Which tranny should i run?

[1973 Chevy]

I apologize if this topic has been brought up to much before.Right now I have a 700r4 and I have learned from here that it isn't the best tranny to use. With my truck I'm at the point where I can choose whatever kind of tranny to use. I have 3:08 gears in the rear and I am going to run 33 or 35 inch tires. I got offered a manual tranny out of a 76 dump truck but I didn't say to much because I'd be looking at a new column and some mods that I don't know how to do and I know I can get that for close to nothing. What are your guys opinions?

 

[bucket]

No matter what you pick, you needs a trans from a 4x4. You also need to decide if you don't mind running an np203 (full-time 4x4) that's normally found in a 70's auto-equipped truck.

 

[crazy4offroad]

You wouldn't need to change the column to convert to standard trans. But I can tell you those 3.08 gears are going to suck the life out of your engine with 33-35 tires. Your trans/t-case combo really hinges on your intentions for the truck. Daily driver? Occasional offroader? Hard-core trail rig?

 

[1973 Chevy]

You wouldn't need to change the column to convert to standard trans. But I can tell you those 3.08 gears are going to suck the life out of your engine with 33-35 tires. Your trans/t-case combo really hinges on your intentions for the truck. Daily driver? Occasional offroader? Hard-core trail rig?

My plans are just to take it out on an occasional drive once in a while, no trails or anything. I don't know whats the best route with running 33 or 35's?, id hate to use my 700r4 and have it short lived.

 

[87sierra]

i would go with a th350

 

[bucket]

Sounds like you would be happy with the common th350/np203 combo. Unless you would like a manual. Then you could get a common sm465/np205 (a little spendy), or an also common sm465/np208 combo.

 

[1973 Chevy]

Sounds like you would be happy with the common th350/np203 combo. Unless you would like a manual. Then you could get a common sm465/np205 (a little spendy), or an also common sm465/np208 combo.

Can you run a 350 with any other t cases?
Then if I run the sm465/205/208, 350/203 would my engine be running high r's?

 

[Swims350]

no engine is gonna be really low rpms way too low and run like crap with ANY trans and t-case combo.

You need to run a taller gear 4.10s at the least. even 3.73's with 33's. If you run a taller gear you can run your 700r4 and have it work and last.

IMO tho scrap it and run a th350 with a 203 or 205, maybe even the 208, th350 will bolt to any 700r4 t-case, using the same adapter, but to bolt directly in place of a 700 you need a custom cut length shaft in the trans and a spacer, there are kits online to do this. I've got one in mine.

 

[skysurfer]

I couldn't resist, the thread title made me do it.

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[Jims86]

So...your not going on any trails? and you want to run 33 or 35's? WTF!? Somebody at school say your not a man if you run stock? I don't understand. Seems like a waste.

 

[Jims86]

no engine is gonna be really low rpms way too low and run like crap with ANY trans and t-case combo.

You need to run a taller gear 4.10s at the least. even 3.73's with 33's. If you run a taller gear you can run your 700r4 and have it work and last.

IMO tho scrap it and run a th350 with a 203 or 205, maybe even the 208, th350 will bolt to any 700r4 t-case, using the same adapter, but to bolt directly in place of a 700 you need a custom cut length shaft in the trans and a spacer, there are kits online to do this. I've got one in mine.

X2 its all about gear ratio....if you gear it right, that 700r4 wont notice a difference betwix 31's and 35's

 

[1973 Chevy]

no engine is gonna be really low rpms way too low and run like crap with ANY trans and t-case combo.

You need to run a taller gear 4.10s at the least. even 3.73's with 33's. If you run a taller gear you can run your 700r4 and have it work and last.

IMO tho scrap it and run a th350 with a 203 or 205, maybe even the 208, th350 will bolt to any 700r4 t-case, using the same adapter, but to bolt directly in place of a 700 you need a custom cut length shaft in the trans and a spacer, there are kits online to do this. I've got one in mine.

Can you put 3:73 or 4:10s in a 10 bolt? I don't know a whole lot about rear ends as you can tell.
I'm leaning more towards the 700r4 now that you say that

And the larger tires are a waste really, but I'm going more for the looks.

 

[HotRodPC]

It's my understanding all 73's came with NP205 transfer cases. buckets says NO. So what Tcase do you have now? Find that out first. With 3.08's and tall tires you won't need OD, but as said, it'll be a slug taking off for sure. Th350 is sounding like the best option to me unless you're doing a gear change. Yes, you can get 3.73 and 4.10 gears for 10 bolts. Your truck should be a 12 bolt rear end and a Dana 44 front axle if it's original equipment.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

3 different transfer cases were available in 1973. NP 203, NP 205 and a Dana 20.

 

[bucket]

Can you run a 350 with any other t cases?

Yes, but you need an early 80's th350 with the long output and it's not very common. Or you can have the trans built with an expensive new output shaft. For the cost involved, a th350/np205 makes more sense to me.

It's my understanding all 73's came with NP205 transfer cases. buckets says NO.

I keep forgetting to research that.

3 different transfer cases were available in 1973. NP 203, NP 205 and a Dana 20.

Any chance on production numbers? The Dana 20's might have been just a handful of leftovers from the previous body style.