Tranny Identification - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

shortbox77 · 11-01-2005, 09:37 PM

I ended up blowing out the transmission in my 77 GMC pickup and was looking to replace it, its a 4 speed manual (counting the low gear) and the only transmissions i know for this truck series are turbo 350 and 400... only problem is there automatic only.. so i was wondering what transmission i have in there right now (as far as i know its the original) or what i should replace it with? any recommendations?.. i'm using this rig as an offroader so something heavy duty would be nice.. i was told muncie transmissions would be my best bet.. but after a bit of research it seems that they only made transmissions for up to 73... in theory it should still work in my truck because 73-87 are idealy the same.. but i dont want to spend money on something that wont work.. can anyone help me with my dilemma? thanks in advance

shortbox77 · 11-01-2005, 11:01 PM

would i be able to put this (the M22 rock crusher)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-M...hippingPayment

in my truck?

**Captkaos** · 11-02-2005, 12:01 PM

The manual Trannys offered for the 73-87's was the SM465 (granny low 4 speed) and Saginaw or Muncie 3 speeds. There was also a 4speed overdrive offered on the diesels.

The transmission for offroad is what is/should be in there which is the SM465. It is virtually indestructable. How did yours go out?

The BEST trans would be the NV4500 out of 90-up 3/4T 1T's. They are expensive though.

The M22, would NOT be a good tranny for offroad in my opinion due to the high gearing.

Hoods69BadBowTie · 11-03-2005, 05:22 AM

Yeah, I was going to say SM465. Thats what I got in my '79 and it seems pretty damn good with the huge Swampers on it. I would stay with it. I was also wondering how yours went out.
-Later

shortbox77 · 11-04-2005, 04:12 AM

it had a tranny leak which i was always good about keeping an eye on and making sure the pan was full.. but then i didnt drive it for a while (due to fuel economy) and drove it to go get gas one day without thinking it being much of an issue... and it seized up =\.. i could probly rebuild it.. but i've never replaced a transmission before so i just want to take it one step at a time.. its all a learning process for me i spose

benoit454 · 11-07-2005, 12:20 AM

If your truck had the old 3 speed transmission a muncie or saginaw 4 speed would be a direct bolt in swap, with a new shifter to fit it. But them they mentioned I think are what most call a top loaders or whatever with the real long shifter and round boot, thoose I would think could only be replaced with something simialr. I don't know much on thoose but I have experience with the saginaw 3 speeds and 4 speeds and some muncies. Muncie rock crushers are very hard to find, they are drag racing mainly because alot of the muscle cars had them, and are swapped in. I would think the above mentioned trannys would be your best bet for off roadin like the one you have with the low first gear or granny gear.

11-01-2005, 09:37 PM	#1
shortbox77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 3	Tranny Identification I ended up blowing out the transmission in my 77 GMC pickup and was looking to replace it, its a 4 speed manual (counting the low gear) and the only transmissions i know for this truck series are turbo 350 and 400... only problem is there automatic only.. so i was wondering what transmission i have in there right now (as far as i know its the original) or what i should replace it with? any recommendations?.. i'm using this rig as an offroader so something heavy duty would be nice.. i was told muncie transmissions would be my best bet.. but after a bit of research it seems that they only made transmissions for up to 73... in theory it should still work in my truck because 73-87 are idealy the same.. but i dont want to spend money on something that wont work.. can anyone help me with my dilemma? thanks in advance

11-01-2005, 11:01 PM	#2
shortbox77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 3	Re: Tranny Identification would i be able to put this (the M22 rock crusher) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-M...hippingPayment in my truck?

11-02-2005, 12:01 PM	#3
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	Re: Tranny Identification The manual Trannys offered for the 73-87's was the SM465 (granny low 4 speed) and Saginaw or Muncie 3 speeds. There was also a 4speed overdrive offered on the diesels. The transmission for offroad is what is/should be in there which is the SM465. It is virtually indestructable. How did yours go out? The BEST trans would be the NV4500 out of 90-up 3/4T 1T's. They are expensive though. The M22, would NOT be a good tranny for offroad in my opinion due to the high gearing. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

11-03-2005, 05:22 AM	#4
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Re: Tranny Identification Yeah, I was going to say SM465. Thats what I got in my '79 and it seems pretty damn good with the huge Swampers on it. I would stay with it. I was also wondering how yours went out. -Later __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

11-04-2005, 04:12 AM	#5
shortbox77 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 3	Re: Tranny Identification it had a tranny leak which i was always good about keeping an eye on and making sure the pan was full.. but then i didnt drive it for a while (due to fuel economy) and drove it to go get gas one day without thinking it being much of an issue... and it seized up =\.. i could probly rebuild it.. but i've never replaced a transmission before so i just want to take it one step at a time.. its all a learning process for me i spose

11-07-2005, 12:20 AM	#6
benoit454 Chris Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Monaville, WV Posts: 3,737	Re: Tranny Identification If your truck had the old 3 speed transmission a muncie or saginaw 4 speed would be a direct bolt in swap, with a new shifter to fit it. But them they mentioned I think are what most call a top loaders or whatever with the real long shifter and round boot, thoose I would think could only be replaced with something simialr. I don't know much on thoose but I have experience with the saginaw 3 speeds and 4 speeds and some muncies. Muncie rock crushers are very hard to find, they are drag racing mainly because alot of the muscle cars had them, and are swapped in. I would think the above mentioned trannys would be your best bet for off roadin like the one you have with the low first gear or granny gear. __________________ Chris GIT R DONE!!!!!! Check out all our rides, http://www.cardomain.com/id/benwa454



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