Auto Parts: transmission swap, gmc 1500, chevrolet 2500

Question
I have a 1986 Chevy van 3/4 ton 6.2 diesel with a bad 700R4 tranny. I'm having problems finding a bolt in replacement in my budget so my question is this: is it feasible to swap in a  700R4 from something besides a diesel with semi minor labor; ie custom driveshaft, changing the tailshaft? I've been told the tranny and converter will line up and fit.....true? Thanks, Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

Here is the complete interchange for your trans including notes. Yours is the 'A' interchange:

4002128A

---------- A ----------
BLAZER/JIMMY (full size) 82 A.T.; TH700, 4x2, diesel
CHEVROLET VAN 83-89 A.T.; TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 10 PICKUP 82-87 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 20 PICKUP 82-87 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 20 PICKUP 88 A.T.; (4x2), TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 30 PICKUP 82 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC 1500 PICKUP 82-87 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC 2500 PICKUP 82-87 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC 2500 PICKUP 88 A.T.; VIN model "R" (4x2), TH700, diesel
GMC 3500 PICKUP 82 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC VAN 83-89 A.T.; TH700, diesel
SUBURBAN 10 82-88 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
SUBURBAN 1500 82-90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
SUBURBAN 1500 91 A.T.; 4x2, (TH700, opt MD8), diesel
SUBURBAN 20 82-88 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
SUBURBAN 2500 82-90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
SUBURBAN 2500 91 A.T.; 4x2, (TH700, opt MD8), diesel

---------- B -----------
CHEVROLET VAN 90 A.T.; TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET VAN 91 A.T.; TH700 (opt MD8), diesel
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 88-90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP 91-92 A.T.; 4x2, TH700 (opt MD8), diesel
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 88 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 89 A.T.; VIN model "C" (4x2), TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
CHEVROLET 2500 PICKUP 91-92 A.T.; 4x2, TH700 (opt MD8), diesel
GMC 1500 PICKUP 88-90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC 1500 PICKUP 91-92 A.T.; 4x2, (TH700, opt MD8), diesel
GMC 2500 PICKUP 88-89 A.T.; VIN model "C" (4x2), TH700, diesel
GMC 2500 PICKUP 90 A.T.; 4x2, TH700, diesel
GMC 2500 PICKUP 91-92 A.T.; 4x2, TH700 (opt MD8), diesel
GMC VAN 90-91 A.T.; TH700, diesel

---------- C -----------
CHEVROLET VAN 92 A.T.; TH700 (opt MD8), diesel
GMC VAN 92 A.T.; TH700 (opt MD8), diesel

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
NOTES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
4 speed A.T., T.H.700 .
|A| thru |C| fit as shown in notes.
|A| & |B| fit by switching lockup wiring, switches & speedo drive gear.
---------- A -----------
GM       $1945 obs
Gear driven speedometer.
|B| & |C| fit by switching lockup wiring, switches & speedo drive gear.

---------- B -----------
GM       $1643 obs
Electronic speed sensor equipped to regulate anti-lock rear brakes.
|A| & |C| fit by switching lockup wiring, switches & speedo drive gear.

---------- C -----------
Case has mounting boss for shift cable bracket.
Electronic speed sensor equipped to regulate anti-lock rear brakes
Exact fit only.

From what I can tell, there is probably a bellhousing difference between the diesel model and the gasoline driven models which is why ONLY the diesel edition will fit.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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