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One of the most common conversions is modernizing the transmission. Installing a TH350 into a 1959-1964 is not much of a challenge. A little work on the stock transmission crossmember and the drive shaft will get you there, but the TH350 still only has the 1:1 ratio in third gear.
After installing an engine, we will convert the transmission to 700-R4 using our new 700-R4 transmission crossmember. With the 700-R4 transmission in fourth gear, engine RPMs will decrease by 700, which will improve fuel economy, reduce road noise, and greatly reduce the wear and tear on the drivetrain (an additional 200 RPM reduction can be achieved by using the lock-up torque converter).
Get in gear, follow along! All of the guesswork of the 700-R4 conversion has been eliminated, and everything will fit into the car by using this bolt-in crossmember, TVldetent cable, and dipstick and tube.
Time Frame: 8 Hours
Image 1: Engine and Transmission Installation
Image 1: Our engine is back from the machine shop, and we are ready to set it into the frame along with converting to a 700-R4 transmission. The flywheel, PIN 508431, is bolted to the crankshaft with six 7/16" fine-thread bolts (flywheel bolts, PIN 534045). These bolts come with serrated washers, but for extra security, we recommend applying a drop of thread locker to the threads. Torque each bolt to 65 lbs.
Image 2: Rubber Side Engine Mounts
Image 2: The rubber side engine mounts, PIN 518302, bolt to the side of the engine with three 3/8" x 1" bolts with lock washers.
Image 3: Engine Mounts and Brackets
Image 3: The rubber side engine mounts will mate up to the brackets on the front engine crossmember and are secured with 3" bolts with flat washers, a lock washer, and a nut.
Image 4: Torque Converter Installation
Image 4: The torque converter is always installed in the transmission first. Never bolt the converter to the flywheel and then slide the transmission up onto it. Make sure the converter is all the way into the transmission by holding a straight edge across the front face of the bellhousing. The snout of the converter should be about 1" away from the straight edge.
Image 5: Raising the Transmission
Image 5: Now raise the transmission up into the frame. We found that by dropping the E-brake lever assembly out of the way, the installation of the transmission is much easier.
Image 6: Bolting the Transmission to the Engine
Image 6: Using the six 3/8" x 1" bolts and lock washers from the 700-R4 bolt kit, P/N 534045, bolt the transmission to the back of the engine. Now that the transmission is bolted to the back of the engine, the engine hoist can be removed from the engine.
Image 7: Torque Converter Bolts
Image 7: The 700-R4 bolt kit, P/N 534045, also includes the three metric torque converter bolts. These bolts go through the flywheel and bolt into the converter. The bolts come with a small amount of thread locker to help secure them in place.
Image 8: Rear Transmission Mount
Image 8: On most 700-R4 transmissions, the rear transmission mount, P/N 519136, will mount to the main case just behind the not on the tail shaft housing like a TH350 or TH400. The 700-R4 bolt kit, P/N 534045, also includes the two metric bolts and lock washers to hold the rear mount in place.
Image 9: Tubular Transmission Crossmember
Image 9: Next, bolt the new tubular transmission crossmember for the 700-R4, P/N 519096, to the transmission mount using the two 7/16" x 1" bolts and lock washers supplied in the bolt kit.
Image 10: Elbow Brackets for Crossmember
Image 10: There are left and right elbow brackets (included in the crossmember kit) that will bolt to each end of the crossmember. These brackets act as shelves for the crossmember and have slots for lateral adjustments due to variations in frames. The brackets are held to the crossmember with a 1/2" x 3" bolt that has a thin flat washer on the top and a 1/4" thick washer and lock nut on the bottom.
Image 11: Installing Front Yoke
Image 11: A new front yoke, PIN 564029, needs to be installed onto the drive shaft. The front drive shift will need to be shortened to allow for the longer transmission. Slide the new yoke into the rear of the transmission. Using a transmission jack, raise or lower the transmission until the drive shaft is centered in the large hole in the front of the frame "X".
Image 12: Clamping Elbow Brackets
Image 12: With the drive shaft centered in the hole in the "X" of the frame, clamp the elbow brackets in place. Using the holes in the elbow brackets as a guide, mark the frame and drill two holes through the inner and then the outer wall of the frame.
Image 13: Carriage Bolts for Elbow Brackets
Image 13: Two 3/8" x 5" carriage bolts will hold the elbow brackets to the frame. The bolts go through the frame from the inside.
Image 14: Frame Support Brackets
Image 14: Frame support brackets are used on the outside of the frame to support the frame where the carriage bolts go through.
Image 15: Attaching Support Brackets
Image 15: The support brackets are held in place with flat washers, lock washers, and nuts.
Image 16: Reinstalling the Emergency Brake Assembly
Image 16: Now, with the transmission in place, the emergency brake assembly can be reinstalled onto the frame. The front emergency brake cable will run over the top of the new transmission crossmember.
Image 17: Dip Stick and Tube Installation
Image 17: The dip stick and tube for the 700-R4, PIN 519126, fit right behind the valve cover (on the side). The tab on the dipstick tube bolts to the upper bell housing bolt.
Image 18: TVIdetent Cable Installation
Image 18: The TVIdetent cable, PIN 564032, will attach to the bent wire in the transmission and is held to the case with one 6mm bolt.
Image 19: TVIdetent Cable Bracket
Image 19: The TVIdetent cable bracket, PIN 563167, is bolted to the two rear intake bolts on the driver's side of the engine.
Image 20: Attaching the Cable to Bracket
Image 20: The cable will clip into the bracket.
Image 21: TVIdetent Cable to Carburetor Arm
Image 21: Next, install the TVIdetent cable, PIN 564034, to the carburetor arm.
Image 22: Adjusting the Cable
Image 22: The TVIdetent cable has a hook that attaches to the new on the carburetor. With the engine OFF, hold the throttle wide open and the cable tight. There is a barrel lock with a set screw; slide the barrel lock up to the clip and tighten the set screw. The TVIdetent will control the shift on the transmission. A cable that is not tight will shift the transmission at a lower speed, and a tighter cable will shift the transmission at a higher speed.
Image 23: Cooler Lines Installation
Image 23: The cooler lines, PIN 519097, will save you all the aggravation of bending a set of lines. The lines will attach to the transmission on the side and to the stock fittings on the radiator.
Image 24: Speedometer Cable Installation
Image 24: The speedometer cable, PIN 519072, will attach to the rear of the transmission on the driver's side and the instrument cluster on the dashboard.
Image 25: Column Shift Linkage
Image 25: Our car is going to have a console with a floor shifter, but if the stock column shift is going to be used, PIN 563165, is the one linkage that will attach from the column to the transmission.
Diagram 1: Transmission Gear Shift
Diagram 1: With the 4th gear in the 700-R4, you have now gained a 700 RPM drop in high gear. If you want to add the icing on the cake and hook up the lock-up torque converter, fill the transmission up with fluid and start the engine, check for leaks. With the rear tires raised from the ground, run the transmission through the gears, then check the fluid again and fill if necessary. Next, take the car for a test drive and make any adjustments to the TVIdetent cable.
Enjoy your updated Classic, now equipped with a modern four-speed overdrive. (July 2011)