700r4 to nv3500 swap towing reliability

[sdaley335]

hello all. My trucks a 93 ecss 350 4l60e 4x4. It's got a torsion bar crank and fender trimming to clear 35's. I love my truck and will post my build thread soon with tons of pictures.

Here's my question. The 60e is on the way out. She's got almost 200k on her and abuse from 35's and improper gearing is not helping her. I was considering a 5 speed swap but cannot find an Nv4500. I found an Nv3500 with transfer case for $150. Will this trans hold up relatively well as long as treated nicely. Only things I tow are my snowmobile trailer and my 27ft camper. Is this gonna be outta this trans towing capacity with the size and weight plus my gearing? I am going to rehearing when I do my sas. But I don't wanna regear the front ifs to waste money and then regear my Dana 44. I have most of the sas parts but need the truck right now as its winter.

So my main question is do I do the Nv3500 swap or rebuild the 60e with some heavy duty parts. I don't want an 80e either as I have never had luck with them and I don't like the crappy first gear. Any input is appreciated.thanks in advance.

[TiredFarmer]

I wouldthink rebuilding the 60 would be better than an Nv3500. I would par the Nv4500 with the 4L80e in durability. I think the 3500 would be stepping down

[Quyonmob]

Sounds like you would be testing the durability of an NV3500. I wouldn't do it.

If you are under geared, look at some older junk, like an SM465, you won't break it, and it's got a stupid low granny gear (not sychro'd) but no OD.

[sdaley335]

Yeah. That's what I've been thinkin. Sure love 5 speeds. But I dont wanna swap to an arguably weaker trans. 60's can be built pretty tough i know. Guess I'm gonna get a red alto kit and a shift kit,better servo, and sun shell. Make her reliable. Guess its time to order some parts.lol would a better servo and mild shift kit help with minor slipping for time being or would it just light the fuse on a bomb?