Trans Swap . . . .

[OneMpg]

Hey, I was wondering what everyone thinks about swapping transmissions on these trucks. I have a SM465 right now and it is quite a handfull to drive around town. I don't mind too much, but I've been thinking about swapping in a late model 5 or 6 speed trans. I'd miss the granny gear because of the cool factor, but for me it is unneccesary. Thanks for any opinions/comments/pearls of wisdom.

-Dave-

[tyger25]

A tranny swap can be pretty simple. It really depends on what you want to put in there, and can afford.

[Longhorn Man]

A member by the name of HUCK installed a late model (early to mid 90's if memory serves) truck 5 speed complete with a hydralic clutch assembly. I drove this truck last year and I must say it is an awsome set up.
Stay away from any car 5 speeds, that would be the T-5 and it isn't worth the hassle being it is a weak tranny. (onless you have an inline, then it would be OK)

[darcane]

I had a '91 Chevy truck 5-spd in my '68 for a while. It was really nice to have the hydraulic clutch and an extra gear, but it just couldn't handle the torque of my 400SB for very long. After about 20K miles one of the bearings started making some noise and it started popping out of gear. I now have a 700R4.

Neither swap was very hard, even with the clutch on the manual tranny. The trickiest part was getting the speedo to work with the electronic output.

[Huck]

Mike, did you ever get the speedo to work with the 5 speed? If so, how?

[darcane]

Nope.

I ended up having to use an aftermarket speedometer from VDO. However, I did this swap in... '95 I think, maybe '96. It was a while ago.

There are other options now, but they aren't cheap. Look at this Speedometer Control Unit. I think they run about $300.

Good luck!