A4LD Swap option from Advance Adapters

[Shurup]

Diff Whack Daddy
Any news from AA? I just wanna make sure that they don't quit this great project. Wanna make sure that they haven't got into any problems with their conversion.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

No word yet, but they have my truck and there is no chance that this project is being cancelled. The new output shaft for the 700-R4 is currently being fabricated/manufactured and as soo as that is done they will send it to the tranny shop to buils the new tranny.

 

[Shurup]

Just eXploring the ground for future conversion.
From which cars whith years 700-R4 can be pulled to use for this conversion. I know that this tranny is used in variety of GM trucks and cars. It is used with 2.8L and 5.0L engines so I guess there should be difference in the trannies (no reason to put the same tranny in 2.8L and 5.0L trucks). And in this topic a problem with older trannies was mentioned. In what year that trouble was solved?

Basically I think we need a tranny from about 5.0L application, but from which cars/trucks?

 

[90ranajo]

From my understanding the SBC 700s will not work. You will need one from a 60 degree V6, most notablely from the 2.8L. The 4.3L will not work as that is just a 350 with 2 cylinders missing. If I'm thinking right the 60 V6s have a slightly different bellhousing pattern than a SBC or BBC. Also not sure if the BOP 700s will work. Look for an '86+. In the 90s the designation was changed to 4L60. There are electronic versions that may work, but you will need to call either GMPP or Painless Wiring for a stand alone computer (not the cheapest). The 4L80, which is the heavy duty version of the 4L60 , won't work as that was put behind the big blocks in the 2500HD & up.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Good news all, the output shaft is done and has been sent to Bow Tie Overdrives to build the tranny. It should be done in a week or so nd than it will be put nto the explorer after that. WHOOOHOOOOO

The tranny does need to come from a 60 degree motor which is the the 2.8L. It shouldn't matter what year you get if you plan on having it rebuilt anyway. I still recommend getting one built from a place like Bow Tie Oerdrives as it will come with all the stronger parts and a warranty.

 

[Rick]

This is exciting stuff Kevin Keep us posted!!

 

[Shurup]

That's a cool news.
About the tranny. What if I don't plan to rebuild it? Would I be able to install the output shaft for the tranny myself?
And one more thing. Can a tranny from 2.8 (even rebuilded with stronger parts) handle eXplorer's power? I think about around 200 HP (with mods)?

 

[PicoG4]

Does the this mean that if i just use the tail shaft half of this conversion that I could sit a chevy engine under the hood? My friend has an LS1 sitting in his garage that was for his El Camino, which unfortunately was totatled last week in an accident. Just the Idea of a stronger tranny behind the 4.0 takes my fears of supercharging away

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Because of the tranny they had to use in order to fit behind the 4.0L, ie. the 60 degree 2.8L chevy version, I would just assume having it rebuilt. As far as I know, the only difference in the tranny is the bell housing but GM might have used weaker parts to save costs knowing it was designed for the lesser powered 2.8L's than the 00-R4's normal application behind a V-8.

Pico, I believe the LS1 is a 90 degree V-8 so you would have to find a regular 700-R4 with the 90 degree bell housing, but the adapters for the back end to mate up the transfer case and the tranny output shaft that is part of the adapter should work.

 

[90ranajo]

Shurup, with the proper rebuild you can have the TH700-R4 hold inexcess of 600ft/lbs of torque and hp.

Pico, the problem with the LS1 is that you will need to fab in SBC mounts and relocate the trans xmember along with notching your heater box. Also you will need the computer & wiring harness for the same year LS1 and step over to the 4L60E trany.

DWD, I was just given a complete '89 5.0L. How do you feel about doing another engine swap in the Ranajo?

 

[Hotweels]

Posting for updates
got the tranny in yet? if so how's it work? any pic's?

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

The tranny is built and at AA, but they are currently waiting on the adapters to install it. We are currently n the wait for fabrication phase again. It looks like the stock shifter linkage won't work without manufacturing some small and intricate parts to adapt the ford column shifter to the tranny. They are most likely going to go with an aftermarket floor shifter to allow for marketability. Those are the latest udates I have.

 

[Hotweels]

Thanks
oh... when the kit is done i sure hope there will be a full write up on it with pic's and maybe a mod can stick it to the top of the forum

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Time for pics

Okay, here are the first set of pics. The left tranny is the new 700-R4 and the one on the right is the old POS A4LD

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

25 sline output shaft of 700-R4

This new output shaft is part of the adapter kit being developed. It will come with the kit and needs to be installed into the new tranny.

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Isn't it pretty

This is a stage 3 700-R4 built by Bowtie Overdrives
http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/

 

[Rick]

I bet you're chomping at the bit waiting to get that baby installed

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Work in progress

No jacks required

 

[Mbrooks420]

Yeah, I'd love to have a trans that would last as long as my 4.0. The motor is the only thing I never worry about having to fix. I'd love to do the trans swap, but it looks like it may be out of my price range. I want this or a v8 swap. Anything would be better than another 20K rebuild.

 

[Mbrooks420]

And man is that one sweet Explorer.