Tranny Sizes

[Abishai]

I need as much info as any one can give me on new trannys.

What size will fit a 1977 Custom Deluxe cab.

I am looking for a 5 speed that I can bring up through the cab floor.

Where can I pick a new one up at?

Would I better finding a good used one?

Should I stay with my 3 on the Tree? (it has 98,467.9 Miles on it)
- How much more use could I get out of this?
- What would be best for highway use?

(I am going to be putting a 305 in it so if that helps any let me know anyother info you might need to help me.

Thanks

Stephen Newman

[Abishai]

^BumP

What do you think about Richmond Tranny's?

http://www.richmondgear.com/

[Prerunner1982]

you might try the engine and drivetrain section as well........ a 5 speed would be nice, but not sure which one to use.....

[stlaser]

If your going to spend the cash a richmond five speed is hard to beat ( I had one). Make sure you select your gear ratio correctly though. The cases on these are fairly small so they should work just fine. I had mine behind a 355 in a heavy 87 monte ss, it loved to munch on 5L Fords

[Abishai]

I am very unknowning in the ways of transmissons so what is the
spline?

[Captkaos]

What kind of driving do you have in mind? Normal, agressive, pulling etc? Is this a 4x4 or a 4x2 truck.

The Richmond 5 speed is about the same diameter as the 3 speed you have, just longer by about 6in. or so. Excellent transmission, typically used for HiPerformace. It will actually bolt in place of the 3 speed you have (minus new clutch assem. and moving trans crossmember back and shortening driveshaft.
This is what one looks like:
http://www.captkaoscustoms.com/images/dougnash1.jpg

Another alternative (more work for installation) is the NV4500. It is used in 1 Tons for pulling/hauing. Basically a granny gear with Overdrive. Alot of 4x4 people go to these. It requires a hydraulic actuated clutch as far as I know.

Yet another with the same basic requirements above is the NV3500. It came factory in the '88-up Pickups. Just your typical 5 speed. Nothing facny.

Spline is the amount of groves in the input shaft. For example, you 3 speed has a course 10 spline, the Richmond uses a fine 26 spline.

[Abishai]

How does the more # matter? More grip less grip?


Truck = 2x4
Driving Type = Agressive (with the occasional pulling of a 16' boat)
I want to get good MPG but also want to be able to stomp on it.


If I do get this Tranny what do I have to do to get it to work?

You said "minus new clutch assem. and moving trans crossmember back and shortening driveshaft"

Is this something I can do or is this more of a levae it to a profesional thing? Do I go to aamco an say order this for me and put it in or what?

If I do do it myslef anywhere I can read about so I do not really screw it up.

[1FaastC10]

Originally posted by Abishai

Driving Type = Agressive (with the occasional pulling of a 16' boat)
I want to get good MPG but also want to be able to stomp on it.

things just arent adding up, your "aggressive" driving style wont allow you to get good mpg.

think realistically, what is this truck used for? if its meant to be some kind of street machine/hot rod, forget the boat. if its your commuter vehicle, you need to change your driving style to something a bit less abusive, which will get you better mpg.

[Abishai]

I will take low mpg. With aggresive as a primary.

[44th Miss Inf]

More splines equal more strength.
ie, a 33 spline axle is stronger than an identical size 30 spline, which is stronger than a same sized 28 spline, etc, etc.

[Abishai]

I am looking into changing to a 4x4 machine if this is the case then will that 4x4 version of that tranny fit on a 74 GMC cab and frame?

[stlaser]

You need to figure out exactly what you want to do before asking us what we think? Your ideas are too broad. Go buy a chiltons and see what you think you can reasonably tackle then decide what it is you want to do to this truck. I manage a fabrication shop for a living and there are still alot of things I would outsource to a professional ie. cutting driveshafts etc.