Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Ok guys,
A guy at work has a junk yard dog of a c-30 dump. He claims that they didn't offer a manual trans in C-30s from '80-'85? Seems highly unlikely that in those years a manual wouldn't be available, I know my Dad had an '86 K-10 with a manual trans and at one time I had a different '86 K-10 with a manual trans. I think I'm right, but he also claims the 4 speed in this dump is a Muncie? Not sure that is right either, but I don't think he know exactly what this dump is he bought either.

Jon

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Yes- manuals were available factory in a C-30 in those years. They were the standard transmission on C/K 2,3 series trucks and K-1 series per the vehicle info packet. https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...olet-Truck.pdf

Yes- it is a Muncie 4-speed (SM465) transmission.

This is a page from the 1985 info packet.

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

He’s been Smokin the wrong stuff.
The sm465 was available.
It is a Muncie. Usually called a granny geared trans. First gear was around 6 to 1.

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Well done, MJN. I see my work here is complete.

K

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Awesome stuff, that's what I thought. Right now you can't get one with a manual trans, but back then you sure could.

Thanks,
Jon

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

i scrapped a all original c30 1982 6.2diesel / sm465 truck .

yes there was man trans offered .

tell him to puff puff pass next time and not smoke as much . :lol::smoke:

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

That's funny....amazing how many "experts" there are out there

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

He needs to tell that to my 1985 C10 Custom Deluxe. She had a factory SM465. The 305V8 was almost the only option outside of the deep foam seat and the 4 speed. Apparently it was an LE9 305 since the LF3 didn't come on a Manual trans truck. For a 305 the LE9 wasn't that bad. 165hp & 240ft-lb with 9.5:1 compression. I had to run 89 in her in the summer time she spark knocked if I ran 87 octane in her. Winter was just fine on 87.

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

What's even funnier, I printed out that sheet you included here and he comes off with "That was only the HD trucks." I gave up at that point and walked away. As far as I know there was no such thing as an "HD C-30" in those days. Like I said I gave up, afterwards I thought to myself, "Never argue with a stupid person they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

Jon

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Yup.
Arguing with idiots is like playing chess with a pigeon. The bird will knock over all the pieces and strut around the board like it's won.

AFAIK there was never any such thing as an HD model squarebody.
GM didn't make a 3500HD until partway through the GMT400 production years. I'm not sure on the year but Keith likely knows. The GMT400 3500HD was a seriously different truck than the regular 3500. More in common with the 4500 than the 3500.

If you wanted a heavier truck than the 1 ton squares you graduated to the 40-60 series Medium duty grain and dump trucks.

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

I realize you are probably done arguing with the guy, but here is the powertrain chart showing the 4 speed manual as available in a 1/2 ton trucks (from the same info packet as MJN linked above).

K

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

Thanks for that Keith. I knew they were available in half tons at least in '86 as I personally know of 2 that had them, also I know of a single wheel '81 one ton that has a manual from the factory, that's what made this original statement seem so odd, but I've never been around a factory dually or cab and chassis from that era, so I thought it could be possible, unlikely but possible.

Re: Manual Trans in c-30 question
 

my 81 c30 came with 4spd, as did my 86