Getrag vs 700r4

[HSkinner]

Whats the general consensus on the getrag? Is it a 4 speed or a 5 speed. I have the complete drivetrain out of a 91 dodge with the getrag trans. Is this going to hold up better than a 700r4? IS this going to be an difficult install into my old body style chevy with an existing 700r4 already installed? will the getrag hold up long term to everyday use and abuse?

 

[rjrkihap]

Just my observations on owning many Chevy/GMC trucks with the infamous 700r4.



Every 700r4 I owned ('84 S-10, 85 S-15, 87 GMC K-5 Jimmy, 88 Chevy Sub, 90 Chevy Sub and 1500 P/U, 91 Chevy P/U) failed within 70,000 miles. If I remember correctly, it was always the Torque Converter that began to slip. You were also not suppose to tow in Overdrive. I'm sure this contributed to several of my failures, however my 85 S-15 with a 2. 8L and 4. 10 gears never towed, and it still failed.



However, once these units were proberly rebuilt, they were just fine. In fact, I was running well over 300hp in my fullsize Jimmy towing horse trailers and never experienced a second failure. From what I remember, these transmission's can be built to handle 450ft/lbs of torque (well in access of anything they saw from the factory).



Good luck.



Ron

 

[HBarlow]

I agree with Ron above.

TH700R4s are great to retrofit back into a '50s Chevy sedan but aren't much good for towing. I have one in my '56 Chevy sedan behind a basic small block 350.

I would guess a standard 700R4 pulling a trailer behind a Cummins would last for about one vacation trip.

 

[rjrkihap]

The real sad thing about the 700r4 is that it was designed (on paper) to be a pretty decent transmission. It's little brother the 200r4 held up pretty well behind the Camaro and other GM cars. When the aftermarket got hold of the 700r4 they were able to correct it's shortcomings and create a pretty decent 1/2 ton truck transmission. In fact in it's current version, the 4L60E/4L65E, is holding up very well (think Hummer H2). There are even several current builders claiming they will withstand 600hp and 450ft/lbs.

HOWEVER, I doubt a OEM standard 700R4 would make it out of the driveway if placed behind a Cummins towing a trailer. ;D

 

[Dieselnut59]

Getrag is a good transmission. Overfill it by 1 quart (of oil) and you will drastically improve its longevity.

 

[HSkinner]

Is the getrag a 4 speed or a 5 speed.

 

[PToombs]

A 5 speed.

I don't think the 700R4 will live long either. A stock '91 cummins puts out 400 ft lbs of torque. It only takes a few simple mods to up that a lot.

 

[BAnsley]

did u say abuse ? I wouldn't even consider the 700r4 They dont handle a abuse from a mild small block Without spending a good deal of money. And the abuse of a cummins starts at really low rpm,and gains real quick being turboed. I have been around a few gertags that do a lot of work and have had no problems. No trans is bullet proof but you wont find many people that would consider a 700 for the list let alone behind a cummins. But dont let that discourage you if you want a 700 i got about 10 laying around you can have!!

Good luck, Brian