LUVTruck.com

is anyone running one of these transmissions? i have a 1980 buick 231 in my 1973 luv, i had lost reverse before i got the truck. i went to the salvage yard and got a 1986 th 200r4 and torque converter from a cadillac v-8. the trans should hold well to my power output and the converter should act as a high stall unit. my main question is how would i get the transmission to mount in the truck if the cross member is not movable? anyone have pics of a 200r4 or 700r4 in their luvs? any help would be GREATLY appreciated

You have two options weld on a piece if channel iron to fit the mount or the better way but tougher is to cut out the cross member and build a removable one. This is not to bad to do if you have fab skills.

I will post a pic of mine here shortly to give you an idea you what one is like.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

Here is mine that i built using sch 80 pipe cause this is where the torsion bars also mount and the replacement has to be strong to not flex.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

The 2004r trans mounting point is 6 1/2" inches further back than the TH350 or 700R4. 700R4 fits with out modifing the frame. Depending on where you mounted the front of the engine, you may just have enough room without having to rework the torsion bar xmember. If you're now running a TH350, just measure back and see how much room you have. I know with the V8 and TH350, the 200R4 mount would be on and at the front of the xmember. The major problem you have in making the xmember removable is all the e brake bracketry. Race no problem you don't need it, however on the street most states require it and you will need to design and fabricate something.
Another idea is to sell or trade the 200R4 for a 700R4 and your mounting problem won't exsist.

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The light at the end of the tunnel, may just be a train coming!

My engine /trans is est back about 3-4" then a SBC to keep the fan i the same spot as the SBC if you look at the last pic you can see a V-shape of my park brake cables an the aluminum angle i installed to mount the cables then i used a Pinto e-brake lever between the seats. If you have a bench seat you will have to get a little more creative.

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1978 pro street step/side 455Buick, 4sp,4.11s, 31/18.5s

i will have to check again at home, work blocks most pics. what about the torque converter? will the stock one be ok? as for fabbing, thats why we have a welding shop in the army. i would prefer the 200r4 for the deeper 4th gear and tighter gear changes. not going for a racer but a fun work truck.

if the coverter has an White stripe on it it should be a D3 stall unit, nuthing spectacular. look for the orange D5 Strip converter and shoot for a CK or DF, DK, Code 200 - as the rest have the weaker internals.

A.j.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykgDNjeTa0g

tj...that looks AWSOME!!!! i might have to come down and see you when i get back to seattle!!!!