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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Richfield, Oh
Posts: 112
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Mine is a turbo 400 which is a pretty good auto, but I always thought a 4 speed would be cooler. It would be a ton of work to convert though.
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Wellington, Ks
Posts: 10,183
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
First choice for me would be what I originally had, '71 Fleetside long bed K10 4x4, 350 with sm465 4 speed and locking hubs. Drove my truck like that for many, many years until finally Arthur(itis) got to my knees making really rough on the old man to push the clutch in traffic. Could not wrap around the idea of getting rid of my 'ol truck and swapped in a TH350. Still love the truck but do miss my 4 speed. For me, I can live with the auto but still miss my 4 speed. Just turned 68 in April, swapped my trans 2 years ago.
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1971 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 LWB 350 V-8 Was sm465-now 350TH/np205 Tilt, Tach, Towhooks Original Truck AM/FM Wellington, Ks |
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#3 |
20' Daredevil (Ret)
![]() Join Date: May 2003
Location: Jefferson State
Posts: 13,631
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
My K20 has a TH350, simply because that's what was in it when I bought it used. I would have been just as happy with a manual. They each have their strong points and I don't really prefer one over the other.
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- Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay |
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#4 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
Posts: 19,866
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
My first two K-trucks had four speeds with granny first. My current K has auto ... I like it more. My body likes it more haha. But I can see where maybe you can get more versatility out of a four speed. I had to use granny a couple of times and it was pretty nice. But maybe shifting an auto in to low would be the same?
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#5 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: VA
Posts: 740
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Had a 66 Suburban with a 350 with a M21 4-speed. It was fun......for a while, but after a while it got tiresome.
When I got my 68 SWB I made sure it was an auto. It's all a personal choice, but I've had both. If I had a pure race/strip/road course type then yeah, but Give me an automatic any day.
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1968 SWB. GMPP 350/350 Turbo Trans, Edelbrock Performer & Carb. Hedman Hedders, Hooker Aerochambers Mufflers. Tuff Stuff Alternators. Remember, no matter where you go, There you are. Gary |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Mt.Sterling, KY
Posts: 673
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I'm blessed to own K models with both auto and 4 speed transmissions. Not really a preference to me, I just enjoy driving the ole trucks. I do get a lot of positive feedback when people see my orange truck (And it's 4 speed - Cool!! they say). I guess because you don't see many trucks anymore with a stick shifts. When restoring, I've always kept stock setup except for one blazer I did several years ago. I converted it from 3-on-tree due to shifting problems to auto, and only to auto because of the extra parts I had available at the time.
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Michael ![]() |
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#7 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Richfield, Oh
Posts: 112
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Depends on what you do with the truck. I had a 3 OTT then 5-speed T5 in a 66 swb because it was kind of a little hot rod scoot-around truck. In anything 67-72, I prefer an automatic, because I'm more likely to drive it to work, hit traffic, or actually use it for something around the back 40. I like shifting my own, but have to agree with above post, the fun factor can wear off over time (and perhaps with age for some). Also, having broken, ruptured, or fractured various parts of either leg, it came in handy to have an automatic to still be able to drive to work. Have had some injuries where there's no way I could have driven a manual for awhile. Being on my own at the time, that became an important decision. Seems like a corner-case until it's in your corner
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#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 7,237
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Automatic, no question.
If a custom "sport truck" with upgraded suspension and lots of HP, then 4-speed, no question.
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Tony 71 Custom Deluxe, SWB, 2WD, 402, A/C. I developed an assembly kit for restoring the (a) truck from the ground up. My build thread, and more on the assembly kit https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025 |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: El Dorado Ca
Posts: 3,374
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I prefer 4 spd transmissions in my old chevy trucks....I removed automatics in my 72 and my 74 and put in sm 465 trans with 205 t-cases..
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Parker, CO
Posts: 130
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Interesting question. I grew up learning to drive with only manual trans. Still lean that way but in getting older, it is easy to appreciate an auto when stuck in traffic. Many years ago, I swapped out a TH350 for an M-22 in a Camaro. Wasn't that hard, actually did everything in the barracks parking lot in one long day. Sue wouldn't try that now but is was worth it then.
I have been thinking of swapping the TH400 currently in my 72 C10. Howver would not go with a 4 speed, probably a 5 or 6 speed. My 69 Vette has the 6 speed out of a Camaro and having the 2 od's is nice. Not that I would want to take the truck to 150+. Not quite that brave... ![]() Not sure an of this rambling helps any, just my preferences...
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72 Chevy C10 383/465 69 Corvette convertible 454/650 |
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#12 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
If I'm going to spend my time and money to do a conversion, it's going to have to have several benefits, so if I went from an Auto to Manual it would be for a 5 or 6 speed only.
I swapped my 65 Mustang from a C4 auto (no OD) to a modern T5, best upgrade I've done to the car.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride ![]() American Born, Country by the Grace of God ![]() 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Safford,AZ
Posts: 3,612
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Driving with my wife - automatic
Driving by myself or friends (male) - standard |
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#14 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Gods country East,Tn
Posts: 8,545
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Automatics are for girls
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#15 |
How did I get this OLD!
![]() Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Lamont County, AB, CANADA
Posts: 1,047
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Then I guess I have one "Girl's Truck" and definitely one MAN's truck. MANual brakes, MANual steering, MANual windows, MANual choke, MANual transmission.
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__________________
1967 Oshawa built LWB Fleetside. 327,3 OTT, 515 Vermilion, CST, PS, PB, Shoulder Harness, Tach,Vac, Speed Warning, Choke Delete, Manual Throttle, Fawn interior. Dealer installed A/C 04/2015, N34 Rosewood Wheel 06/2023 Members who I have met personally. Metaldoc, chevnkevin, 62 Longbed, 72LHorn, 72MARIO, YBNORML, TBONE1964, Classic Bowties, Chevemall, Dagnabbitt. |
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#16 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 901
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Last edited by painterljp; 06-25-2017 at 11:43 AM. Reason: Spelling |
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#17 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Turbo 400 which I have makes drinking
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A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Valley, NE.
Posts: 1,008
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I've always had something with a clutch around, my 70 GMC is a 4 speed and that wasn't a deal breaker.
Look on the bright side, a lot of people can't drive a stick, so the chances of theft are reduced... Greg
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________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax. |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Safford,AZ
Posts: 3,612
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
3ott or double clutch (ing) is foreign to 95+% of people....
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 6,421
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
3 speed on the column preferred 4 speed in floor OK. Best if these are the original transmissions.
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#21 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Posts: 7,267
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I much prefer the SM465 to any automatic. I had a '67 K/10 Suburban w/454/TH350/NP205. Not original, but the PO's junkyard scores. My main gripe with this set-up was, the drum brakes sucked, but I could not use downshifting for engine-braking with it effectively. The tranny would just shift back into high on its own. Never sure how to fix that, but with bad brakes, that thing is better off not on the road anymore.
I have 465s in the 2 trucks that run.
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Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 14
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I'm having this same dilemma in my head right now. My old motor is tired and I'm getting ready to drop in a fresh motor. Currently I have the SM 465 in my 71 4x4 K20. I was thinking of getting around a 300 hp motor for it, but am thinking if the Hp will be useless behind the 465 with the long throws and big gear spacing. I have been saving a Turbo 350 and NP 205 setup if I do want to convert it to automatic behind the new motor.
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#23 |
Old member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
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Took the 3 speed on the tree out years ago and went through several 4 speed in the floor. Then I got smart and installed a 700-R4 drove it for almost 200,000 miles like that now I have a 4L80E in it. Want never have a manual again for a daily driver.
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1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 ![]() Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs. |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: St. James, MO
Posts: 1,239
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
Had both, prefer the standard (despite my advancing age).
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'69 Longstep K-10: 327/SM465/T-221/Closed Knuckle Dana44/12-bolt. |
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#25 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Space Coast, Fl.
Posts: 1,050
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Re: Do you prefer an auto or a 4 speed in your Chevy truck?
I have one stick & 1 auto. The stick is more fun. Both have O.D. and pretty low first gears, which make them pretty responsive off the line even with 3.08 gears. Both also cruise easy at interstate speeds. The 700r4 in the GMC shifts into O.D. at about 50mph. I've taught several people to drive a stick with the Blazer. Light effort hyd. clutch and a real torquey BB make it real easy to drive, have to try pretty hard to stall it.
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Dad always said, "Son, WISH IN ONE HAND, and ......." -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------- Current toy trucks: '71 GMC 1500 SUPER CUSTOM short/step, orig. dk. blue, 350/700r, ps,pb, A/C '72 Blazer 2wd, ochre & white, 454, tremecTKO 500 5spd. ps, pb, A/C, tilt Last 10yrs of hobby vehicles, had a FEW more in the 50yrs. before these: '66 Plymouth Belvedere City of Miami cop car clone. '70 Nova 406"sb, 13.5-1, solid roller, Brodix, p.glide/t.brake, back halved, 9" Ford, spool 4.88, cage,ladder bar/coilover, 10.5 tire....... SOLD!! '67 C10 short/step side mount spare -- SOLD!! '72 Jimmy 2wd, 350/350, ps, pb, fun driver, lots of bondo & a shiny red paint job..... SOLD!! '69 Nova 350, 4spd, A/C, ps, p.b, ...SOLD!! |
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