient Greeks surpass the Scots in their contribution to mankind" Winston Churchill.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
4
'Bolter
'Bolter
4 Offline
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
Since we're on the topic of education, usually the truck TH400 had a U-joint on the front end of the driveshaft with a slip joint in the driveshaft, whereas the car version had a slip yoke on the transmission. MY TH400 is the BOP version (Buick Olds Pontiac bellhousing pattern), and has the slip yoke.


1946 GMC Pickup - S-10 Frame, 455 Buick, TH400, original patina.

My 46 GMC on Photobucket

Moderated by  Fibonachu, KCMongo 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Home | FAQ | Gallery | Tech Tips | Events | Features | Search | Hoo-Ya Shop
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 8.0.0
(Release build 20240826)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 8.3.11 Page Time: 0.757s Queries: 14 (0.057s) Memory: 0.7179 MB (Peak: 0.8633 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2025-09-22 04:48:11 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS