The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 250 and 700R4 in a 64 Burb

I have a 64 suburban with a later 250 and an original 3 speed with overdrive.
I am interested in putting a 700r4 in this truck because the shift linkage is shot and the wiring is not functioning (I need to redo the whole thing). I need a reliable driver for getting back and forth to visit my young son.
I have read many of the threads here and on chevy talk regarding the 700R4 swap, but only a few talk about the 250, and most say dont do it.
Why?
I want to keep the engine and just replace the transmission and column so I limit the amount of down time. Besides I like 6's.

So some questions:
Will the 700R4 be the same length as the 3 speed with overdrive?
If the bell housing is the same, will the same flex plate work as for the 350's?
What have people done about the e-brake on these swaps?

Any other information that anyone can share would be appreciated.
Sorry if you are on both forums and this is a duplicate for you.
Thanks.
Bert.

Putting it behind a 250 6 cyl. is the same as behind a V-8. The problem is you will have to remove the crossmember under the bell housing. What about a 5 speed maual. The T-5 from an S-10 are plentiful & cheap. It makes a much easier swap.

Thanks for your response Wrenchbender.
I have looked at the 5 speed options and figured that it wouldn't work unless I change the front bench seat, because of where the shifter would sit. If I didn't want the original bench I could just go with a floor shift for the three speed and get the overdrive working properly (The transmission was just recently rebuilt 3 times ... to get it right). Perhaps I am wrong and that is the best option, I was going to go the floor shifter route, but was told I couldn't get a shifter in the original floor location, after some measuring and talking to local rep's. I currently have a column shift. All the specs I saw placed the stick too far to the rear with the T-5. Maybe I missed an option. I also have a bad back requiring surgery, so thought the automatic might be a better way to go, even though I prefer a standard. I am certainly open to any good ideas. I had better review all the T-5 threads now as well. Still want information on the 700R4 swap if there is more to be had.
Cheers,
Bert.

Burbert, check the tech tips on the T-5. The truck vs car t-5 shifter location is different. The shift lever is within 6" of the original opening. It would require different drive shaft and adding crossmember.

Burt,

Rebuilding the 3-speed column linkage isn't that bad. There is a line-up hole that you put a pin through to get everything right on the column. I used Snapper Lawn Mower front steering and spindle bushings and they worked fine with a little trimming. Snapper also has a little bushing that I was able to use on the arms after drilling them out a little. Any manual on your truck will probably cover the process. The main idea is to get the "slop" out of the linkage.

I know this isn't what you had in mind, but half a day and about $10 beats another transmission in my book.

best wishes,

Les

http://www.chuckthetruck.com/page26.html

Works great and I'm getting a consistent 21MPG now.