70-K5 4 speed to % speed swap....

[Merlin1947]

Good day to all... I am new to the site and have purchased a 1970 K5 4x4 with a 350/4speed mated to a NP205. My question is this: What would be a good 5 speed transmission to swap with this 4 speed? This will be a daily driver and will not be a rock crawler or a tow truck. What would you suggest? I have read other posts on here, but they are mainly for 2wd units. Thanks to all that can help school me on this matter!

[13jraven]

NV4500.

You will need a set of hydraulic pedals w/ a stock housing or you can run the z-bar if you get the bell housing from Advanced Adapters.

You have a racetrack 10 spline NP205 that can be mated to the NV4500 with a kit from AA so can keep your original transfer case.

Not sure what tire size and gears you are running, probably 3.73, but you can go to grimmjeeper.com and play with tires size and gears you can run with the NV4500. I like to run a deeper gear with the NV's overdrive being .73. But that depends on tire size and if you want to regear.

I have an NV4500 in my K30 and another truck I should have put one in.

John

[Bigdav160]

NV4500 is about the only choice because of the 4WD

[cleszkie]

How does an NV4500 shift as compared to the SM465? Can you grab quick gears, or are you stuck slow rowing like the SM465? It was my understanding that the NV4500 was basically an SM465 with overdrive. So does that mean it still shifts like an SM465? Just curious.

[13jraven]

NV4500 shifts pretty nice compared to the SM465. I have had them behind gassers and a diesel and liked it better than any GM trans manual/auto (except an Allison).

One of the kids that works for me says the SM465 shifts like "broomstick in an empty bucket" - thought that was a pretty accurate assessment.

John