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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Birnamwood, Wisconsin
Posts: 178
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Manual 5 speed conversion?
I am thinking about putting a manual 5 speed tranny into my 72 k20. I like the idea of being able to bang through the gears and also be able to have overdrive in the truck. I was thinking about most likely picking up a 90's 5 speed from the junk yard or something and swapping them out. I have never done anything like this before and I would love some opinions from guys who have done this. Was it worth the hassle? Also what is the best way to go about doing it? The truck still has the original 351 and the TH350 in it right now. Thanks for the help!
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My K20 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=538539 |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
There are countless threads on doing five speed swaps and most center around a NV4500. So I'd suggest running a search for that and digesting what you can. It is not a weekend bolt in project but rather something that is going to take some planning and modifications like driveshafts and moving the transfer case and or the engine. If I were to make a recommendation it would be to start with an overhauled trans and not a junkyard takeout as the transmission has durability issues and a few production fixes. The costs are high and too much work to gamble on an end result. Might also want to dig around Advance Adapters site for more info on NV4500 swaps and quad4x4.com as well. If you must have a gearbox a factory four speed would be a near bolt in for the TH350.
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Birnamwood, Wisconsin
Posts: 178
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Thanks for the info! That definitely gives me a good place to start!
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My K20 build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=538539 |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Edwards, CA
Posts: 7,503
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
A T5 nor a T56 are a good choices for a 4x4 much less a K20 intended for towing.
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Thanks, Tim * VIN/Model Decoders * Power Team Charts (engine/transmission/gear ratio) * Post Your Pickup SPID ** Blazer SPID ** Suburban/Panel SPID * RTFM ... Read The Factory Manuals... download 'em here Highlanders ** Do you have a 1972 Plaid Pickup? ** Plaid Blazer ** Plaid Suburban |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United States
Posts: 158
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Well he never mentioned that did he? lol
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Eastern TN
Posts: 1,921
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Wouldn't want the T5 with 4.10-4.56 gears that came in a K20. I watched a buddy blow one up in a stock mustang with a 3.27 rear. He was barely rolling backwards and came of the clutch in 1st. Big bang! I looked at all the options for a healthy small block and the NV4500 is the olny choice. Bad thing is it is not a performance oriented transmission but it will take the abuse.
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#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
one thing that changes between 67-72 trucks and the 90s is flywheels , the older are 2 piece rear main , the newer are one piece , other than that its pretty straight forward
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Woodlawn, TN
Posts: 275
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
I have heard of this being done but when I think about doing it, I remain thankful for my 465. I like the granny gear and I would love to have an OD and a gear between 3rd and 4th. I switched to 3.73s in the rear which yielded better cruising speed but terrible downshift capability.
I still keep the old box because it is easy to maintain and no worries of mods, &c. It is also much smaller in size and you may already have the cutouts in the frame to make the TC and all work. Posted via Mobile Device
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Rocinante: 1972 GMC C25, 292, SM465, 14 bolt, power nothing, 440k and still handles my PCS moves Jorge: Kia Roller-skate with lots of buttons for the wife Wovoka: 2017 Indian Chief Vintage, better on gas but not much So far, this is the oldest I've ever been. |
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#10 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Lake Havasu City Arizona
Posts: 863
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Quote:
Sorry for the threadjack (again) ![]() Thanks Posted via Mobile Device
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Ringgold GA
Posts: 149
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Check out Novak adapters. I put a Borg Warner T-18 in my truck and that site was a wealth of knowledge. The T-18 is just a four speed but I always said I had four on the floor and a fifth under the seat
Posted via Mobile Device
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67 C10 swb bored out 350 granny 4 speed I come from a long line of moonshiners |
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#12 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: United States
Posts: 158
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Re: Manual 5 speed conversion?
Quote:
That's correct, I retained the factory cast iron bellhousing as well as the stock flywheel, just had it resurfaced. The input bearing was fine when I pulled the motor out last month after 8,000 or so miles over the last year. PM me if you have any other questions. |
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