Seems like yall have had a lot of bad experiences with the 700r4. I belong to another web board for my old truck and that tranny seems to be the one of choice over there. I hate my 350 tranny. I want more than the 3 speed. Its my daily driver when I am not on my bike. If I could get an extra 3 to 4 miles to a gallon out of the OD I would be happy cause right now I get 11 mpg.

 

Guys Thanks for all of the suggestions just kicking around ideas at the present time..
I am familiar with Jaspers.buddy purchased 3 motors from them recently..Below are some more pics

 

Now THAT has potential !!
I don't know anything about the leather biz or what you need to do a show, but years ago when we were doing outdoor shows almost every weekend for our business...That truck would have been wicked handy !!
First add on would be a ladder for rooftop storage and observation deck, and maybe a fresh (drinking) water tank. Removable poles for a high flying rooftop banner to attract customers.. Then, an Insty-up lives in a corner by itself or maybe up on the roof on a luggage rack, ready to deploy on a moments notice; a roll out awning on the curb side; a generator on the roof with a remote fuel tank; a dorm fridge hung from the roof behind the driver's head with dry goods storage underneath; shelves and cubbies GALORE !!! Some indoor/outdoor speakers cut into the walls on curbside so you can whistle while you work....Some decent overhead flourescent lights and a removable wheel chock so you can park the bike up the center for travel..or a really nice tow behind bike dolly....

I probably wouldn't wait too long before adding a rooftop A/C unit either..

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I don't think you would have a problem with a recent build 700R4 (their original failures were due to crappy pumps and shoddy clutch packs). TCI makes some good stuff for sure. If you wanted to stay with the Turbo 350 you could opt for a GearVendors over/under-drive unit; they work awesome and very simple to install.

I would definitely look for a salvage TPI 350 with ECM, etc (might be able to score a 700/R4 or a 200/4R transmission with it too). TPI engines are pretty simple to install (an easier route would be the RamJet 350 crate motor with fuel injection included; plug and play).

Yeah, I gotta agree about the rooftop air conditioning. You are gonna need it in that giant convection oven...looks like a great start. Keep the pictures coming.

 

Hey Itch, a 350/350 combination is the way to go. The engine can be built to be a monster and the tranny can be built just a tough. My little draggin' machine is used and abused all most every nightly in the warmer months.

 

If you put an overdrive transmission in the truck you'll probably have to change your gear ratio in the rear end. A lot of the cars and trucks with the 700 in them have 4.11 or lower rear ends in them. The tranny I beleive is a 30% overdrive. With a 4.11 rear end your final drive would be 2.88, a 4.56 would yield a 3.19. No telling what the gear ratio is in the truck now, it could be a 4.56 which I think would be ideal. You get it too high geared and then load the truck down and it won't want to pull very good. be jumping in and out of o/d all the time. A fresh 350 will do nicely in that truck. I love the small block four hundred but they're hard as hell on gas and getting hard to find. A 350 with a lock up converter might not be too bad for ya. I think ya got the makings of a nice truck there but it's never gonna get 20 MPG, what ya got there is a rolling billboard you're trying to push down the road. Freshen the motor up first and try it is what I'd do. good luck and merry christmas

 

Itch,,, Bro, I'd go with a BB kit, get those heads ported, good set of cams, throw a set of Thunder Headers on her, a good auto tuner and let her gooooo...

OOOpps Wrong thread......

Just messing with cha a little....

Good find, Thats a nice looking van...
Sorry cant help on fix up but I sure would If I could...
Been over 40 yrs since I've torn into a motor/trans... in a vehicle....Wow, that was in the ole 63SS 327-300hp convert I had that I redid in 68.

Thats going to make U a great business wagon, "man" U could par-tay in that baby....got some nice wheels too.

Still going to drop in on Ya when I get down there....prob fore summer. Brother in law and I have been in Ur town couple times in the past....

Wishing U a great yr coming up for Ur business and Happy new Yr to ya and family...

 

I have been spending too much time on this truck but that is how I get things done..
I was able to find out that the transmission is in fact a 4L80 E .It is a rebuilt with a Jaspers sticker on it so I did give them a call and it is in fact the tranny that I was looking for just need to get it right.
I have gone thru the front and rear brakes completely,had the drums and calipers turned.Replaced everything from the hoses back on the front and from the wheel cylinders back on the rear.
On the drive shaft replaced 3 u joints,and the mid ship bearing,and new fluid in the rear end.
After putting the front end up on blocks you were able to move the tires back and forth a good 2 inches,so all new tie rods,pitman arm etc..oh yea the top seal for the steering pump is on the list..
In my spare time my heat gun and a plastic scraper is the way to go with removing all of the stickers..what a pain in the ***.

 

In early 80's I bought a '6? delivery from a guy who did flea markets ...it came with wide rims/tires (only single on rear not dual but original dual ) had a 250 6 cylinder and 3 speed manual. A BIG BIG plus was the side mounted retractable awning. At 45-55 mph it did an honest 17 mpg BUT don't try 60. The reason for me responding was two points...

I have had great success with the 700R4 personally in a number of situations. There are some improvements after '86...look for 30 spline in 27 out. (which is should be the same as the 350 ...but count anyway and get u-joints if needed). I observed many swaps were problems due trans being junk when installed OR a poorly adjusted TV cable. In one, a 240Z with very warm 355, I used a 89 IROC and installed a kit that blocked converter lockup in all but OD and then it stayed locked until decelerating to stop...no more hunting. The kit installed with transmission mounted if needed and was well under $200 with gaskets and filter. I am sorry I cannot name vendor...if I figure it out I'll followup this post. The 700R4 has a LOW 1st and that is a good thing in towing. A transmission cooler is easy low dollar addition and I would recommend it in your case. The van is way lighter than many might think but towing does suggest a supplemental cooler with any automatic. The following is schematic if you choose to do it yourself install and select/deselect lockup with a switch, also informative on the 700R4 in general:
http://www.smokemup.com/tech/700r4.php

The second point is before you start interior modifications do a search locally for an RV graveyard...probably specializing in wrecks...I bought a set of slider windows/screens from late RV, some skylights, cushions and fabric for convertible dinette/double bed. All the parts were dirt cheap and already out of donor, clean and sorted. Get some blades for your saw of choice...measure twice. Sliding door is way cool with suitable seatbelt and chain. $150 radio/CD with oval speakers included...installed over the windshield... gets you "concert hall" tunes. The 12' awning is almost a must and should be available at that graveyard.

I drove/camped in this thing for 3 years including one 1600 mile one way...had a blast...called it the Winny Dago since I was married to an Italian at the time. Total investment was around $1200 and sold it for $1600.

They are a snap to work on since there are NO tight fits anywhere, although I never needed to work on it once I did initial stuff. John

 

You said you have already rebuilt the 3 piece drive shaft, make sure you didnt skimp on the carrier bearing. If you bought the cheap one, take a welder and weld up the bearing where it connects to the frame. Thats a weak point and the cheaper ones are only spot welded, the more expensive ones are mig welded and spot welded.