57 GMC, frame swap, 4wd, 454 big block, 4 speed

[Old57]

And a pic of the transfer case shifter not going to work with the linkage due to the wrong location from the adapter kit bracket.

[mongocanfly]

wow....you aint wasting no time for that other gear!!!

[rgunlock]

Greg isn't kidding about you moving fast on this! I did brace up the shifter bracket, and that curvy piece of linkage didn't come close to working for me either. I attempted to fabricate my own. It fit and sort of worked, but it was real iffy whether both front and rear shift rods landed where they needed to when shifting. I ended up getting the twin shift sticks from ORD which took all the guesswork out. I hope your fabrication goes more successfully.

[Old57]

I modified the transfer case linkage today and got it adjusted and shifting good. I used the stock NP205 linkage at the shifter, then TIG welded a cut off bolt to it and threaded into a custom pivot end that I had in the bolt bin, and attached to the 205 shift rail bracket. I took my drive shafts to Power Drive this morning, and they were done this afternoon. They got bought out by another company recently, and their somewhat high prices, but good work, turned into really high prices for good work! I'll keep that in mind for future drive shaft needs, and look at other options. Anyway, I installed the shafts and gave everything a final check, let it down off the lift, and took it for a test drive... holy moly, what a difference in shifting! I love it, and it's so smooth. I measured and marked out the new floor cover for my shifter holes, and I'll get that cut out tomorrow. I also need to modify the shifter to have a bend in it to move away from my leg, but that's no biggie either. I'll get those 2 things done, then get some more driving done.

[OutlawDrifter]

Right on, speedy work!

[6BT 56]

I'm ready to shed a tear of happiness for you . And ready to shed another tear cuz the updates will be slowing down a lot now that it's a driver . Lol.

[Old57]

Thanks guys! I'll be sure to post updates and things with the truck as I get the "relationship" built up with it. Eventually, I want to get it painted too, so hopefully I can get that taken care of someday... I need to let the ol wallet recover for a while though

[mongocanfly]

nice..i cant wait to do some 5 gear shifting in mine

[rgunlock]

Congratulations on the successful swap!

[G&R's57GMC]

I just read through your whole build , Very nice , great job.

Here's my '57 GMC Napco for a color suggestion.

[Old57]

Thanks guys! G&R, that is a great looking truck!

I got my shifter made how I wanted it, and it feels like the right location. I have the transmission cover marked out to cut for the shifter holes, and got the shifter boots today. Maybe tomorrow evening I can get that done and put in.

[Black_Sheep]

Nice work Gabe!

[Old57]

It's been a bit since I had time to check out the forums. I haven't had the truck out as much as I'd like due to ice and with salt being put on the roads. Today it got up in the 60's, so I got it out a little bit. It was the first time that I got out on the highway with the NV4500 overdrive transmission. I'm turning about 2150 RPM at 70 MPH, which it great for the big block. I had a pretty hard drive line vibration at 60 to 70 MPH, so I rechecked the drive line angles when I got back. When modifying the transmission mount for the swap, and the shackle lift on the rear, I'm off 2 degrees. I ordered different shims this evening, so I'll get those changed when I get the new ones, and test it out again.

[mongocanfly]

vibrations suck.....hopefully thatll take care of it.....howd the nv do?

[Old57]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

vibrations suck.....hopefully thatll take care of it.....howd the nv do?

It did great, shifts good, etc. It's great having the overdrive!

[Mains52]

This build is awesome. It makes me really want to get my 52 done so I can start my Father inlaws 59. I may have to talk him into a frame swap. Great Work!!

[Old57]

Originally Posted by Mains52

This build is awesome. It makes me really want to get my 52 done so I can start my Father inlaws 59. I may have to talk him into a frame swap. Great Work!!

Thanks! I'm happy with how everything turned out. I need to do some more driving to get the motor broke in and change the oil. Hopefully the new shims correct the driveline vibration. I might be taking it on a drive to Texas next month if everything works out good with it.

[mongocanfly]

The only gripe I have with the nv is I wish the reverse gear was a little lower...no fun with a loaded trailer...

[Old57]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

The only gripe I have with the nv is I wish the reverse gear was a little lower...no fun with a loaded trailer...

Do you have the early or the late ratio?

[mongocanfly]

Both mine are 98s...5.64:1 instead of 6.31:1

[joedoh]

yeah the weather has been nuts, up and down!

before you add shims make sure the leaf springs are "set", do a big smokey burnout!

[Old57]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

Both mine are 98s...5.64:1 instead of 6.31:1

Ok, mine is the lower geared 93

[Old57]

Originally Posted by joedoh

yeah the weather has been nuts, up and down!

before you add shims make sure the leaf springs are "set", do a big smokey burnout!

Yes, it sure has. I'm ready for spring! The springs are definitely set, I've had a load of wood in the bed already

[dieseldude4bt]

Originally Posted by mongocanfly

The only gripe I have with the nv is I wish the reverse gear was a little lower...no fun with a loaded trailer...

Use low range in the t-case when backing the trailer.
I tell my wife all the time it's easier on the truck than slipping the clutch.

[mongocanfly]

d-dude...I would but the c30 is 2wd