I've about got myself talked into blazing the trail of the Th700R4/ Dana 300 swap instead of replacing my ailing 4L30E. I've been searching, reading, and re-reading everything I can find on the subject, here and elsewhere. I'm to the point where I'm starting to look for good deals on the major components. In the mean time, I can now trailer the Passport to the trail to finish off my trans <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

The basics:
TH700R4 from a 87-88 S-10 4x4, 2.8L
Dana 300 from a 84ish Jeep CJ
JB Conversions adapter/ clocking plate

I'm still learning my way around an auto trans, and I'm sure a lot of things will become clearer once I have the parts in hand, but here are the unresolved issues (at least as far as my searching has revealed):

-Flex plate / torque converter modifications

Does the stock plate need to be used in order to engage the starter? I've seen reference to modifications or a custom application. Is this just to get the stock plate to bolt up to the converter?

-Torque converter

I've seen reference that the TH700R4 has a lock-up converter, and that this would somehow need to be connected to the throttle <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> (showing my ignorance). Any clarification on this would be helpfull.

Will I be able to reuse the stock auto shifter?


I'll worry abou the speedo connection later, as it appears to be a minor issue. I'm planning on running the Dana 300 stock for now, with a single shifter, but the 4:1 and twin stick is a nice option to have. I'm going to have to do new shafts for my SAS, so this mod will transition nicely <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. I've got a built waggy D44 lined up, so I'll be clocking the T-case for a pass drop.

I welcome any input with ideas, things I may have missed, or parts you have lying around.