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jumpsoffrock · 01-20-2022, 02:03 AM

Maybe it was cheaper to break a Th350 than a T-Case or a diff, so they made that the weakest link. although a good th350 being "weak" is arguable in and of itself.

Maybe the bean counters were complaining of the 4wd option adding up too much and asked them if they could please cheapen it a bit and sacrifice something that "isn't a big deal, really". So they decided to use a "cheaper" trans--again this is arguable.

Maybe something about the fitment didn't work and the simple easy solution at the time was changing the trans.

I seem to remember that adding 4wd to a truck doesn't necessarily increase it's GVWR or towing ability--Maybe they figured there was no need for a 4wd to have a th400 because they wouldn't be hauling enough anyways. Maybe they did case-studies and found that 4wd trucks were doing less hauling and more "getting to tough places", so they used a lighter duty trans.

01-20-2022, 02:03 AM	#2
jumpsoffrock Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: California Posts: 923	Re: TH350 vs. TH400 Maybe it was cheaper to break a Th350 than a T-Case or a diff, so they made that the weakest link. although a good th350 being "weak" is arguable in and of itself. Maybe the bean counters were complaining of the 4wd option adding up too much and asked them if they could please cheapen it a bit and sacrifice something that "isn't a big deal, really". So they decided to use a "cheaper" trans--again this is arguable. Maybe something about the fitment didn't work and the simple easy solution at the time was changing the trans. I seem to remember that adding 4wd to a truck doesn't necessarily increase it's GVWR or towing ability--Maybe they figured there was no need for a 4wd to have a th400 because they wouldn't be hauling enough anyways. Maybe they did case-studies and found that 4wd trucks were doing less hauling and more "getting to tough places", so they used a lighter duty trans.