I have a 68 Skylark that came with a Buick two speed. I have acquired a Buick three speed and would like to swap them out. They were both mated to a Buick 350. Not sure if the drive shafts are the same size, cross members are the same, what linkages I may need. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
If your "3 speed" is a TH350 , it should be a direct swap. A TH400 will be slightly longer with a different yoke. A 200R4 will also be an almost direct swap except the cross member will need to be moved back a few inches. GL Derek
May I suggest pulling motor and trans as one unit and giving the engine compartment some love. Clean up engine, paint it up , then mate the TH350 to it before dropping back in? Be a good time to put a Shift Kit in the trans while ya can spin it upside down as well. I have 2 engine stands tied up with short blocks on em, but I have 2 of Steve's at the house also, ifya need to borrow, I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Lemme know, just down the street ifya need help. Jim/Rott
PS: I am pretty confident I have th350 linkage if 2 speed won't work. Blasted primed and finish painted if I recall. Jim/Rott
If you are putting in a TH350, it ought to be a direct bolt in. There are some long tail TH350s, rare. If you are putting in a TH400 with a short tail, the cross member support will have to be moved back something like 6 1/2". A TH375 is similar, but lighter duty and with a TH350 style yoke & shaft. The TH400 uses a bigger yoke for the output shaft, but by using the shortest yoke, I have always been able to use the same drive shaft. I would not remove the engine for a RWD trans job. That would involve the radiator, the power steering, the battery cables, ignition and alternator wiring, fuel lines, throttle, engine mounts, and the hood for openers. Trying to get them in or out together risks breaking something in the engine compartment, and the tilt required will dump engine and trans oil all over. Bruce Roe
Typically no, IF you have access to a lift and a standing transjack. Then removing the trans from below is relatively easy. Many of us do not have that luxury, and do as we must. Still do-able from below with quite abit of on your back wrenching. As far as dumping trans oil, good idea to drain it wether you drop trans or pull trans. Leave the yoke in and ducttape it . I don't think there would be an issue w/ engine oil if pulling both at once. This car is a recent purchase by Flash9 and his son and is a project car that will require plenty of work . Sure, there is more work involved, but if your not willing to work, you`re in the wrong hobby. Just a suggestion to improve the appearance of the engine compartment while the car is down. Original post asked about linkages needed etc, OP will need to adopt pedal actuated kickdown and possibly seek a new pedal w/ provisions for this kickdown cable. Shift linkage off the column and to frame may be usable , but I would think the linkage from there to trans would be have to be from TH350 equipped car. I would assume that this is a common swap for the 68 crew, perhaps someone will chime in that has already been down that road?? Jim/Rott
Thanks for the info so far guys, I was hoping some one had been through this ready. Jay I'll be in touch if I do have to swap the linkage. Ps: still have your Holley sitting in my sons tool box, still has a shine, but definitely picking up some dust.
I find a TH350 shift linkage usually works on a TH400, not so a TH200. Your results may vary. Of course a TH350 has a kickdown carb linkage, a TH400 is electric. Bruce Roe
NP, I believe you may have the kickdown cable on the engine/trans ya bought from Steve. I have linkage from a TH350 A-body (70-72 Lark) Might need a new pedal... Not sure what is necessary at the indicator in dash... Gonna see if I can fix that Holley and use it on my Formula 400. Lemme know ifya need any help. Jim/Rott
Steve , I'm lucky to remember my name on some days. You get my PM regarding 8.5 rebuild? Lemme know. Jeff, TA has a repo TH350 Kickdown cable. Might be able to get the TH350 gas pedal from someone who has done the 350 to 455 swap. Post in Wanted section for both. GL Jim/Rott
When I had Ken build the carb, I had mentioned I was going to be adding a turbo 350 trany, so he built it with the provisions needed for the cable. Does this mean that maybe I don't need the gas pedal?
If you get a kickdown cable that has a carb end on it instead of a gas pedal end and can find a bracket that will work (maybe one that bolts to the back carb bolts) then you can do that. Factory Buick kick down was through the firewall inline with the throttle cable that attached to the same pedal arm with a long, slim end with a clip that set the point where it kicked in if memory serves.
hello flash have you done the th350 swap i'm in the same boat, I want the 3 forward, 4 would put me in the mid 80's and they needed turbos and 6 bangers
I have the two speed out, and just got the kickdown cable I needed ( old one was cut) will be installing soon. Talked to a guy that has a gas pedal with the required cable locations, will be hooking up with him soon as well.
Update: Turbo 350 is in. amazing difference, set you right back in your seat when you throttle up. Drive shaft, cross member matched up with out any problem, drilled a hole in the fire wall for the kick down cable, and we are off and running.
Awsum, got over that Stepchild upgrade hurdle. What's next? Ps: NED opening day is April 11th......Rott
