A833 to SM465 swap questions?

[Joe Z]

I have a 2wd 81' c10 with a 66' 250 I6 and I believe if I remember correctly a 2.73 gear ratio. I have an A833 factory tranny in the truck and can't really afford a rebuild plus with the gears and older motor I can't use the overdrive now anyway (it had a factory 250 but died last year). I found a 2wd sm465 for sale and was wondering if anyone knew if it's a bolt in swap? Can I use the original drive shaft and crossmember? Will it have a similar or lower 1st gear?

I know I'll have to modify the floor but I swapped the cab a while back and I just have to make a new hump.
Thanks in advance for any help.

[wesmigletz]

I think you may need a new driveshaft. The MY6/A833 trans is the same length as a short tailshaft TH350 or a passenger car Muncie 4 spd transmission. The A833 also takes a slip yoke yoke (the same as a TH350). In my opinion, you'd be better off swapping in a 3.73 rear and keeping your trans. The gears in the A833 are similar to what is in a 700R4. First is 3.09, second is +/- 1.63, 3rd is 1:1, and 4th is .73:1.

However, if you're really wanting to swap your trans, I'd be interested and buying you're shifter assembly, possibly the whole transmission.

Wes

[Joe Z]

Thanks for the info. The reason I'm thinking about the swap is so I can take the time to rebuild the original motor and tranny though I have no idea how long it'll take to get it done. I can't have the truck down for more than a few days so that's basically why I'm going to swap it. The synchros are bad and linkage needs work. I have a 3speed (sm326 I think) with a column shift I might throw in it for now just figured an extra gear would be nice.

[wesmigletz]

The 3 speed might be the same length as the A833. If so, install it while you rebuild your A833. Find a univeras 3 speed floor shifter before you start, and it is a one day deal. The 3 speed should use the same 10 spline clutch as your 4 spd. When time and money allows, have your 4 spd rebuilt... or sell it to me

[Joe Z]

I already checked the 3 speed and it's a straight swap, everythings the same and I have the column and linkage so I might just swap it all in but I already know the floor shift will be easier and probably shift better. And no not selling, I learned how to drive stick in this truck so I'm going to try and get it back to as original as possible.

[1968vetL-71]

those A833 trans are worth some good bucks. easily pay for your swap and parts i'm sure. Getting hard too find with the shifters attached also.

[LT7A]

If you want to get some background on this swap in reverse, and do some enjoyable reading, check out Gregski's thread called Restoring Rusty. He had an sm465 and swapped in an A833 (MY6/7).

[D13]

The sm465 low gear is a stump puller but useless for driving. The Saginaw is a direct fit and you pretty much get the same driving gears.

I'm really surprised that you have anything under a 3.08 in a truck with an A-833. That must have small tires to pull that off. 3.08's or more are normal on those because of the O/D. How did it drive when the motor was fresh?

It must be the 2wd A833's that are valuable, because I had no bites on my 4wd one. Still trying to decide if I should put the 2wd one into my '77 with the 250. It has the 2.73's and 205 tires but I have a fresh set of 3.08's sitting next to it. Problem is the trans is worth more than what I paid for the truck.

[1968vetL-71]

Yes on the 2wd ones. I had a 4wd A833 set up and it took the right buyer to pick it up. had it for a few months also.

[Joe Z]

I have everything for the 3 speed swap and am definitely hanging on to the a833. The truck was originally an 81' factory 250, a833, 2.73 2wd short bed might have been a special order or something. I got about 26mpg on the highway in OD between 60/70mph and with a whole lotta effort still hauled over a ton in the back without seeing mileage lower than 18 even in town. I plan to rebuild the whole stock driveline because it is a nice highway cruiser but until I have the money it's got a 66' 250 in it and I have to put a tranny in that can downshift so I'll probably just swap the 3 speed I have in. Also it's got about 230,000 on the original drivetrain and with the 66' motor probably being wore out I cant even use OD at 75mph without it dogging out.

[Joe Z]

Oh and the factory tire size was 215/70/15 if I remember right. I've been running 235's though.