Stick or auto?

[Wrench]

OK, here's the deal:

I have an '85 Chevy K10. It has 3:42 gears, 350 engine, 700r4 trans, and 33" tires. I loaned the truck to a friend lately and by his report, seemed to loose both OD and 3rd gear when going down the freeway.

I dont know much about auto tranny's, and I heard the early 700r4's arent even worth rebuilding. Anyone have any input on this? How do you identify the "worthwhile" 700r4's vs the junk ones?

So here is the real question: I am leaning towards just ditching the 700r4 and swapping an entire SM465/NP205 setup into the truck. With the current axle gears and tires, I think this option seems like a pretty good move. What do you think? Fix the auto or swap to 4-speed?

[White trash]

For what you'll be using the truck for pick up an sm465 mated to a 208. There was one on Craigslist here about a week ago for $200.

[Wrench]

OK, let me add a little more info:

-I already have an SM465/205 setup
-The truck will see mostly street duty, maybe even some towing, minimal offroad

WT, why the 208? Better 4-low ratio?

[White trash]

No the 208 is nicer to shift on the fly, that's about it. If you already have a 465/205 then by all means use it! Bulletproof and it just flat works.