shift kits,what yall think about them

[mrein3]

Another vote here for a shift kit.
I purchased a th350, adapter, and NP205 out of a '72 Blazer when converting from manual to auto. I ordered a B&M shift kit out of Summit Racing. The trans and shift kit went to a well known rebuilder. I told him to set it up for mostly towing.

I'm told you want the crisp shifts you get with a shift kit to prolong tranny life.

I'm happy with my setup.

[LMN8UR]

Just looking at everyones comments. Mike, what do you want out of your truck. From your description, drag racing wasn't your initial intention.

It is true that a proper shift kit will improve your trannys life. But what it will do is pass the stress on to the rest of your drive train. 3.08:1 gears and big tires, that will be extremely tough on your universal joints and diff.

If you do go for the shift kit, make certain the drive angles are set right, put good quality universals in, and keep a close eye on the rest of your drive train.

If it were mine, I'd leave your rig as ia, those 3.08:1 gears help with current gas prices. When the gas prices drops, put a more aggresive gear ratio 4:10:1 with those tires and your engine will still be happy at highway speeds - then consider a shift kit.

That's just my thought, probably not worth 1.5 cents.

-Jim

[cableguy0]

a mild shift kit isnt going to hurt anything else in the driveline. i would reccomend a transgo kit. they are the most complete kits. come with excellent instructions and even a video i believe now. they cost a little more but they are worth the money.

[hilljob26]

i think right now my 3.08 gears are hurting me because it takes more gas to get going,i mostly drive in town,this truck will hardly ever see the highway,but it just feels sluggish from a stop,until it gets about 20-30 mph,but it will be towing around town,as thats why i am wandering about the shift kit,i think the transgo "sk" series is probably my best bet,its affordable,and should give me what i want

[LMN8UR]

I just wanted give you the heads up on the other driveline pieces. I know my truck only breaks things when it's cold - dark - and usually raining (I swear the old boy has a sense of humor! )

I've got 2.72:1 gears in mine, I know the feeling about getting going. But out on the highway at 65 - 70 and I open up the 4-bbl, watch out! ! ! I dream of an overdrive tranny and the going to 3.73:1.

Good Luck,
-Jim

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by LMN8UR

I dream of an overdrive tranny and the going to 3.73:1.

You and me both. I'm running 3.73's with a TH350 now. I can't wait for an OD with 4.11's. WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!

[gangforward]

My turbo 400 was built by Steve Federlin who owns and drives a Top Alcohol dragster. The "kit" and internals are good for over 800 HP (future turbo or blower) - I love the firm shift, there's nothing like laying down a 10-20 foot patch of rubber in 2nd!