Harry:
I just replaced a TH350 with a 2004R this spring and have been real pleased
with it. I bought the 2004R from Phoenix Transmissions in Texas and it has a
2 year 24,000 mile warranty.
The reason I went to the 2004R was my TH350 and original rear end (3.90 or
4.10 ratio) had the engine turning 3200 RPM at 60 MPH. The 2004R almost
matches the 350 for length and uses the same number of splines on the output
shaft. Therefore, all I had to do was drop the old tranny out, put the new
one in, move the rear crossmember about 6 inches back on the frame and run a
12 volt ignition "on" wire to the tranny and away I went. Didn't have to
mess with the driveshaft and now my 65 MPH cruising engine RPM is 2000!! I
did some other preparations (made sure the radiator trans cooler was clear,
ran new oil lines from the trans to the radiator, and etc.), but overall the
installation went much better than anticipated.
I too was initially advised not to use a 2004R, but after talking to some
friends that rebuild trannys and explaining to them that I was not going to
place any heavy demands on the trans (towing or racing), they told me that
the 2004R was the transmission used in the 1980's Buick Grand Nationals
(supercharged V6 and supposed to be a real screamer).
I figured if it was good enough for a 260 HP V6 used by the Feds, it was
good enough for me. Phoenix also updated and made sure all the latest
improvements were in the rebuild before shipping it to me.
I've put about 1500 miles on since the tranny switch and it hasn't missed a
beat (other than some initial shifting adjustment problems (which were my
fault). I'm real pleased so far and figure I saved about $600-800 compared
to putting in a 700R4. Hope this helps, good luck no matter what you use
for a tranny.
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL
>From: "Spencer" <wits_end@worldnet.att.net>
>Reply-To: "Spencer" <wits_end@worldnet.att.net>
>To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>Subject: [oletrucks] Tranny knowhow?
>Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2002 09:44:44 -0800
>
>Hello, list.
>
>I was just offered a 1979 Monte Carlo for a couple of hundred bucks. It
>has
>a 305 small block and the 200 4R tranny. Both are supposed to be solid,
>and
>it's the combination I'm considering for my '55 1st Series Chevy 1/2 ton.
>
>My question is about the 200 4R transmission. I've heard good and bad
>things about them. I'm hoping you guys have some experience with them.
>I'll keep the 305 pretty close to stock so no major horsepower involved. I
>might like to tow a boat occasionally. Mostly I'm looking for
>dependability.
>Any help will be appreciated.
>
>Harry
>1955 1st Series Chevy
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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