SM 465 Questions and Application info

[longorange68]

Hey guys,

Looking for some input here. I have an original 1968 SM 465 that was put in my truck by my uncle when he owned it 15 years ago. This tranny replaced the stock three on the tree setup from the factory. My uncle dropped the SM 465 out of a 1968 junkyard C-10, grabbed all of the parts he needed to make it work from that truck, installed it in his and drove away. He also told me he never changed the fluid, just topped it off and never looked back. I think the last time I changed the fluid in it was about 1997. She is making a little noise to say the least, but still shifts fine and gets me around when I need her.

Here are my questions:
-How much torque can one of these handle? Would going with a larger diameter clutch help?

-In the interim, what do you recommend I do to prolong it's life before I rebuild her?

-When I start looking to get her rebuilt, how much is too much?

-Is there any modifications you would make to this tranny to make it function better?

(Currently the truck is a 250 L6 with 4:10 gears, going with a brand new Eaton Posi, and 3.08's, possibly a 450HP-550TQ Chevy 406 in her future)