all of the 4.3L Vortecs will have a 700r4 behind them from 86-95 and a 4L60/4L60e from 96+.
correct me if im wrong on that, but thats what I have gathered.
I am going to run a 5.7L, 700r4 and an NP241 with a D60 and 14B
I say run the stock trans and beef up your toy duals. its a $560 adaptor from AA to bolt those tcases up. cheaper then doin an atlas and your lower geared and more gear options